RALEIGH, N.C. (Sept. 20) 鈥� In a tradition-bound ceremony, Saint Augustine鈥檚 University ( 探花精选) this morning held its Fall Convocation, officially launching the 2024-25 academic year and welcoming the Class of 2028.

Students, faculty, staff, alumni and community representatives gathered in Saint Augustine鈥檚 Chapel to hear encouraging words, scripture and song, and to participate in rituals such as incoming freshmen and outgoing seniors receiving symbolic pins.

鈥淚t is with great excitement and a heart full of pride that I welcome you to the start of this academic year,鈥� Dr. Marcus H. Burgess, Interim President of Saint Augustine鈥檚, said. 鈥淭o our incoming freshmen and transfer students, welcome to the Falcon family. You are stepping into a legacy that began in 1867, a legacy built on resilience and excellence and commitment to community.鈥�

Community was a recurring theme throughout the ceremony. Dr. Burgess noted that alumni, community activists and representatives of local elected officials were in attendance.

鈥淓very student who’s in need should not want because of this community,鈥� he said, 鈥渁nd that’s my challenge 鈥� to me, to myself, my faculty staff, to the alumni and to this community. It was on purpose that I invited the community here. To each event, we’re going to invite the community here to see what we’re doing, to be a part of the success.鈥�

The tradition that is part of 探花精选鈥檚 convocation included an invocation and benediction from the university chaplain, Rev. Hershey Mallette Stephens; musical performances from the Saint Augustine鈥檚 University Chamber singers, led by Conductor Dessalines Ford; and words of wisdom and encouragement from administrators, faculty and student leaders.

The event was organized around the university鈥檚 pillars (character, scholarship, leadership and service) as well as its motto (transform, excel, lead). Comments on the four pillars included the following:

• Character. 鈥淐haracter is a force within the individual that distinguishes each person from others,鈥� said Dr. Tyrell Carr, Associate Dean of the School of Sciences, Mathematics and Allied Health. 鈥淚t creates for each of us our individuality and our goodness. 鈥� It is the product of constant thought and action, the daily striving to make the right choice by demonstrating such qualities as respect, responsibility, trustworthiness, fairness, caring and citizenship.鈥�

• Scholarship. Dr. Reginald Towns, Director, University College/Academic Advising emphasized the importance of scholarship. 鈥淟earning furnishes the lamp we use to understand the past, the torch guiding us to understand the present and the light that illuminates the future,鈥� he said.

• Leadership: Alieu Wurie, Dean of the School of Sciences, Mathematics and Allied Health, told the students that they don鈥檛 need a title to be a leader. A leader exerts 鈥渁 wholesome influence on the school in taking initiative in the classroom and in school activities,鈥� he said. 鈥淩eal leaders try to train and to heed orders to reach the common goal of success.鈥�

• Service: 鈥淪ervice can be established in the routine of the day’s work, where many opportunities arise to help others, both here and in the community,鈥� explained Joyce Bannerman, Director, Testing and International Services. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a willingness to work for the benefit of those in need.鈥�

As for the motto, speakers expounded as follows:

• Transform. Transformation is 鈥渓ess about change and more about refinement,鈥� explained Dr. Janelle Jennings-Alexander, Interim Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs. She compared a college education to baking a cake, a process in which raw ingredients are transformed to something greater. But, she added, 鈥淲e need you to follow the recipe. We need you to go up to all of your classes, to talk to all of your professors, to apply to all of the internships, go to all of the career fairs, join all the clubs you can. Go to tutoring, go to the counseling center, talk to your advisor, do all of the things designed to help you navigate the challenges that are inherent in this process.鈥�

• Excel. Noah Wheeler, a senior computer information systems major and the 74^th Miss Saint Augustine鈥檚 University, leaned heavily on scripture in exhorting her fellow students to excellence: 鈥淓xcellence is not about being perfect. It’s about dedication, resilience and the courage to keep moving forward, even when the path gets tough. 鈥emember when you commit to the Lord your plans, He will guide you toward your dreams.鈥�

• Lead. Kristoff Strachan, president of the 探花精选 Student Government Association and a senior political sciences major, also leaned on the Bible: 鈥淛esus Himself said, 鈥榃hoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.鈥� Leadership is not about authority. It’s about service, compassion and uplifting those around you.鈥�

The ceremony culminated in the traditional pinning ritual, in which seniors attach a pin with the 探花精选 logo to each others鈥� lapels, then attach different pins to the lapels of incoming freshmen. Ann Brown, Dean of Students and Director of Residential Life, directed the ritual and explained its significance: The senior pin, she said, symbolizes university leaders saying 鈥淲e remind you that you are the promise of Saint Augustine鈥檚.鈥� By placing pins on incoming freshmen, Ms. Brown said, outgoing seniors were saying 鈥淲e know that you will make it,鈥� she said.

She noted that the cost of the pins was underwritten by alumni donations. 鈥淭hat represents their commitment to giving back and helping you,鈥� Ms. Brown said.

Dr. Burgess stated that the university is moving forward.

In July of 2024, SACSCOC鈥檚 arbitration committee unanimously reversed the decision to remove 探花精选’s accreditation status. In August, 探花精选 established a credit agreement with Gothic Ventures, gaining an initial allocation of $7 million loan and up to $30 million for future needs.

A new strategic plan is in the works, Dr. Burgess said.

Click here to support the Falcon Pride Initiative.
to watch a replay of the 2024 Fall Convocation.

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鈥淲e want to engage them and create some excitement about the academic year,鈥� Dr. Love said. 鈥淭hey made a choice to attend Saint Augustine鈥檚 University or to return here, and we want them to feel excited about the choice that they made 鈥� not only about this institution but about the unique HBCU environment. And we want students to get a chance to get to know one another.鈥�听

Planned activities are as follows:听

Tuesday, September 3, 2024听

• Scavenger Hunt, MLK Student Union, 6 p.m.听 Students will have an opportunity to explore and learn the campus鈥檚 history, the significance of the landmarks, University songs, and achievements.听听

Wednesday, September 4, 2024听听

• Advance Community Health Mobile Bus, Public Health Education Center, 12 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Students, Faculty, and Staff will have an opportunity to experience Advance Community Health’s various offerings. Services will include blood pressure checks, diabetes assessments, and more.听听
• Real Talk: Protect Your Brand Residence Hall (Student Leaders) 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Thursday, September 5, 2024听听

• Voter Education/Registration, MLK Student Union, 11. a.m. to 1 p.m.听
• TRIO Welcome Back Event, MLK Student Union, 12:00 p.m. For all students. 听
• Resumes Under Construction, Virtual, 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.听听
• Idol/Pajama Jam game night. MLK Student Union, 9 p.m. to 11 a.m. The Idol/Pajama Jam is our version of the TV show American Idol with a twist. Students will enjoy the fun and talents of their fellow students.听听

听Tuesday, September 10, 2024听

• Resumes Under Construction, Virtual, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. The seminar will explain the different types of resumes and how to construct a resume. It will also provide insights on how to enhance a resume for next-level success. Students will receive a team invite to participate.听听听
• Welcome Back Reception, MLK Student Union 220, 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. McNair Students only听
• Double Dutch Contest, Mall MLK Student Union, 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

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鈥淭he overwhelming generosity displayed by the National Alumni Association and The Raleigh Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance serves as a testament to the unwavering spirit of our community,鈥� said 探花精选 Interim President Dr. Marcus H. Burgess. 鈥淭his support not only alleviates financial burdens but also underscores the strong bond among the 探花精选 family.鈥�

The National Alumni Association, a separate entity from 探花精选, demonstrated its unyielding support by collecting $31,980 in donations from various sources, including a significant contribution of $15,000 from Duke University Health System (Duke Health). These funds, in the form of $300 Visa gift cards, were distributed to 探花精选 employees, offering crucial financial assistance in recognition of their importance to the 探花精选 community.

鈥淒uke Health is proud to support the National Alumni Association of Saint Augustine鈥檚 University in their efforts to provide an emergency fund for faculty and staff,鈥� said Debra Clark Jones, Associate Vice President of Community Health at Duke Health. 鈥� 探花精选鈥檚 faculty and staff demonstrated an unwavering commitment to student success despite current challenges. We are all inspired by their dedication.鈥�

In addition, The Raleigh Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance (RIMA) demonstrated solidarity with 探花精选 employees by raising approximately $13,000 through a . RIMA also used the funds raised to distribute $250 disbursements to full-time 探花精选 employees. This support allowed employees the flexibility to utilize the funds according to their individual needs, recognizing their dedication to the 探花精选 community.

