Winston-Salem State University News November 16, 2016 WSSU In Brief: AT&T supports Gap Scholarship Fund AT&T has awarded Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) $26,000 that will provide scholarships to help students stay on track and graduate. The donation will support WSSU's Gap Scholarship Fund, which helps students who need financial assistance to continue their education. The gift will allow WSSU to award need-based scholarships to about 20 students, ranging from $1,000 to $1,500. "Thanks to investments from corporate partners such as AT&T, WSSU students are succeeding," said Michelle Cook, vice chancellor of university advancement and executive director of WSSU Foundation. "The ultimate goal of the program is to increase college completion rates for students who are contending with unforeseen personal and financial circumstances that may hinder their ability to complete their education at WSSU." In the last three years, WSSU has shown the greatest increase in first-year retention in the 16-member UNC System, from 71 percent to 80 percent. "At AT&T, we understand that the future of our country, and our business, depends on a well-educated, well-prepared workforce, said Venessa Harrison, president of AT&T North Carolina. "More than at any time in history, it is critical that we invest in young people to develop a diverse talent pipeline with the skills to help society prosper. We are excited to join with Winston-Salem State University and support students who are committed to completing their education and pursuing their dreams." The Gap Scholarship Fund is administered by the Winston-Salem State University Foundation and the Office of Financial Aid. Financial Aid officers work in partnership with academic success counselors and faculty advisors to identify students who are in need of these scholarships. School of Health Sciences receives grant from UNC Press WSSU's School of Health Sciences has received a grant from the University North Carolina Press to support the Journal of Best Practices in Health Professions Diversity: Research, Education, and Policy. The grant, from the Thomas W. Ross Fund, will help the journal, which has been published biannually since 2007, receive greater exposure, said Dr. Peggy Valentine, dean of the School of Health Sciences. Affordable Colleges Online recognizes WSSU's healthcare programs WSSU's School of Health Sciences has been recognized as a top option for bachelor's degrees in national rankings from Affordable Colleges Online<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__www.affordablecollegesonline.org_degrees_public-2Dhealth-2Dprograms_health-2Dsciences_&d=DgMGaQ&c=VYKZvO_tnlsTxm5qZp1oww&r=yfUrl2yM4ka_TXOr4OJ4OA&m=HVk-ZBm9oTdWmLl_WKmRgQQ2iEf9uOCcA7ZugaFcC-A&s=YwMoApZAAURXHA0X3Th11ulvzjrwCtmQ0zM3pYuGt8Y&e=>. WSSU is one of only three North Carolina universities to make the top 50 list, which takes into consideration cost, class size and program count. WSSU offers baccalaureate degrees in Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Healthcare Management, Exercise Physiology and Nursing. Occupational therapy instructor wins outstanding practice award Allison Calhoun, instructor and academic fieldwork coordinator in the Occupational Therapy program at WSSU, has received the North Carolina Occupational Therapy Association Outstanding Practice in Community Service Award. The award was presented at the NCOTA Fall Conference in Greensboro on Nov. 6. The award recognizes significant contributions to NCOTA and to the profession of occupational therapy. WSSU taking part in #GivingTuesday Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) again is joining Giving Tuesday, a global day of giving that harnesses the collective power of individuals, communities and organizations to encourage philanthropy and celebrate generosity worldwide. This year, the one-day campaign is on Nov. 29. Giving Tuesday seeks to raise dollars that will go directly into the WSSU General Scholarship Fund. Last year, the average gift was $70. For more information or to make a gift, visit www.wssu.edu/givingtuesday<http://www.wssu.edu/givingtuesday>. Also you can share and follow the campaign on social media at #WSSUGivingTuesday. WSSU students partner with Special Olympics for Panther Bowl While the Rams football team was taking care of business at the CIAA Football Championship, another group of Rams was competing and making a difference at the Carolina Panthers practice field in Charlotte. Four WSSU students teamed up with six Forsyth County Special Olympic athletes to complete at the United Flag Football Panther Bowl on Saturday, Nov. 12. WSSU's team knocked off teams from Duke University and Elon University before being stopped in the championship game by a team from North Carolina State University. University Recreation has partnered with the Special Olympics Forsyth County and the Winston-Salem Recreation and Parks Department to provide United Flag Football since fall 2015. 'Mannequin Challenge' is WSSU's latest obsession The Mannequin Challenge, the latest viral sensation, has not been lost on the Winston-Salem State University community. You can say that the university is fully embracing the trend, with challenges in the cafeteria and in the fieldhouse. Last week, Chancellor Elwood L. Robinson<https://rampages.wssu.edu/?p=11759> got involved, joining a Greek Mannequin Challenge. Note: "WSSU In Brief" is compiled by WSSU media relations from posts on RamPages<http://rampages.wssu.edu/>, the newsletter of Winston-Salem State University. SANDRA M. PHOENIX HBCU Library Alliance Executive Director Atlanta University Center Robert W. Woodruff Library 111 James P. Brawley Drive SW Atlanta, GA 30314 404-978-2118 (office) 404-702-5854 (cell) http://www.hbculibraries.org/ sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org%3cmailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org>> Honor the ancestors, honor the children. Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hbculibraryalliance1/ and Twitter https://twitter.com/HBCULibAlliance Check out "PULSE!" The HBCU Library Alliance's News Source! - https://hbculibraryalliance.wordpress.com/