 June is here and the end of our Chapter year!
We are at the end of our Chapter Year! Time for a short break! This past Chapter year has come and gone so quickly! We pulled off some great events! Our year in Review:
Let’s continue to lift each other up in prayer and encourage each other to do more for our Alma Mater. HBCUs, our HBCU, need us more than ever. There are opportunities to support the University other than money; learn how to get involved and make your voice heard! As more restrictions are being lifted, we will continue to practice safety protocols and continue to have conversations about our first in-person gathering. So let us support our fellow alumni all over the country, locally, and do what we can to support area students and the University. I look forward to continuing to improve, innovate, create, encourage more to participate, and Hold High the Gold and Blue! Congratulations Smithites on an awesome year! Don’t Stop! See you at the next meeting, Saturday, June 12th, 12noon Hold High the Gold and Blue! Nina Newton, ‘92 Chapter President jcsudcalumnipresident@gmail.com Phone contact: (202) 240-270-2193  Ms. Stephanie McLeod or Sydni Marie, as she prefers to be called, was born in Wurzburg, Germany at a US Army Hospital where her father was stationed during his time in service. Sydni and her two younger sisters spent most of their childhood in Washington, DC., but she also did some growing up in Los Angeles, California. In 1963, while in California, Stephanie got the opportunity to participate in Romper Room where she acquired her stage name ‘Sydni Marie’.
Ms. McLeod’s educational journal includes Our Lady Queen of Peace for grades 1 through 6, Carter G. Woodson Jr High for grades 7 through 9, and HD Woodson Sr. High for grades 10 through 12. After her high school graduation, Johnson C. Smith University was the HBCU of her choice. Here her talents really began to shine. She became a member of the MARC Honors Program, the Lyceum Dance Ensemble, she made the Dean’s List all 4 years, and graduated Cum Laude earning a BS in Computer Science. 1982 was an especially impressive year for Stephanie, she graduated ‘Cum Laude’, was 2nd attendant to Miss Johnson C. Smith(1982), and in the Spring of ’82 became a Soror of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. Ms. McLeod’s Johnson C. Smith University education prepared her to reach higher levels of academia. This includes Bowie State University where she earned a Masters (MS) in Secondary Education (2003), an Administrator I Certification at Catholic University (2007), and an Ed.D in Educational Leadership at Bowie State University (2021). Ms. McLeod’s employment history demonstrates her academic preparedness for a variety of careers. One of her first positions, in 1985, was that of a Researcher at Booz Allen & Hamilton. In 1994, Ms. McLeod was employed as a Computer Trainer for the New Horizons Computer Learning Center. In 2003 and 2004, she was an Adjunct Professor at Trinity College. Starting in 1992, Ms. McLeod began the employment she presently holds which is that of a Math Teacher/Instructional Specialist and High School Supervisor for Prince George’s County Public Schools. Presently, Ms. McLeod’s personal life is that of a mother and grandmother. She along with several other family members are carrying on a Johnson C. Smith family legacy. Ms. McLeod’s daughter is a 2014 graduate of Johnson C. Smith University and both her grandmother and aunt are graduates of JCSU. Even Ms. McLeod’s mother attended JCSU though it was only for her freshman year. Ms. McLeod’s personal life also includes her religious affiliations. In previous years, she followed the Catholic and Presbyterian faiths however, her present affiliations are now with the United Christian Church (UCC). Locally, Ms. McLeod is a member of the Maryland Council of Teachers of Mathematics. Nationally her involvements and member participations include Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, the National Association of Curriculum and Development, and the National Council of Supervisors of Mathematics. Let’s Share the Love!
I hope you all are doing well and continuing to take care of yourselves with self-care, good health and being safe. It is still a time of uncertainty, but I pray we are on a road to recovery with new leadership in the White House move forward with restoration of this country’s character and managing the Pandemic. This month of February is a special month of love and celebration of our rich heritage in Black History. Remember at our February chapter meeting to share the love with wearing your favorite JCSU shirt, Greek or Social organization, or favorite color! Look your best, take those selfie’s, and share with us on social media (Facebook and Instagram) with the hashtag #jcsudclove. We will also have the opportunity to Ask Questions about the COVID-19 Vaccination from one of our very own, Smith Alumna, Marva Taylor, Class of 1994, Biologist/Project Officer. Ms. Taylor will share information and answer questions about the vaccine at our February meeting. Be sure to email your questions by February 9th to jcsudcalumnipresident@gmail.com. WE NEED YOU! Yes, what are your gifts, your talents? We need persons to join the Fundraising Committee! Scholarship and other student needs for our area DMV students are needed. As Tom Joyner would always say (or something like this), “gotta keep kids in school!” If you have special talent and ideas on fundraising, please sign up for this committee. You can send your contact information to the chapter email address, jcsu.dc.alumni@gmail.com. More to share, but you have to join us this month to learn more. We are about business, but fun too. Check us out this month to help us share the love! Saturday, February 13th, 12noon. Hold High the Gold and Blue! Nina Newton, ‘92 Chapter President jcsudcalumnipresident@gmail.com Phone contact: (202) 240-270-2193 Happy New Year Smithites!