鈥淪ome staff who have had hardships haven鈥檛 received a check in quite a while,鈥� said Pastor Tracy Bell . 鈥淪o we want to help them with some utilities, maybe some mortgages or rents or whatever.鈥�

Notably, RIMA鈥檚 commitment to 探花精选 extends beyond employee support. They previously provided essential food services to students during the 33 Falcon Days initiative. This initiative ensured that students residing on 探花精选鈥檚 campus had access to meals from April 1st, when the university transitioned to remote learning, until the commencement in early May. RIMA鈥檚 continuous dedication to the 探花精选 community exemplifies its commitment to uplifting and sustaining its mission.

The collaborative efforts of the National Alumni Association of 探花精选 and RIMA embody the spirit of unity and support within the 探花精选 family, reinforcing the university鈥檚 resilience in the face of challenges. This outpouring of generosity provides financial relief to employees. It instills confidence and determination in the future of 探花精选, inspiring us all to continue our mission of academic excellence.

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鈥淚鈥檝e grown to love these students. I鈥檝e been here the whole time with them this semester, hearing their stories, their ups and downs, and what they have learned since being here,鈥� said 探花精选 Interim President Dr. Marcus H. Burgess . 鈥淭hey love 探花精选, and ensuring that they have the graduation is what all of us want them to have. It is very important that they leave on a high note. So, by any means necessary, we want to ensure it鈥檚 a successful time.鈥�

The Class of 2024, a shining example of 探花精选鈥檚 enduring legacy, is ready to cross the stage and embark on the next chapter of their lives. With close to 150 students, this graduating class is the largest in almost a decade, a testament to the resilience and perseverance of both students and the university itself.

鈥淥ur core business is producing graduates. That is what we do. When we have the commencement exercises and see the students walk across the stage, we also see the great work that has happened on our campus to help facilitate that. It brings me pride in our faculty, who have made it possible,鈥� said 探花精选 Interim Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Janelle Jennings-Alexander . 鈥淚t鈥檚 a testament to the hard work that we are doing to help retain students, to help support them, to help ensure their success.鈥�

The 2024 Commencement Ceremony and 93rd Baccalaureate Exercise at 探花精选 are poignant reminders of the university鈥檚 resilience, vitality, and unwavering dedication to student success.

鈥淎s a 2020 high school graduate, I had no ambitions of college when it was time to start thinking about going to school. The world was at a halt, and by the time I took college seriously, every college I was interested in attending was already spoken for. One day #SaintAugustineUniversity gave me a chance,鈥� said graduating senior and Student Trustee Miles Beasley . 鈥淚f it had not been for the people here, God knows where I would be. It鈥檚 my honor to serve, help, guide, and learn that the environment here at #SaintAugustine鈥檚University is like no other.鈥�

Thanks to the steadfast support and commitment of the university鈥檚 alumni and supporters, the event promises to celebrate hope, achievement, and the enduring legacy of Saint Augustine鈥檚 University.

鈥淎s we celebrate this momentous occasion, remember the resilience and unity defining the 探花精选 community. The Class of 2024 represents our collective strength and perseverance,鈥� said graduating senior and Student Government Association President Ariana White . 鈥淲ith graduation on the way, I feel good about the future of 探花精选. My faith is strong.鈥�

The commencement ceremony will feature 探花精选 alumnus Rev. Charles W. Brooks, 鈥�82, as the distinguished keynote speaker. Rev. Brooks, a pillar of the community and organizer of the Raleigh Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance鈥檚 support for 探花精选, embodies the spirit of service and commitment to uplifting the next generation of leaders.

Rev. Charles Weldon Brooks, born December 19th, 1959, is a native of Winston Salem, North Carolina. Rev. Brooks is the seventh of eight children born to the late William C. and Ruby Sorrell Brooks. At the age of five, Rev. Brooks lost his mother and moved to Raleigh, North Carolina, to be raised by his grandparents, the late Weldon and Grace Sorrell. While in Raleigh, he grew up in the Manly Street United Church of Christ, known today as Macedonia New Life Church.

