Black excellence awards banquet 2007

This video titled, "Black Excellence Awards Banquet: Making the Grade" was held in McKinnon Hall, Moseley Center on April 28, 2007. "Since the inception of the Black Excellence Awards Banquet in 1993, Elon students, parents, alumni, faculty, staff, and friends of the community have gathered annually to celebrate the academic success of black students enrolled full-time in the undergraduate program at Elon University. The banquet was officially named the Phillips-Perry Black Excellence Awards Banquet in 2006 in honor of Elon"s first black student in 1963, Glenda Phillips, and the first black graduate, Eugene Perry in 1969. The mission of the Black Excellence Awards Banquet is to recognize, celebrate, and affirm the presence of black students at Elon University. The Multicultural Center remains committed to this mission by helping students become active participants in their personal growth and in the achievement of their educational objectives." Gerald (Gerry) Francis, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs provided the "Welcome." Francis" comments included: be proud of the students" accomplishments; welcome all honored guests; and welcome family and friends of those guests. The "Invocation" was given by Michael Williams, Director of Campus Center Operations and Conferences (not on the video). The "Musical Selection" was sung by Maurice Whitfield (Class of 2007) and Haidee Dollak (University Accompanist). The Keynote Address was given by Candyce March (Class of 2004), Founder and Driver Candyce Marsh Racing. March"s remarks included: discussed her drag racing; talked about making history in October of 2006 as the first African-American female to become a professional drag racer; discussed the team who was assisting her in making drag racing history; stated that there is no "I" in the word "team"; talked about understanding history as to understand what has happened in our past to guide us in our future; asked the students what will they do to fulfill their dreams and make history; supported the students by saying that they are on their way to fulfilling their dreams; stated Elon provided the foundation for the dreams; stated the Elon education has provided the students with options and opportunities; and addressed three concepts " do not be afraid to fail, take time to enjoy life, go after your dreams and become part of history. The "Presentation of Awards" were presented by Smith Jackson, Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students; Nancy Midgette, Associate Provost; and Richard McBride, University Chaplain and Director of Church Relations. The "Charge to Students" was given by L"Tanya Richmond, Multicultural Center Director. The "Benediction" was given by Melissa Jordan, Assistant Director of Residence Life. Some names included: Shavon D. Algee, Ashley D. Battier, Lauren T. Beckham, Yakira C. Bristol, Tierra D. Bumbrey, Brittany S. Chambers, Whitney R. Chambers, Karolyn L. Cook, Brenton C. Davis, Tiffany C. Davis, Martina C. Dent, Mykel L. Dudson, Tracey M.Evans, James Michael E. Foreman(pre-decreased), Frances L. Gee, Sherita L,. Hamilton, Sabrina L. Harris, Brandon M. Helton, Shenee C. Howard, Ahren M. Hoy, Anita R. Jackson, Darren M. LaFrenier, Manuel N. Maccou, Ashley N. Marshall, Manuel A. McGrinson, Kitara A. McMoore, David L. Morrow II, Jonathan B. Ogolo, Ghenet B. Pinderhughes, Schuntel A. Reddock, Rachel Shaw, Laura M. Spencer, Mark A. St. Cyr, Jr., Alice R. Turner, Casondra R. Turner, Monique A. Vines, Maurice L. Whitfield, Maxine A.D. Williams, Cherisse A. Armour, Joy D. Baxter, Michael C. Blake, Kellie C. Bland, Michael E. Brandon, James A. Brewer, III, Diamond D. Bridges, Tifffany S. Brooks, Erick J. Brown, Ashley M. Burrell, Angela M. Carlberg, Aundrea D. Carter, Alexia E. Cliney, Dominique M. Derbigny, Breanna C. Detwiler, Emily A. Dillard, Danielle C. Durst, Eden A. Esters, Kelci C. Flowers, Elizabeth D. Foggie, Marsha R. Fuller, Ebone R. Gaskins, Reginald E. Hall, Whitney J. Hamilton, Whitney A. Harris, April R. Holloway, Grace A. Hevbare, Lauren M. Ireland, Felicia M. Lyn-Shue, Michelle A. Massie, Maximillian J. Matthews, Joi A. Mayo9, Jacquelyn D. McKinney, Robin N. Newton, Clement E. Ogbomo, Damon F. Ogburn, Jessica D. Peschon, and Nicole M. Quarles.