We are in another year, 2021 is here! Happy, Happy New Year to you all! I wish you an amazing, blessed, fantastical, healthy, productive, prosperous, and safe 2021! I do hope you had a blessed Christmas and holiday season. I hope you and your families were able to enjoy one another safely. This holiday season was a blessing with good health, safety, and seeing loved ones even if by Zoom or in a mask. While we are still masked up, physically distancing ourselves, and continuing to navigate our new norm in this Pandemic, it is a blessing to end the year in reflection of thanks for so much! Our beloved JCSU needs us more than ever. If you are not aware, the CIAA scheduled to occur in Baltimore has been canceled. There is also delay with students returning for Spring semester all due to increased numbers in COVID cases and now new strains of the virus. We must continue to be vigilant in remaining smart, safe and healthy. This is election season for the NAA; nominations end January 8th, must be financial to vote by February 15th, and voting is March 1-31, 2021. As a chapter we are still planning to continue with virtual activities and contributing to the University whether through financial contributions or the Chapter endowment. We still need members to get involved in a Chapter committee and we encourage you to choose at least 1 this month. Your creativity and ideas are needed! As we begin a new year, continue to be safe, take care of yourself with healthy eating and exercise. Get active with what you can in the Chapter and our dear ole’ J-C-S-U! Looking forward to seeing your faces at the January meeting on the 9th, 12noon, to share updates on the Coat Drive, reflections of our Holly Jolly Happy Hour and to begin to look ahead for the year 2021. We also have a few new additions to learn more about each alum and to connect with one another! For Chapter updates be sure to visit our website regularly www.jcsualumnidc.org and of course our Facebook and Instagram pages. Hold High the Gold and Blue! Nina Newton, ‘92 Chapter President Happy Holidays Fellow Smithites!
I hope you had a blessed Thanksgiving holiday. We have so much to be thankful for, even in this Pandemic! I am always grateful for another day, my faith, health, life necessities, and support and love of family & friends. Thank you so much Smithites for being a community of giving back and being of service to others. Continue to be thankful for each day, to give and to serve. The world needs it! December already! As you begin the month, please be sure to keep Janice Sanker (’82) in your thoughts and prayers as she undergoes major heart surgery this month; a Mitral Valve Prolapse Leakage repair. Janice can be reached at 301-821-1188. We pray for a successful surgery and recovery of healing & rest. Congratulations to Barbara Ferguson Kamara (’63), great grandmother to Majesty Luthalia Sia born November 8th-blessings to the family. We also send heartfelt condolences to Christopher Burke (’06) on the recent loss of his father and to Iantha Crawford (’82) on the recent loss of her mother. Lastly, we wish a speedy recovery for Ebony Mayo-Mitchell (’06) on knee surgery. Please remember our children’s Coat Drive happening now through December 12th. We have a goal of 100 New Coats! Share with friends, social media. Don’t wanna shop? We will shop for you! Monetary contributions can be sent through CashApp $Jcsudc, mention Coat Drive in For section. Let’s get new coats for children! For more information, please call or text, (240) 270-2193. See flyer for updates! We will hold our December meeting as a Holiday social, December 12th, 6pm via Zoom. Be sure to join us for a “Holly, Jolly” good time with fellow Smithites. Check flyer for details and bring another Smithite especially from our DMV area! 🎄💛💙 Congratulations are in order for the DC Metro HBCU Alumni Alliance Thanksgiving initiative 40 for 40! The goal of 40 Thanksgiving dinners to families in need! 👏🙌 100 families were blessed! As a chapter we were able to participate and support a family. The Annual Toy and Supply Drive on Sunday, December 13th 1-3pm, drive thru to drop off donations at Ronald McDonald House Charities. More information in newsletter. For updates and event reminders be sure to visit our website regularly www.jcsudc.org We are still in need of a Parliamentarian with experience, please email me at jcsudcalumnipresident@gmail.com. See you at the Holly Jolly Happy Hour December 12th! Hold High the Gold and Blue! Nina Newton, ‘92 Chapter President  Mrs. Shamika (Scott) Morris is a Johnson C. Smith University (JCSU) alumna, graduating in 2000, with a major in Accounting. While attending JCSU, Mrs. Morris became a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. (Beta Upsilon Chapter) in 1998. She held several positions in her sorority’s chapter as well as president of the student National Pan-Hellenic Council Chapter during her senior year. She also served as a student orientation leader for three years and was a member of the student chapter for the National Association of Black Accountants.