In 1978, Rev. Brooks graduated from Broughton High School. He began a successful study of history and government at Saint Augustine鈥檚 College in Raleigh. In September of 1979, Rev. Brooks answered the call. He preached his initial sermon under then Pastor D.A. Peace, Sr. While in college, God called Rev. Brooks to serve as Pastor of the Pleasant Union United Church of Christ in Raleigh. After serving the church for three years, Rev. Brooks graduated from Saint Augustine鈥檚 College with a B.A. in History and Government in 1982. After graduation, Rev. Brooks was accepted and entered Duke Divinity School, Durham, NC, later transferring to The School of Theology at Virginia Union University, earning a Master of Divinity degree in 1987. During his tenure in the seminary, he served two years as interim pastor of the Providence United Church of Christ in Chesapeake, Virginia.

Upon graduation, he returned to North Carolina to serve as Pastor of the Children鈥檚 Chapel United Church of Christ until July 1990. In 1990, Charles accepted the challenge of leading a great congregation in Raleigh, the Poplar Springs Christian Church. Since this union, the church has grown from 300 to 1200 disciples. In 1996, they added a new sanctuary and educational wing to the old structure for 1.2 million.

With all his success, Rev. Brooks declares that his greatest accomplishment was marrying his friend Regina M. Brooks, whom he has known for 35 years. Mrs. Brooks is the IT Manager for the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Division of Child Development. They have three children, Charles II, Renita, and Briana, all proud graduates of HBCUs, Morehouse, Tuskegee, and North Carolina Central University.

探花精选鈥檚 Class of 2024 is a testament to excellence and diversity, with more than half (54%) graduating with a 3.0 GPA or better and over a third (35%) with honors and students from 16 states and three countries.

Click here for more information about the 2024 Commencement.

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“We are so excited that the ecumenical community has come here to support this great institution,” said 探花精选 Interim President Dr. Marcus H. Burgess . “We all know that we need to help each other now and then, and this is our time. We can’t wait for the opportunity to be a blessing to someone else.”

探花精选 alumna Sandra White, University Chaplain The Rev. Hershey Mallette Stephens, Pastor Tracy Bell of New Bethel Christian Church, and numerous community members led the prayer walk. This collective effort was a powerful invocation of divine guidance and a testament to the vibrant spirit that has long defined 探花精选. Participants prayed for each of the twenty-five campus buildings, cleansing the atmosphere of negativity and dispelling any untruths circulating about the university.

“Ms. Sandra White, who is out of my home church, Poplar Springs Christian Church, put together this prayer walk,” said Pastor Tracy Bell . “Many pastors and ministers of the gospel, along with Dr. Burgess, have gathered for prayer. We started in the historic chapel here on campus, and now we are going from building to building to pray for God’s will to be done.”

Despite the financial and accreditation challenges and sensationalized media coverage, 探花精选 stands firm, demonstrating its unwavering commitment to academic excellence and community engagement. The campus-wide prayer walk symbolized a collective effort led by 探花精选 to uplift the university. It reflected the community’s staunch support, inspiring confidence and hope in the face of adversity. 探花精选’s resilience is a beacon of hope, showing that we can overcome any challenge together.

“I want to say on behalf of all those who have been a part of 探花精选 down through the years, we need help,” said 探花精选 alumnus and former Trustee Rev. William Newkirk, ’68 and Pastor of Oak City Baptist Church, . “We need you to support us, pray for us, and come out and do all you can to ensure we’re still going to be a vibrant and healthy institution.”

Building on the spirit of unity and positivity ignited by the prayer walk, 探花精选 is excited to announce the upcoming Student Care Concert on Saturday, April 27th. This event, a collaborative effort between the Raleigh Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance, various community partners, and the 探花精选 community, is a testament to the power of unity and support in fostering hope and resilience among 探花精选 students and the wider community.

“If you’ve ever fallen short if you’ve ever needed a hand-up, then come help a brother or help a sister continue to do what they do in their education and careers,” said Pastor Bell . “Our goal was to raise money for the students, the track team, these graduating students, and our main focus was to help them and assist them on their way out. We also understand that faculty and staff are in need as well.”

