A quartet of UMESundergraduates placed thirdhomecoming weekend in aqualifying tournament for the 2014Honda Campus All-Star Challenge, aperformance that earned them aninvitation to compete in the nationaltournament this spring.

UMES’ Honda All-Star teamanchored by sophomore MariahDennis, who competed a year ago,senior Jonathon Weary, junior EvanBryant and sophomore JonathanWheeler, all first-time competitors,heads to Los Angeles in April torepresent the university in the 25thannual event.

“The team competed against some great teams in round-robin play,”Coach James White said, including “perennial powers like HowardUniversity (a former national champion) and the 2013 champions, MorganState University.”

The Honda Campus All-Star Challenge is a game of quick recall

C I R C L I N G T H E W O R L D

Page 3OratoricalStudent Q&A

Page 4 Prayer BreakfastSpelling Bee

Page 5 Alumni Give BackRetool our School

Page 8Calendar of Events

Page 7Facebook PollGourmet Dinning SeriesGolf Tournament

Page 6Homecoming GameBowling FundraiserPharmacy 5K

THE

A newslet ter for s tudents , facul ty, s taf f , a lumni and fr iends February 28, 2014

INSIDE

Page 2Dinner TheatreChoral Festival

UMESUMES

ALL STARS / continued on page 4

HONDA / continued on page 4

Two University of Maryland EasternShore students are among 75 undergraduate,graduate and professional students in theinaugural class of “All-Stars” selected by theWhite House Initiative on Historically BlackColleges and Universities.

Senior Chanel Banks of Silver Spring,Md. and So-Jin Park, a sophomore fromSalisbury, were picked for “theiraccomplishments in academics, leadershipand civic engagement.”

Park, a chemistry major and member ofthe Richard A. Henson Honors Program, saidshe sent in an application because shethought it might be a way to pay back the institution that provided her anacademic scholarship.

Banks, a rehabilitation services major, said “this honor means you cando whatever you want – if you apply yourself. I feel blessed because it tooka while for me to start believing in myself.”

The HBCU All-Stars, who represent 62institutions, were chosen from 445 studentswho submitted applications that included atranscript, resume, essay andrecommendation, according to the U.S.Department of Education.

The agency said the All-Stars will serveas ambassadors of the White HouseInitiative by “providing outreach andcommunication with their fellow studentsabout the value of education and theInitiative as a networking resource.”

UMES is one of 10 institutions with twohonorees; Howard University had three.

“Engaging with the next generation of leaders, who will graduate fromHBCUs and go on to make meaningful contributions to society, is crucial tothe success of our community, our country and our globalcompetitiveness,” said George Cooper, executive director of the White

exclusively for students of America’sHistorically Black Colleges andUniversities.

Along with the third-placetrophy, the UMES contingentreceived the Team SportsmanshipAward at the Feb. 15 competitionhosted by Morgan State inBaltimore.

“The team played with ‘HawkPride’ and represented UMES well,”White said.

Dr. Anthony Jenkins, vicepresident for student affairs andenrollment management, andPresident Juliette B. Bell, both sentwords of encouragement that White

said inspired the team.“This is wonderful news,” Dr. Bell said when told Monday of the

tourney results. “Good luck in your preparations to bring home the prize!”White said he already had a practice schedule drawn up.

UMES’ Honda Campus All-Star Challenge team members, from left, are:Evan Bryant, Mariah Dennis, Jonathan Wheeler, Jonathon Weary.

UMES students are White House Initiative “All-Stars”

UMES team advances to Honda Campus All-Star nationals

Chanel Banks So-Jin Park

2 C I R C L I N G T H E O V A LUNIVERSITY of MARYLAND EASTERN SHORE

The Key / February 28, 2014

Looking to dine on a gourmet mealwhile enjoying a lively show? Then besure to get a ticket, now on sale, to theUniversity of Maryland Eastern Shore’s2014 Dinner Theatre production“Motown N Mo,’ Take 3.”

Players from the university’s dramasociety take to the stage for an 8 p.m.curtain time in the Richard A. HensonCenter following dinner seatingbeginning at 6 p.m.

Written by Dr. Della Dameron-Johnson, the society’s director, the playis a “continuation of the history ofMotown through dialogue, song anddance.” It follows “Motown N Mo’” and“Motown N Much Mo’,” original playspreviously performed by the group. Theaudience can expect favorites inspired by the likes of the Supremes, TheTemptations, Gladys Knight and the Pips and Stevie Wonder. “Of course, wecouldn’t talk about that era without including Tina Marie and Rick James,” shesaid.

