March 1, 2011

Garden City, N.Y. - Photo Gallery

On Saturday, February 19, Adelphi University hosted over 200 students, alumni and guests at its 9th Annual Black History Month Celebration: Honoring Student-Athletes and Alumni of Color.

Suzette McQueen, Assistant AD and Senior Woman Administrator, opened the program, followed by a message from President Robert Scott. After a brief invocation by Reverand Gerald Beckles '79, the guests were treated to a performance by SAPPHIRE. A School for Community Development and Performing Arts, Inc. The group is under the leadership of Dr. Elvin T. Ramos '06, M.A. '07.

The Panther Club presented the 2011 recipients of the Cecil K. Watkins Award to Issa Tall '12 and Demmianne Cook '13. The award honors student-athletes of color who embody the spirit of Mr. Watkins, which was scholarship and community service.

The Multicultural Alumni Chapter, led by President Tara Howard '84, honored Rasul Nasir '77 for his tireless work in the community for 43 years was as a martial arts instructor.

Guest speaker Eric Cottle '84, a former member of the Adelphi track team and current partner for K&L Gates, spoke specifically to the student-athletes in the room. He advised them to enjoy their time at Adelphi, make connections and leave with no regrets.

Keynote speaker, Brigadier General (Retired) Sheila Baxter closed out the program with a moving and inspirational speech which highlighted the many accomplishments of African-Americans in the history of the United States. She focused not only on well known individuals, but stressed that history was being made every day in the communities and at an individual level.

The event was capped off with a 50/50 raffle in which prize winner, Dr. Sue Tendy '70 donated her winnings back to the institution.

The Black History Month Celebration was founded in 2002 by Suzette McQueen and held annually during the month of February. It is co-sponsored by the Panther Club and the Office of Alumni Relations with corporate support provided by TD Bank.