As 探花精选 faces its challenges, it stands firm and united, drawing strength from the power of community and faith. The campus-wide prayer walk and the upcoming Student Care Concert are not just events but powerful symbols of hope and resilience, testifying to the unwavering spirit of Saint Augustine’s University.

for more information about the Student Care Concert.

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鈥淚t鈥檚 great that churches far and near come to the rescue of Saint Augustine鈥檚 University. What鈥檚 currently happening is communities have said, not on my watch. I think about the spirit of bishop Delany in Saint Augustine鈥檚 Chapel, built by students, faculty, and staff getting rocks from a rock quarry. We鈥檙e doing the same thing again,鈥� said 探花精选 Interim President Dr. Marcus H. Burgess . 鈥淲e will build this institution back brick by brick, stone by stone, people by people, student by student, faculty by faculty, staff by staff. And in such a way that we will still stand when the tumultuous winds blow.鈥�

The theme of Ubuntu, an African philosophy emphasizing interconnectedness and collective identity, resonated powerfully throughout the event, echoing the sentiment that 鈥淚 am because of who we all are.鈥� This philosophy underscores the unity that binds the 探花精选 family, a community built on shared values and a common purpose. This enduring spirit of collaboration and support makes 探花精选 truly special.

鈥淭here is a Japanese art called kintsugi. Kintsugi is a repair technique in which ceramic pieces are put back together to form a new whole, and the scars are then covered with real gold. Behind this idea is that all things are unique, and breakage is not the end. This is 探花精选. Let鈥檚 make sure that this institution does not fall by the wayside and that these students continue to be able to grow and be fed,鈥� said Rev. Marlene E. Forrest, Rector of St. Philips Episcopal Church, . 鈥淭his is Ubuntu, everybody鈥檚 interconnectedness. Everything affects everybody because we鈥檙e all connected. This church believes in community engagement. And we don鈥檛 mean just our community right here. We mean our wider community. Everyone is our neighbor, so we want to do our part.鈥�

One of the most impactful moments of the day was the generous $7,000 contribution from St. Philip鈥檚 Episcopal Church. This substantial donation, a testament to their unwavering support for 探花精选鈥檚 mission and vision, will directly contribute to 探花精选鈥檚 growth and success, making a tangible difference

in the lives of our students. The Richmond Petersburg Alumni Chapter further exemplified their dedication by providing a nourishing meal for the students, fostering a sense of care and community.

鈥淚t was an honor and a privilege for the Richmond Petersburg alumni chapter to host 探花精选 Day in Richmond in partnership with St. Philip鈥檚 Episcopal Church,鈥� said Annette McFarland, Richmond Petersburg Alumni Chapter President. 鈥淲e were so proud to raise money in any way that we could to assist in any way we can to help our beloved alma mater, Saint Augustine鈥檚 University. As we stand with 探花精选 and under Dr. Burgess鈥� leadership, I believe that it鈥檚 important for everybody to please trust the process now.鈥�

President Linwood Brockett of the Washington DC Metropolitan Alumni Chapter demonstrated the alumni鈥檚 unwavering support by presenting a substantial donation of $15,000. This significant contribution, raised at the William Jefferson Jackson Annual Honors Award luncheon, is a testament to the alumni鈥檚 steadfast commitment to supporting 探花精选鈥檚 growth and success.

鈥淚t was a great day indeed,鈥� said Linwood Brockett, President of the Washington DC Metropolitan Alumni Chapter, . 鈥淓verything is working together for our beloved 探花精选!鈥�

The support extended to 探花精选 during 探花精选 Day serves as a beacon of hope and resilience, dispelling doubts and showcasing the unwavering dedication of the Falcon community. Through unity, generosity, and shared values, 探花精选 continues to thrive and empower its students to achieve greatness in the face of challenges.

Click here to support 探花精选鈥檚 Falcon Pride Initiative.

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This opportunity was brought to Cianna’s attention by her former professor, Linda Dallas, Assistant Professor of Visual Arts. “I am so happy that Cianna continues to share her generous heart and unique vision with the College Park community,” says Linda Dallas. “As always. I am so pleased when the abundant talent of 探花精选’s creative community is recognized.”