Before the start of the show, students and faculty in the school’s

The University of Maryland Eastern Shoreplays host to the “I, Too, Sing America” ChoralFestival, which takes its name from the poemby the late poet and social activist LangstonHughes.

The Ella Fitzgerald Center for the Performing Arts in Princes Anne fillswith the heavenly voices of choristers from Bowie State and Delaware Stateuniversities, the University of the District of Columbia and UMES on April 6,at 4 p.m.

The choral director for the festival, Dr. Sheila McDonald Harleston,director of choral activities and associate professor at UMES, points to theuniqueness of the event.

“It’s not a competition,” Harleston said. “The purpose is to provide ameaningful experience for the audience, as well as, an opportunity for thetalented musicians to broaden their musical perspectives. It also serves toperpetuate the significance of the Negro spiritual and other genres ofmusic.”

Harleston, who has been involved in the event for the several years,

Hospitality and Tourism Managementprogram (formerly Hotel and RestaurantManagement) will present a gourmetbuffet complete with hors d’oeuvres,dinner items and carving stations. Adessert buffet “to die for” is presentedbetween acts.

Marlon Bouie, a UMES senior fromBaltimore, will be among the experiencedhospitality students overseeing things asmanagers working behind the scenes inthe hot and cold kitchens, the bake shopand stewarding.

Bouie, who will serve in the top spotas production manager, will also beassisting Chef Ralston Whittingham withthe menu selection and food ordering.Students interested in the management

positions signed up and were voted on by their peers.Bouie spent the 2013 semester as an intern with Walt Disney World

resorts as a food and beverage operations cast member. Tickets are $45 for Friday night and $50 for Saturday night. Call 410-

651-6230 for tickets or for more information.

UMES DinnerTheatre set for

April 4 and 5

said the festival was the brainchild of Dr.William Garcia of Lincoln University inPennsylvania. The first event at CheyneyUniversity of Pennsylvania has inspired similarconcerts that bring together other HBCUs.

This year’s concert also features a guest performance by the 38-member symphony orchestra of the Alfred Street Baptist Church inAlexandria, Va. The ensemble has performed “from the church’s sanctuaryto the lawn of the White House.”

One of UMES’ own, Jamal Lee, a 2009 music education major, servesas the symphony’s director and has been instrumental in the growth andoutreach of the group, Harleston said. “I am not surprised at Jamal’ssuccess. He was an outstanding student—very creative.”

The concert is free and open to the public, however, for $25 concert-goers can enjoy a gourmet buffet prepared in the Richard A. Henson Centerby the students and faculty of the Hospitality and Tourism Managementprogram (formerly the Hotel and Restaurant Management) program.

Call 410-651-6574 for tickets to the dinner or for more information.

HBCU choirs unite for“I, Too, Sing America”

April 6, at 4 p.m.

Alfred Street Baptist Church Symphony Orchestra

3The Key / February 28, 2014U M E S P E O P L E

Jeremy W. Whichard returned from the 2014 HBCUKings’ Leadership Conference and Competition earlier this monthwith two honors – runner-up in the 10th annual event and winnerof its oratorical competition.

He bested 15 other entrants in the speech-makingcompetition and came home with a $1,000 prize as runner-up inthe Mr. HBCU event at Lincoln University in Missouri.

“I had a good feeling going into it, that I would do well,”Whichard said. “When they announced I had won, it was anumbing, but humbling, feeling.”

The 16 competitors were given three minutes to give theirperspective on “HBCUs (as) the cornerstones for black historyand culture” and whether “black men (are) the catalysts atHBCUs.”

Whichard, an English major from Upper Marlboro, focusedhis message on “how black men conduct themselves now versushow they used to. We have potential to be catalysts, but we’re not.I’d describe it as an observation in frustration.”

UMES homecoming organizers asked Whichard to deliverhis speech to alumni, who gave him a standing ovation during theannual presidential breakfast held in their honor.

The recognition for Whichard at a conference of HBCU peer-leaders was capped by participants presenting him with a cakeand wishing him a happy 22nd birthday.

Whichard already knew some competitors he previously metat other conferences, but “I really enjoyed the bond we createdthat weekend. It solidified the bond. I’d call it a brotherhood.”

Whichard said the experience has reinforced his belief hepicked the right university and came under the tutelage of theright mentors.

He credits former Mr. UMES, Drake Winkey, with showinghim the path to being a campus leader. “He took me under hiswing when I was a freshman. He saw something in me that Ididn’t see in myself,” Whichard said.

Why did you enroll at UMES?My brother was a student here. I

attended Morgan State and was not afan of being educated in the city. Iknew I would be distracted, so Itransferred to UMES to focus onacademics and graduate on time.

