Fort Valley State University News April 20, FVSU social sciences department honors founders with memorial The crowded hallways of Fort Valley State University's Horace Mann Bond Building are frequently swarming with social science students wrapping up semester projects, connecting with study partners and preparing for final examinations. As these Wildcats hustle to reach their goals for the academic year, they'll notice a daily, visual reminder of four individuals, Drs. W.S.M Banks, Earl H. Pierro, Stanley Rutland and Donnie D. Bellamy, whose work to launch FVSU's Department of Social Science paved the way for future scholars. "FVSU wanted to get their pictures up so there would be a permanent memorial where we could remember them," said Dr. Fred van Hartesveldt, chair of the geography, history, political science and criminal justice department. "Every year, we hold the BPRB colloquium to honor the founders, but our faculty didn't want them to be forgotten until the next year. Betty Rivers, FVSU's first lady, also helped with the project. The artwork was originally unveiled two months ago during a special ceremony, which honored each of the founders and recognized their family members, including Sharon Pierro, daughter of Dr. Earl H. Pierro. The portrait hanging was postponed until materials to properly mount the portraits securely were located. "Mr. Bobby Dickey, chair of FVSU's fine arts department, was commissioned to do the portraits properly and they are simple beautiful," Rivers said. "He did a great job, and what a wonderful way to honor these individuals." For more information about the portrait display, contact the social sciences department at (478) 825-6230. SANDRA M. PHOENIX Program Director HBCU Library Alliance sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org> www.hbculibraries.org<http://www.hbculibraries.org/> 404.592.4820 Skype:sandra.phoenix1 1438 West Peachtree Street 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.