LU to host first Rite of Passage celebration
December 03, 2020 | by Shelly Vitanza
For the first time in Lamar University’s history, a special event will be held to recognize Lamar University Black/African American undergraduate candidates for graduation.
The Rite of Passage will be held Fri., Dec. 4 at 4 p.m. in the Shelia Umphrey Recreational Sports Center and
live streamed via Facebook at www.facebook.com/lamaruogdie.
All Black/African American undergraduates graduating in December 2020 will be recognized and honored for their academic achievement and several awards will be bestowed.
“A rite of passage marks a time when a person reaches a significant change in their life so we’re hosting this event to observe these Black/African American people's entry into a new stage of life,” said Dr. Wilma Jackson, director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusive Excellence at LU. “These graduates have overcome, persevered and are deserving of a special recognition.”
The event will include a processional of Black/African American faculty and staff with the candidates for graduation, the Black National Anthem and featured speaker Dr. Angela J. Hill.
Hill graduated from Lamar University in 2001, earning two bachelor’s degrees in four years. She went on to earn a M.S. in educational administration form Prairie View A&M University and a Ph.D. in educational leadership from Hampton University. Hill is currently the associate vice president of Student and Academic Success at Lamar Institute of Technology.
Dr. P.H. Madelyn Hunt will be awarded the Dr. Oney Fitzpatrick Service Award. Oney D. Fitzpatrick, Jr. served LU in varying capacities from 1998 until 2015 but was most remembered for his work as the associate provost for student retention in the Center for Academic Success. The CAS provided leadership in the development, administration and evaluation of the University's retention activities and includes federally funded programs that provide academic and other support services for low-income, first-generation college students, students with disabilities and underrepresented groups. Additionally, Dr. Fitzpatrick helped design, implement and provided oversight of the University.
“Dr. Fitzpatrick lived a life of service to others, including many students at Lamar University,” said Dr. Natalie T.J. Tindall, department chair, Communication and Media. “By establishing the Dr. Oney Fitzpatrick Award, we memorialize his many efforts and acknowledge current and former LU faculty and staff who are and were as service oriented as he was.”
Dr. Hunt, a 1969 graduate of LU, became a professor of biology in 1973. In 1998, she was named director of the Center for General Studies, a Lamar University advising center that served more than 1000 students at that time. In 2001, she was named Executive Director of the Center for General Studies. In 2006, she was appointed Associate Provost for Student Retention. She also served as the director of the university’s McNair Scholars Program where she directed undergraduate student research. She was the founder and member of Partners in Academic Advising at LU. Hunt has also published extensively, participated in funded research projects bringing in more than $4 million/5-year period at the time of her retirement. Hunt received numerous community and university awards for her leadership and service, including the Port Arthur Alumnae Chapter Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. Inc. Outstanding Service Rendered to Enhance the Educational Level of Students (2007), the Women of Excellence Award (YWCA, 2000), Outstanding Academic Advisor Award (Undergraduate Research Organization, 1999 & 2000) and the Regents’ Merit Award for Excellence in Teaching (1988). In 2002, the Center for General Studies’ retention program, Monitored Probation Early Intervention Program, received state recognition as an exemplary university program and was honored with the Texas Higher Education STAR Award. In 2008, she was selected as a Distinguished Lamar University Alumna Honoree.
At the Rite of Passage ceremony two students will be honored with The Pinnacle Award. This award exemplifies Black students who have excelled in leadership and displayed positive character both on and off campus. The award will be presented to two students, one male and one female, who have impacted the campus and shown both strength and resilience. This award goes beyond status and GPA and recognizes the integrity of the student. Students on the Rite of Passage Committee chose the candidates, named the award and will present it to the recipients at the ceremony.
The Rite of Passage event will conclude with a “donning of the Kente Stole.” Drs. John Bello Ogunu, vice president of Diversity, Equity and Inclusive Excellence; Tindall, Jackson and Kathryn Washington, assistant professor of educational leadership, will put on the Kente stole. Washington will call the names of the candidates as each receives a Kente stole, and Dr. Katherine Sproutt, assistant professor, professional pedagogy, will assist with the donning of the stole. The colorful cloak represents a celebration of African American roots and overcoming struggle.