What inspired you to apply forthis program?

I was a rebel with a cause in highschool. During my junior year (here),I realized I needed to find a fellowship.I wanted to get into education to passon the knowledge given to me. TeachFor America was the top choice. Mycousin was a corps member in NewOrleans. She motivated me to join.

Who was the first person you told after receiving this great news?I called my high school SGA advisor, who wrote my recommendation letter. It

was an amazing feeling to know I received a job post graduation (from college).

Based on what you know from the application process, what will yoube expected to do?

I have to complete three state certified exams. There will be a seven-to-eightweek training (session), which partially will be held at Temple University. I willalso be interviewing for which (Prince George’s County) school I will assigned.

In what ways has UMES prepared you for this opportunity?During my interview, I discussed the challenges of being a resident assistant,

Mr. Junior and senior class president. I also feel my recruiter and mentors helpedme. They were pushing me to not give up. I’m so thankful to have them in my life.

What made you want to teach math for America Corps?Being a first-generation college student, I chose a major to make sure I was

enrolled in school and could graduate. Math was not something I picked; itpicked me based on my interview.

How long is your commitment to the program?Two years. I am excited to figure out how these two years will help me

prepare for the real world.

Where do you see yourself 10 years?Working in education, either in schools or working for the Department of

Education.

Mr. UMESnamed

top HBCU student

orator

Meet Aaron Caldwell, a senior majoring in sociology

Q A

UMES’ Interfaith Prayer Breakfast—a long standing spring semester tradition—returns April 25 for its 11th year and a first for PresidentJuliette B. Bell.

“As an institution founded 127 years ago by the Methodist Episcopal Church, the University of Maryland Eastern Shore remains committedto maintaining a connection to its neighbors and the faith-based community,” Bell said. “We hope to provide an informative andinspirational program for all denominations.”

Dr. Bowyer G. Freeman, senior pastor of New St. Mark Baptist Church in Baltimore, will be the keynote speaker. Bowyerhas served almost a decade as a board member of Associated Black Charities and most recently as its chair. The publicfoundation’s mission is to “facilitate the creation of measurably healthier and wealthier communities throughout the Stateof Maryland through responsible leadership and philanthropic investment.”

Bowyer also has served in leadership roles of the NAACP’s Region seven and its Howard County branch as well as theUnited Baptist Missionary Convention of Maryland. He holds master’s degrees in business administration and divinity, anda Doctor of Ministry from Howard University.

This year’s breakfast takes place in the university’s Student Services Center ballroom at 7:30 a.m. UMES’ gospel and concertchoirs will perform inspirational music along with the Phenomenal Women, a praise team from St. James A.M.E. Zion Church inSalisbury.

Call 410-651-6102 for reservations or more information.

Top spellers from elementary and middle schoolsin Dorchester, Somerset and Wicomico countiesconverge on the University of Maryland Eastern ShoreSaturday hoping to earn a trip to Washington, D.C.

Among the 54 competitors in the 2nd annualMaryland Eastern Shore Regional Spelling Bee are 10students who participated in the inaugural event a yearago.

The free event begins at 10 a.m. in the EllaFitzgerald Center for the Performing Arts on the UMEScampus.

A new wrinkle in the 2014 regional bee will bevocabulary. Competitors can expect an occasionalquestion where they’ll be given a challenging word andasked to pick a definition from two choices.

The Scripps National Spelling Bee introduced vocabulary at the 2013 competition to encourage abroader understanding of language and it has urged regional bee sponsors to embrace that philosophythis year.

The Maryland Eastern Shore regional bee champion wins an all-expense paid trip underwritten byUMES to compete in the National Bee May 25-31. The finals are broadcast on national TV.

A year ago, 281 “spellebrities” from across the United States and several foreign countriesparticipated in the National Bee. Khaled Mohamed, at the time a seventh-grader at Bennett Middle Schoolin Salisbury, represented the Lower Shore.

His younger brother, Omar, qualified as one of Bennett Middle’s representatives this year, as did2013 runner-up Grace Drehmer of Mardela Middle and High School.

Lower Shore schools last fall were invited to identify two top spellers for the competition. Thousandsof students in grades four-through-eight vied for the honor of being their schools’ representatives.

UMES’ designated region includes Somerset, Wicomico, Worcester and Dorchester counties as wellas students in the Delmar, Del. school district. The university is among a handful of higher educationinstitutions that sponsor a regional competition. UMES President Juliette Bell has called the university’srole “a natural fit” because the institution has a long history of educator-training.

In addition to a week’s stay in Washington for the winner and a chaperone, the Maryland EasternShore’s top speller will receive an unabridged dictionary and a keepsake medallion.

