Oct. 5: Spelman to Hold its First Virtual Homecoming Celebration

Spelman to Hold its First Virtual Homecoming Celebration

This year Spelman will hold its first virtual homecoming.

Homecoming@Home promises to carry on the celebratory traditions of the College innovatively.

"For this year’s homecoming celebration to be virtual, it means we will be making history," said Danielle K. Moore, senior alumnae programs manager in the Office of Alumnae Engagement. "It’s a reminder that Spelman sisters will make a way when a clear path doesn’t seem to exist."

In addition to the Spelman-Morehouse Tailgate on Saturday, Oct. 17, and Votecoming: A Day of Civic Engagement, homecoming will also include engaging conversation and entertaining activities.

Some of the week’s highlights include a healthcare talk about COVID-19 and self-advocacy with Spelman trustee Dr. Loren K. Robinson, C’2003; Dawn Marcelle Porche, C’89; and Rhonda Waller, Ph.D., C’91, who is also a coronavirus survivor. In addition, Wisdom Wednesday will serve as a walk down memory lane and consist of a panel discussion between some of the College’s Diamond Daughters and Golden Girls (classes of 1971 and earlier).

The week will also feature a virtual preaching series hosted by Sisters Chapel.

For more information, please visit Spelman.edu.

Spelman Represented During Freeform Voting Event

Spelman English major, Talia Adderley, C’2021, was one of 15 college students to participate in Freeform’s Kick 2020 In The Ballots: A Conversation with Kal Penn.

The non-partisan Q&A discussion, which took place Tuesday, Sept. 29, covered an array of topics considered important to young voters, including volunteering at the polls, as well as tactics for educating their peers and getting other students involved.

Currently a member of Ignite, Adderley is also an HBCU/HBTSA fellow, which is a HBCU initiative in partnership with the Historic Black Towns and Settlements Alliance.

"I felt it was imperative to represent the College and show that young people have a voice in this election," said Adderley. "The conversation was an enlightening and encouraging experience. I am happy to see the change that my generation is not only making, but demanding."

To familiarize yourself with important upcoming campaign dates, including deadlines to register to vote and more, visit USA Vote Foundation, and the Emerson Collective’s 10 Simple Steps to Vote.

Key dates to keep in mind include:

· October 5: Voter Education Week

· October 7: Vice Presidential Debate

· October 15: Second Presidential Debate

· October 22: Third Presidential Debate

· October 24: Vote Early Day

· November 3: Election Day

Spelman Partners with Richard Bernstein Advisors to Promote Asset Management Industry Diversity

Through a partnership with Richard Bernstein Advisors, the macro-focused investment manager that is now among the largest exchange-traded fund strategists in the country, Spelman has created the Richard Bernstein Advisors Scholarship at Spelman College to help promote diversity at RBA and in the overall asset management industry.

"Designed to foster the development of a more equitable and innovative workforce, the Richard Bernstein Advisors Scholarship at Spelman College will support students as they make the pivotal transition from high-performing undergraduates to industry changemakers and leaders," said Mary Schmidt Campbell, Ph.D., president of Spelman. "We’re looking forward to watching our scholarship recipients become the change that will help the financial industry remain competitive in a continuously shifting job market."

The scholarship recipients, chosen jointly by RBA and the College’s faculty, will receive tuition assistance during their junior and senior years, as well as a summer internship at RBA. Interns will rotate among each of RBA’s departments allowing them to get exposure to many aspects of the asset management industry.

Senior Jacquelyn Willis Selected as an NIH Undergraduate Scholar

The National Institutes of Health has selected Jacquelyn Willis, C’2021, as an NIH Undergraduate Scholarship Program scholar.

The scholarship provides up to $20,000 in educational and living expenses. Additionally, she will receive a paid summer research opportunity and will gain a year of post-graduate employment as an NIH research trainee.

A RISE Scholar, Willis was one of fifteen students chosen this year from the nationwide applicant pool of 300.

"My future goals include pursuing the M.D./Ph.D. dual doctoral degree and becoming a physician-scientist," said the biochemistry major. "I aim to research the pathogenesis of pulmonary diseases with the hopes of creating therapeutic treatments. I also aspire to practice translational medicine, with a focus on underrepresented and low-income communities."

Alumna Selected to Lead Memphis Based Blues Foundation

Patricia Wilson Aden, C’80, has been named president and CEO of the Blues Foundation.

Based in Memphis, Tennessee, the Blues Foundation’s mission is to preserve, celebrate and expand awareness of the Blues genre.

Aden has more than three decades of non-profit management experience, with a specialization in the preservation and celebration of African American cultural resources.

Most recently, she served as president and CEO of the African American Museum in Philadelphia. Previously, she served as executive director of the Rhythm & Blues Foundation.

"I discovered my interest in preserving and celebrating African American cultural resources while I was a student at Spelman," said Aden. "I have been blessed to have been able to turn my passion into a wonderfully fulfilling career."