“It is our hope that attendees recognize the significance of their achievements and feel a bond to this university and the people who’ve gone before them,” said Jackson.
The Rite of Passage will be held Fri., Dec. 4 at 4 p.m. in the Shelia Umphrey Recreational Sports Center and
live streamed via Facebook at www.facebook.com/lamaruogdie. All Black/African American undergraduates graduating in December 2020 will be recognized and honored for their academic achievement and several awards will be bestowed.
“A rite of passage marks a time when a person reaches a significant change in their life so we’re hosting this event to observe these Black/African American people's entry into a new stage of life,” said Dr. Wilma Jackson, director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusive Excellence at LU. “These graduates have overcome, persevered and are deserving of a special recognition.”
The event will include a processional of Black/African American faculty and staff with the candidates for graduation, the Black National Anthem and featured speaker Dr. Angela J. Hill.
Hill graduated from Lamar University in 2001, earning two bachelor’s degrees in four years. She went on to earn a M.S. in educational administration form Prairie View A&M University and a Ph.D. in educational leadership from Hampton University. Hill is currently the associate vice president of Student and Academic Success at Lamar Institute of Technology.
Dr. P.H. Madelyn Hunt will be awarded the Dr. Oney Fitzpatrick Service Award. Oney D. Fitzpatrick, Jr. served LU in varying capacities from 1998 until 2015 but was most remembered for his work as the associate provost for student retention in the Center for Academic Success. The CAS provided leadership in the development, administration and evaluation of the University's retention activities and includes federally funded programs that provide academic and other support services for low-income, first-generation college students, students with disabilities and underrepresented groups. Additionally, Dr. Fitzpatrick helped design, implement and provided oversight of the University.
“Dr. Fitzpatrick lived a life of service to others, including many students at Lamar University,” said Dr. Natalie T.J. Tindall, department chair, Communication and Media. “By establishing the Dr. Oney Fitzpatrick Award, we memorialize his many efforts and acknowledge current and former LU faculty and staff who are and were as service oriented as he was.”
Dr. Hunt, a 1969 graduate of LU, became a professor of biology in 1973. In 1998, she was named director of the Center for General Studies, a Lamar University advising center that served more than 1000 students at that time. In 2001, she was named Executive Director of the Center for General Studies. In 2006, she was appointed Associate Provost for Student Retention. She also served as the director of the university’s McNair Scholars Program where she directed undergraduate student research. She was the founder and member of Partners in Academic Advising at LU. Hunt has also published extensively, participated in funded research projects bringing in more than $4 million/5-year period at the time of her retirement. Hunt received numerous community and university awards for her leadership and service, including the Port Arthur Alumnae Chapter Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. Inc. Outstanding Service Rendered to Enhance the Educational Level of Students (2007), the Women of Excellence Award (YWCA, 2000), Outstanding Academic Advisor Award (Undergraduate Research Organization, 1999 & 2000) and the Regents’ Merit Award for Excellence in Teaching (1988). In 2002, the Center for General Studies’ retention program, Monitored Probation Early Intervention Program, received state recognition as an exemplary university program and was honored with the Texas Higher Education STAR Award. In 2008, she was selected as a Distinguished Lamar University Alumna Honoree.
At the Rite of Passage ceremony two students will be honored with The Pinnacle Award. This award exemplifies Black students who have excelled in leadership and displayed positive character both on and off campus. The award will be presented to two students, one male and one female, who have impacted the campus and shown both strength and resilience. This award goes beyond status and GPA and recognizes the integrity of the student. Students on the Rite of Passage Committee chose the candidates, named the award and will present it to the recipients at the ceremony.
The Rite of Passage event will conclude with a “donning of the Kente Stole.” Drs. John Bello Ogunu, vice president of Diversity, Equity and Inclusive Excellence; Tindall, Jackson and Kathryn Washington, assistant professor of educational leadership, will put on the Kente stole. Washington will call the names of the candidates as each receives a Kente stole, and Dr. Katherine Sproutt, assistant professor, professional pedagogy, will assist with the donning of the stole. The colorful cloak represents a celebration of African American roots and overcoming struggle.
“It is our hope that attendees recognize the significance of their achievements and feel a bond to this university and the people who’ve gone before them,” said Jackson.