4 The Key / February 28, 2014

ALL STARS/ continued from cover

HONDA / continued from cover

S C H O O L N E W SUNIVERSITY of MARYLAND EASTERN SHORE

UMES hosts regionalspelling bee for local youth

President’s Prayer Breakfast slated for April 25

House Initiative on HBCUs. “These 75 students … have

demonstrated a commitment to both theirown academic achievement and (are)making a difference in their communities,”Cooper said. “We look forward to workingwith them as partners in advancing PresidentObama’s college completion goal.”

Over the course of the next year --through social media and their relationshipswith community-based organizations -- theAll-Stars will share promising and provenpractices that support opportunities for allyoung people to achieve their educationaland career potential.

In addition, the 45 women and 30 menwill participate in regional events and webchats with Ivory Toldson, deputy director ofthe White House Initiative, other Initiativestaff and professionals from a range ofdisciplines. They will also have opportunitiesto engage with other scholars to showcaseindividual and collective talents across theHBCU community.

Forty-eight teams advance to the NationalChampionship. Over $300,000 is at stake thisyear, with the champion HBCU earning a$50,000 grant. The 48-team field wasannounced Feb. 20 during a live webcast.

More than $7 million in grants have beenawarded by Honda to participating HBCUs,and nearly 100,000 students in 22 states haveparticipated since the competition began aquarter century ago.

Alumni groups present gifts to UMESat Homecoming Game

5The Key / February 28, 2014S C H O O L N E W SUNIVERSITY of MARYLAND EASTERN SHORE

Omega Psi Phi

Delta Sigma Theta$500

UMES received the second highest number ofvotes in the 2013 Home Depot “Retool YourSchool” Contest. The subsequent $10,000 awardfrom Home Depot was used to replace windowsand doors and paint the interior of Clusters’residence halls, as well as, replace ceilings in Kiahand Wilson halls.

This year’s project is very exciting!

UMES’ submitted proposal is to build one largeand four small wireless gazebos near the StudentServices Center and the William P. Hytche AthleticCenter to serve as gathering places for students.Plants and flowers will be added to complete thebeautification project!

This HBCU contest started Feb. 17. Let’s be the #1 HBCU this year!

To be #1, we need the following:1) EVERYONE to vote EVERY DAY at

http://www.retoolyourschool.com/vote-now/

2) Use social media outlets to encourage yourfriends, classmates, alumni and colleagues tovote. #umesTHDRYS

Bookmark this link,http://www.retoolyourschool.com/*If you experience problems connecting throughInternet Explorer, please select another browser.Thank you in advance, UMES FAMILY!

Now, let’s win FIRST PLACE and receive $50,000!

Annapolis

Baltimore

Groove Phi Grove

6 U M E S A T H L E T I C SUNIVERSITY of MARYLAND EASTERN SHORE

The Key / February 28, 2014

UMES basketball teams delivered adouble-header treat for 4,602 fans duringhomecoming weekend 2014, including ajaw-dropping come-from-behind victory bythe men over Howard University.

The university’s sports informationoffice quickly labeled the 87-73 win “acomeback for the ages.” The Hawks were ledby senior Troy Snyder, who had a careerday with 34 points and five assist, bothpersonal bests.

The Hawks were behind by 20 pointswith 16 minutes to play, making the men’swin the largest deficit overcome by a UMESsquad since 2005.

The Hawks played the Bison close earlyin the first half, but found themselves downby 11 at halftime.

Howard came out in the second halfaggressive, extending the margin to 20points. A 19-5 UMES run over a seven-minutespan catapulted the Hawk faithful into afrenzy and shifted the momentum to themaroon and gray.

Snyder's 34 points were the mostscored by a Hawk player in six years. He

finished up with 14 rebounds, one shy ofhis career high of 15, and tied a careerhigh of five assists.

Freshman Hakeem Baxter chippedin 22 points, including 14-for-17 from thefree-throw line and senior Louis Bellscored 15 points in 34 minutes. TheHawks’ 87 points were the most in a MEACcontest in two years.

UMES used a strong full-court pressand good shooting from the floor to mounta methodical comeback before pouncingon the Bison with five minutes left.

Two free-throws by Bell evened thescore at 67, before the Hawks went ontheir own surge, scoring 15 unansweredpoints over a three-minute span to reversetheir fortunes and take a 14-point lead, 81-67.

The Lady Hawks were less dramaticbut nonetheless delivered a solid 66-57win over the Lady Bison in a game wherethe home team was in control most of thegame. Junior Jessica Long led UMES with19 points, while junior ShawneeSweeney tallied 16 off the bench.

