Jackson State University News August 3, 2015 CSET’s 2015 Summer Bridge Program has climatic ending Two by two the graduates of the Jackson State University Summer Bridge Program walked beneath an archway of blue and white balloons, signifying their transition from high school graduate to college freshman. Parents, family and students were greeted Thursday, July 30, on the main campus in the Student Center by Dr. Evelyn J. Leggette, JSU’s associate vice president of Academic Affairs. She expressed gratitude, saying, “We salute you for being a part of the JSU family.” The 10-week program is designed to give prospective JSU-CSET students a transitional experience and submerge them into an academic culture as incoming freshman. Computer engineering major and Jackson native Charity Greenfield described her Summer Bridge program experience as a dream realized, saying, “Not only has this program given me the opportunity to advance my coursework, while gaining knowledge of college life, it has also granted me resources that will aid and prepare me for experiences of a lifetime.” The academic program bridges coursework in college algebra, biology, trigonometry and chemistry coupled with practical application in research. Student researchers presented summaries of their findings via video. Dean of the College of Science, Engineering and Technology (CSET), Dr. Richard Aló, congratulated students and spoke about the extensive developments they can look forward to in CSET. “You are on the road to the beginning of a great journey. We top national charts in producing the most African-American chemists; we have expanded our programs to include the emerging field of data science; and our new visualization labs give depth to our expansive research projects.” In addition, said Aló, “The skills the students learn with state-of-the-art technology will stimulate their minds to develop innovative ideas for the future success of Mississippi and beyond.” These first-time CSET students epitomize those under-represented in the STEM fields, and Coordinator of Intervention Services, Josie Latham, said, “We work tirelessly to ensure the success of our students. We want them to matriculate with a sound understanding of their fields, and confidence in their futures. JSU-CSET understands the urgency of preparing students to meet the need for more African-American men and women in STEM. Our students are prepared to fill those job vacancies once they graduate from JSU.” Incoming freshman Melvin McCrory, a computer engineering major, said he didn’t know what to expect when he first applied for enrollment in the Summer Bridge Program. “It was a great experience. The Summer Bridge Program has opened my eyes to the reality of college. Jackson State is affording me valuable opportunities to learn about the offerings of CSET. I was thinking the Bridge Program was going to be a breeze, but you actually had to work hard. It forced me to study and avoid procrastination.” Earlier this spring, McCrory, a recent graduate of Lanier High School, was presented a prestigious four-year Air Force ROTC scholarship totaling $252,658. It includes full tuition, textbook allowance and a monthly stipend. The Little Rock, Ark., native said, “Jackson State continues to shape my life through the scholarships I earned. I don’t have to worry about student loans or struggle to make ends meet. My parents aren’t financially able to put me through college, so Jackson State has recognized my achievements by providing assistance.” 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.