George Washington Carver Society celebrates silver anniversary during annual induction, scholarship ceremony

February 26, 2020

Contacts: 
Jacqueline Carlisle, College of Agriculture, Environment and Nutrition Science
Brittney Dabney, Office of Communications, Public Relations and Marketing

 
Celebrating its namesake鈥檚 commitment to generosity and helping others by providing resources specifically to students and the community, the George Washington Carver Society held its 25th anniversary luncheon on Friday, Jan. 31, at which time it presented more than a dozen student scholarships.

The society, a program of the College of Agriculture, Environment and Nutrition Sciences, is comprised of more than 110 alumni, university employees and supporters. Since its inception, it has funded scholarships totaling over $120,000.

Luncheon speaker and environmental health regulator, Norma Jarrett illustrated the event鈥檚 鈥渄oing things in an uncommon manner鈥� theme 鈥� a sentiment frequently attributed to both Carver and Booker T. Washington.

鈥淲hen you do the common things in life in an uncommon way, you will command the attention of the world,鈥� she quoted. 鈥淚t is important to find ways to do everything we can in an uncommon manner 鈥� it鈥檚 not just important to complete a task, but try to do it above the requirement.鈥�

The event also served as the induction ceremony for new members to the society. This year鈥檚 inductees included Dr. Clairmont David and Dr. Pauline David. The membership drive starting in late October and is open to alumni, faculty, staff and friends from the departments of Agricultural Sciences, Biology, Chemistry and Food and Nutritional Sciences.

In addition, the society holds an annual eXert Oratorical Workshop and Competition, which helps middle and high school students in Alabama鈥檚 underserved Black Belt counties strengthen their public speaking skills. Activities allow students to build their communication and leadership skills, as well as sharpen their principles of listening, thinking and speaking using theory, practice sessions and interactive activities in everyday life.

This year鈥檚 competition winners shared their speeches during the event. They included Division I middle schoolers Ja鈥橩iya Pickens (Tuskegee Institute Middle School), who won first place; Kiersten Copeland (Tuskegee Public School), second place; and Tyliyah Ware (South Highland Middle School), third place. Division II high schoolers included JaHunna Neston (Loachapoka High School), who won first place; Ontrel Tate (SEEDS, Inc.), second place; and Sir Ligon (Booker T. Washington High School), third place.

The College of Agriculture, Environment and Nutrition Sciences Alumni Association (formerly the Agriculture and Home Economics Alumni Association) established the George Washington Carver Society in 1995.

The Agriculture and Home Economics Alumni Association held a banquet to raise funds to provide scholarships for students demonstrating financial need and academic, merit and majoring in agriculture and home economics disciplines.

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