Norfolk State to Honor Norfolk 17

at President’s Gala

Norfolk, Va. — Norfolk State University will honor the Norfolk 17 at the annual President’s Gala on Saturday, March 28 at the Sheraton Norfolk Waterside Hotel located in downtown Norfolk. The Civil Rights icons will receive the university’s Forever Upward Award. It is the highest award bestowed by the Office of the President. The event will also feature the NSU presentation of the Distinguished Faculty Award and the induction of four alumni into the Academy of Distinguished Alumni.

The Honorable Shawn Z. Tarrant ’89 of the Maryland House of Delegates will serve as the Master of Ceremonies for the evening’s festivities.

During the celebration, the following individuals will be recognized:

Tamara A. Jones, M.D. ’96 will receive the 2009 Graduate Over the Last Decade (G.O.L.D.) Award. Jones is a family practice physician in Norfolk. While at Norfolk State, Jones participated in the Dozoretz National Institute for Mathematics and Applied Sciences program and graduated with a bachelor of science degree in chemistry. In 2002, she received her medical degree from Eastern Virginia Medical School.

The Academy of Distinguished Alumni recognizes alumni who have distinguished themselves through their achievement and citizenship. Recipients in this category will receive a bronze medallion bearing the university’s seal with a matching chain and pendant. Awardees in this category include Georgia M. Dunston, Ph.D. ’65, for her groundbreaking research on the human genome; Colvin D. Gibson ’68, for his service to the University and the establishment of an endowed scholarship; Lt. Gen. Michael Rochelle ’72, for his exemplary military service in the United States Army; and Joyce H. Shambley ’74, for outstanding service to the university and her professional achievements.

The Distinguished Faculty Awards recognize NSU faculty who have distinguished themselves through their teaching, research and service. The recipients for 2009 include Michael A. Parker, for his ability to develop teaching strategies that reach students on all levels; Sheila A. Ward, Ph.D., for her scholarship through the publication and presentation of numerous scholarly papers; Amelia N. Ross-Hammond, Ph.D., for her tireless public service efforts as well as her service to the university; and Mahbub Khandaker, for overall excellence in teaching, scholarship and service.

Entertainment for the President’s Gala will be provided by The Fuzz Band, an eight-member ensemble whose music is a blend of urban, rock and soul. Tickets to this event are $150. Proceeds will benefit student scholarships and educational programs.

For more information or to purchase tickets, call the Office of University Advancement at 757-823-8323.