UMES sweeps Howardin Homecoming action

President’s Day Facebook poll

7S C H O O L N E W SUNIVERSITY of MARYLAND EASTERN SHORE

The Key / February 28, 2014

On Presidents’ Day earlier this month, the UMES News Facebook

page featured a poll asking followers to pick four prominent people who

might be featured on a university “Mt. Rushmore” – assuming Princess

Anne had a mountain.

The options were: (women’s dean) Lida Brown, Dr. William P. Hytche,

Dr. Thomas Kiah, Skip McCain,

Frank Trigg, Art Shell, professor

Richard Thomas and Dr. John T.

Williams.

Hands down, the top vote-

getter was Hytche, followed by

Shell, Kiah and Williams.

Among the write-in

nominees: Dr. Della Dameron-

Johnson and residential life area

director, “Dean” John Tilghman.

June 10Art Shell UMES Junior Tournament

June 11Art Shell UMES Celebrity Golf Classic

For more information or to register, please contact

Chenita Reddick at 410-651-8045 or ArtShellGolfClassic@umes.edu.

Tickets now on salefor the Hospitality and Tourism Management’s

2014 Spring GourmetLuncheon Series

Select Mondays and Wednesdaysthroughout the spring semester

Served at Noon Richard A. Henson Center,

Bailey Thomas RoomAdvanced tickets required.

$12 per personTickets may be purchased in person

Mon.-Thurs., 9 a.m.-1 p.m. in Henson,Room 2100

Dr. William P. Hytche

Dr. John T. Williams

Art Shell

Dr. Thomas Kiah

8 The Key / February 28, 2014

EditorsGail Stephens, Assistant Director of Public Relationsand Publications Manager

Bill Robinson, Director of Public Relations

Ashley Collier, Public Relations Assistant

C A L E N D A RThe Key / February 28, 2014

The KEY is published by the Office of Public Relations in the Division ofInstitutional Advancement. 410-651-7580 FAX 410-651-7914 www.umes.eduSubmissions to The KEY are preferred via email. All copy is subject to editing.

ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT

Design by Debi Rus, Rus Design Inc.

Printed by The Hawk Copy Center

The KEY is delivered through campus mail. Call 410-651-7580 to requestadditional copies. The Key is written according to the Associated Press stylebook.

RHYTHM & HUESUNIVERSITY of MARYLAND EASTERN SHORE

march26

27

Health & Wellness Festival 10 a.m.-2 p.m.Student Services Center BallroomHealth screenings and wellness informational displays.410-651-6356

Spring Career Fair11 a.m.-3 p.m.Student Services Center BallroomOpen to UMES students and alumni with ID only.410-651-6447

*Unless stipulated, all events listed are FREE AND OPEN TOTHE PUBLIC. Events are subject to change. For the mostupdated information, call the numbers listed or visitwww.umes.edu/events.

10

11

12

13

25

27

Gourmet Luncheon Series*NoonRichard A. Henson CenterA series of gourmet lunches by the students and faculty of the Hotel &Restaurant Management program will be held on select Mondays andWednesdays throughout the spring semester.Advanced tickets required. $12 per person410-651-6563

Big Band Bash5 p.m.Ella Fitzgerald Center for the Performing ArtsUMES, Bowie and Morgan state

universities perform.410-651-6571

UMES Alumni Jazz Concert4 p.m.Ella Fitzgerald Center for the Performing Arts410-651-6571

Springfest*11 a.m.-4 p.m.Cappy Anderson StadiumUMES Open House and Carnival.410-651-6411 (admissions) 410-651-6434 (carnival)

UMES Honors Band and Choir Concert4 p.m.Ella Fitzgerald Center for thePerforming Arts410-651-6571

Dinner Theatre*6 p.m. seating/ 8 p.m. curtainRichard A. Henson Center, ballroomUMES Drama Society presents “Motown N Mo’, Take

3”to a gourmet buffet by the Hospitality and Tourism

Management students and faculty.

$45 Fri.; $50 Sat. Advanced tickets required.Call 410-651-6230 for tickets or more information.

Choral Festival4 p.m.Ella Fitzgerald Center for the Performing ArtsHBCU concert choirs are featured in the “I, Too, Sing

America” Choral Festival. Concert is free. Post-concert

buffet dinner is $25.410-651-6571

Opening Reception Art Exhibit4-6 p.m.Mosely Gallery“UMES Fine-Art Student Show.” Students display their

artistic works in various mediums.Show on display

through April 24.410-651-7770

Jazz Ensemble and Combo Concert7 p.m.Ella Fitzgerald Center for the Performing Arts410-651-6571

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45&