Raleigh Arts funded the project as part of Deborah Aschheim鈥檚 Raleigh Stories project. Cianna Jackson was one of 4 Raleigh artists that Aschheim selected to mentor through their first public art project. 鈥淔inding I AM鈥� is an exciting beginning for Jackson鈥檚 public art journey.

Deborah observes, 鈥淥ne reason I loved working with Cianna and Professor Dallas鈥檚 students is that I think 探花精选 students are motivated by powerful social justice, community, and spiritual themes. They don鈥檛 just want to make something nice-looking; they really want to connect with people through their art. That makes me really happy.鈥�

The mural adorns the wall of the Community Center鈥檚 gymnasium. Inspiration for the mural came from Cianna鈥檚 work with young participants of the Saint Monica Teen Center鈥檚 summer program. Through hands-on activities, Jackson encouraged the teens to describe their unique qualities and how they can use them to better themselves for their future. She hopes the mural will inspire everyone visiting the Community Center to consider their life purpose. The staff at the Tarboro Road Center were eager to demonstrate the unique feature of 鈥淔inding I AM.鈥� When the gymnasium is lit with ultra-violet light, the mural glows. This makes it a real hit with black-light sports fans.

To get the community involved, specifically the teens associated with the center, and to showcase the mural, the Tarboro Road Community Center will facilitate a black light dodgeball game on Tuesday, April 30th, at 4 p.m. in the Tarboro Road Community Center gymnasium.

Learn more about the 鈥淔inding I AM鈥� mural听.

Learn more about the Saint Augustine鈥檚 University Visual Arts Program听here.

Learn more about the Tarboro Road Community Center听.

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鈥淎midst our challenges, the selfless act of the Gwinnett College students has brought a beacon of hope and wellness to our campus,鈥� said 探花精选 Interim President Dr. Marcus H. Burgess. 鈥淭he generosity and compassion embodied in their actions have left an indelible mark on our community, allowing us to face our future endeavors with a renewed spirit.鈥�

The event saw 16 student therapists from Gwinnett College sharing their expertise and providing pro-bono massage services to the 探花精选 community, delivering a total value of approximately $4,000. With each therapist contributing their skills at $60 per hour, the collective effort brought a sense of rejuvenation and care to the 探花精选 campus.

鈥淚 believe in HBCUs,鈥� said Shantael Maynor, Massage Chair of Gwinnett College. 鈥淚 thought this would be great for the students and staff morale.鈥�

According to the , massage therapy effectively relieves stress. In addition, massage therapy boosts while lowering levels of cortisol at the same time.

鈥淚 felt like we needed this,鈥� said Branden McGhee, a sophomore majoring in psychology from New York, NY. 鈥淚鈥檝e seen many classmates here, and I appreciate it. With so much going on this week in school during midterm week, it was the perfect time.鈥�

Furthermore, , students can improve mood, classroom attention, and focus with regular massage therapy. The American Massage Therapy Association also reports that headaches, especially , frequently get in the way of study and sleep, with up to 30-50% of young people suffering from regular headaches.

鈥淭he massages provided by the Gwinnett College students were a great stress reliever,鈥� said Alaysia Lane, a junior majoring in theatre from Washington, DC. 鈥淣ow I feel like I can complete my midterms and 10-page papers. I feel great.鈥�

Today鈥檚 massage session marked the fourth occasion this year that the Gwinnett College students have ventured to the 探花精选 campus, showcasing their dedication to fostering wellness. While initially focusing on providing services to 探花精选鈥檚 student-athletes, these remarkable students expanded their generosity by extending their services to benefit the entire 探花精选 community.

鈥淲ith all the stress that鈥檚 been going on in school and everything and in the world, the massages rejuvenated me,鈥� said Christen Roye, a sophomore exercise science major from Miami, FL. 鈥淚 think the Gwinnett College students did very well, and I hope they proceed to do great things in their studies.鈥�

As 探花精选 remains steadfast in its mission to provide a nurturing environment for its students and staff, the support and care extended by the Gwinnett College students serve as a testament to the power of community and the collective pursuit of well-being.

