Tuskegee University News September 8, 2014 $2M pledged to Tuskegee during induction of new students The Class of 2018 officially joined the ranks of the university community today. Dr. Brian L. Johnson, Tuskegee University president, inducted the group of freshmen and transfer students during the 133rd Fall Convocation. The university also was presented with more than $250,000 in donations during this year's service. In a weekend of fundraising that included watching the Golden Tigers' first football game of the season on Saturday, the Tuskegee University Eminent Presidential $1,000 Plus Associates were seated in Johnson's tent during the game and were greeted and thanked by student leaders. Johnson also spoke to the associates that evening. During the check presentation of $259,691, Solomon Banks, chairman of the organization, said the donation was the first installment on a planned $2 million gift to the university. "Thank our Eminent Associates for helping to restore and helping to replenish Mother Tuskegee," Johnson said. Let your light shine Before hundreds of faculty, staff, students and friends gathered in the Gen. Daniel "Chappie" James Arena, new students pledged to "further develop in ourselves high standards of integrity and competence" and become "authentic seekers of truth through the structure and discipline of this University." Johnson, who served as the speaker for the first fall convocation of his administration, encouraged the new students and Tuskegee University community members to be "a leadership light." Using the leadership qualities of Jesus as an example, Johnson said works, not words are important in what is communicated by a good leader. Just like a light, the effects of leadership are seen and reveal what is buried in the darkness, according to Johnson. "Lights are not designed to be hidden. A light of leadership is always assigned to darkness," Johnson said. "A light is equipped to fix that darkness." Johnson also said that Tuskegee requires the assistance of the entire community to succeed and that everyone's talents are valid. "What needs to be done at this university will involve all of you becoming lights in your spheres. ... Allow your light to shine," Johnson said. "This university needs not one leader. This university will need many leaders." Johnson concluded his speech by reminding everyone to do two things: "Trust the Tuskegee Trajectory" and "Trust the Tuskegee Tradition." SANDRA M. PHOENIX Executive Director HBCU Library Alliance sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org> www.hbculibraries.org<http://www.hbculibraries.org/> 800-999-8558, ext. 4820 404-702-5854 Skype: sandra.phoenix1 1438 West Peachtree NW Suite 200 Atlanta,GA 30309 Toll Free: 1.800.999.8558 (LYRASIS) Fax: 404.892.7879 www.lyrasis.org<http://www.lyrasis.org/> Honor the ancestors, honor the children. Register now http://www.hbculibraries.org/html/2014meeting-form.html for the October 26-28, 2014 HBCU Library Alliance 6th Membership Meeting in Atlanta GA!