In 2000, Mrs. Morris moved to the Washington, DC area and began working as an Auditor at the Naval Audit Service. She later went on to work for the Corporation for National and Community Service Office of Inspector General and is currently working as an Audit Manager at the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General. In her leadership capacity, she is responsible for managing and leading audit teams in conducting acquisition performance and efficiency audits; and drafting and issuing reports on the results of audits impacting various DHS components. In September 2020, she will be celebrating 20 years of federal service. Mrs. Morris has been an active member of the JCSU DC Alumni Chapter for several years and has recently served as the chapter’s Financial Secretary. In this role, Mrs. Morris ensures that the chapter is actively tracking all financial transactions/obligations related to chapter business. She also works closely with the Treasurer in developing the annual chapter budget. In addition, she often provides guidance to the various committees on developing event budgets and ways to track fundraising efforts. Mrs. Morris was born and raised in Anderson, SC but has been a Marylander since 2000. Since moving to Maryland, Mrs. Morris has shown a great interest in helping and supporting the homeless women of the DC area. She and a group of friends created a ministry referred to as “The Women I Know” made up of women from different churches. They come together and provide Victoria Secret bags that include toiletries/necessities to homeless women. They also provide each woman with warm hugs and positive affirmations that they are beautiful. She is a member of Kingdom Fellowship AME Church. In November 2012, Mrs. Morris married her loving husband, Etienne Morris, and gained a bonus son, Etienne Jr. They currently reside in Bowie, MD.  Mr. Charles W. Hargrave is a Johnson C. Smith University (JCSU) alumnus, class of 1949, with a major in chemistry. While attending JCSU, Mr. Hargrave became a dedicated member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. (Rho Chapter) in 1946. He also served as manager of the men’s basketball team and served on the student council for two years. In 1952, Mr. Hargrave obtained a Master of Arts degree from the Washington University in St. Louis (Missouri). In 1962, Mr. Hargrave moved to Washington, DC and began working at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). He retired from NASA in 1989 after 27 years of dedicated Federal Government service as a Technical Information Manager. Mr. Hargrave had many years of honorable service in the U.S. Military. He served from 1952 to 1954 in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. During his service in the U.S. Army, Mr. Hargrave held the position of Health Physicist in the Army Chemical Center. From 1955 to 1989, Mr. Hargrave served in the US Navy Reserve. During his tenure in the US Navy Reserve, Mr. Hargrave served as Commanding Officer for two units, and served as the Historian for the National Naval Officers Association. After 34 years of service, Mr. Hargrave retired as a Captain.  Mr. Hargrave has shown his dedication to his alma mater by holding the positions of President and Vice President of the Johnson C. Smith University DC Alumni Chapter. On the national JCSU alumni level, Mr. Hargrave also served as 1st Vice President, Treasurer, and Chaplin.
He has been a member of the Westminster Presbyterian Church of DC since 1968. Since becoming a member in 1968, he diligently served on three National Capital Presbytery committees as the Chair: the Committee on Representation, the Committee on Higher Education, and the Committee on Particular Constituencies. At the Senate Level, Mr. Hargrave served as the Chair of the Committee on Representation. At the National Level, in 1987, he served as the Commissioner to the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church, USA. Mr. Hargrave was born and raised in Dandridge, Tennessee, but has been a Washingtonian since 1962. Since moving to Washington, DC, Mr. Hargrave has shown his commitment and enthusiasm for DC by lending his time and effort to his community in various leadership roles. Mr. Hargrave has served as: President of the Southwest Neighborhood Assembly; The Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner for five terms; the Chairperson of the Advisory Neighborhood Commission for one term; the Chairperson of the 1st District Police Advisory Council; the Area Representative for the DC Board of Election; and the Treasurer and Executive Board Member of the Friends of Southwest, DC. In 1969, Mr. Hargrave married the love of his life, the beautiful Mrs. Iona (Taylor) Hargrave. The two will be celebrating 51 years of matrimony in 2020.  The JCSU Washington, DC Area Alumni Chapter has launched the JCSU DC Alumni COVID-19 Relief Effort. This effort will provide monetary assistance in the amount of $25 - $50 Visa gift cards or electronic transfer to support current JCSU students and JCSU alumni from the Washington, DC area in need.
We’re asking for donations to support this effort. All funds collected will support local students and DMV Smithites. Contributions can be made via CashApp ($jcsudc and PayPal (jcsu.dc.alumni@gmail.com). Please note that the donation is for the COVID-19 Relief Effort. All inquiries seeking assistance should email the chapter at jcsu.dc.alumni@gmail.com. A member of the membership committee will respond to all inquiries. |