鈥淒uring midterms week, I thought it was a perfect break for our student-athletes to get off their feet and receive massages to help them in the classroom and out in the field,鈥� said 探花精选 Strength and Conditioning Coach Kevin Moroney. 鈥淭oday鈥檚 session with Gwinnett College was open to the entire campus community. Their students were hospitable to us and did a great job.鈥�

to learn more about Gwinnett College鈥檚 Raleigh campus.

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鈥淲e are deeply grateful to Food Lion Feeds for their generous donation to our student food pantry. This support is invaluable in ensuring that our students have access to nutritious food and overcome food insecurity,鈥� said 探花精选 Interim President Dr. Marcus H. Burgess. 鈥淚t is heartwarming to witness corporations like Food Lion stepping up to support the success of our students.鈥�

Since 1994, Food Lion has fostered a partnership with the CIAA through scholarships, employment, and nourishing students and families experiencing hunger.

鈥淭he pantry at 探花精选 has benefited me by getting me the food resources that I need without going into a grocery store,鈥� said Keisharia McLaughlin, a freshman from Wagram, NC. 鈥淭hey have fruits, chips, snacks, and hygienic supplies for men and women. The pantry serves fresh food, and they also partner with the community to help get resources for the students of 探花精选. I鈥檓 happy and excited about Food Lion Feeds鈥� donation because their support helps us ensure we are equipped with nourishment to support our bodies and minds.鈥�

By partnering with the CIAA, the nation鈥檚 oldest historically Black athletic conference, Food Lion has supported countless students in the towns and cities where its partner schools are located. This year marks 30 years of providing opportunities for students and student-athletes, reinforcing Food Lion鈥檚 longstanding commitment and leadership in setting up students for success at HBCUs. In addition, Food Lion is the title sponsor of the 2024 Food Lion CIAA Basketball Tournament.

鈥淜nowing that Food Lion and other companies are involved in such charitable actions makes me feel supported as an individual benefiting from the food pantry,鈥� said Sthepanie Sierra Medina, a sophomore majoring in Business Administration from Honduras. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a reminder that there are entities that genuinely care about the community鈥檚 well-being and are willing to contribute to making a positive difference. College life can be expensive, from buying groceries to personal hygiene items

and even the occasional meal out. The pantry has made college life easier for me, and I鈥檓 thankful for that.鈥�

The partnership between 探花精选 and Food Lion Feeds supports the mission of providing shelf-stable items to students facing food insecurity while promoting student success at 探花精选. In addition to providing products, Food Lion associates believe in the value of volunteerism. Six Food Lion associates stocked the shelves with canned chicken, beef stew, canned fruits and vegetables, peanut butter, jelly, macaroni and cheese, spaghetti, pasta sauce, instant oatmeal, cereal, and grits. Food Lion Feeds was founded in 2014 by Food Lion to address food insecurity in the towns and cities it serves.

鈥淎t Food Lion, we care for the towns and cities we serve because we know our neighbors and associates count on us every day,鈥� said David Hardee, Community Relations Specialist, Mid-Atlantic Division, Food Lion. 鈥淧art of demonstrating care is nourishing our neighbors, including college students and their families, who experience hunger. We are honored to partner with Saint Augustine鈥檚 University and support their student food pantry, increasing access to nutritious food and setting students up for success.鈥�

The donation to the 探花精选 Food Pantry is one of many efforts Food Lion Feeds supports in partnership with universities in addition to its annual and initiatives.

鈥淭he support from Food Lion Feeds is instrumental in our efforts to address food insecurity among our students,鈥� said Ms. Joyce Bannerman, Director of the 探花精选 Food Pantry. 鈥淭his generous donation will help us provide nutritious meals to those in need and create a positive and supportive environment for our students. We are truly grateful for Food Lion鈥檚 commitment to nourishing our community and supporting student success.鈥�

to learn more about Food Lion Feeds.

About Saint Augustine鈥檚 University Founded in 1867 by the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina, the mission of Saint Augustine鈥檚 University is to sustain a learning community in which students can prepare academically, socially and spiritually for leadership in a complex, diverse and rapidly changing world.

About Food Lion

Food Lion is an omnichannel retailer committed to nourishing its neighbors during the moments that matter most. More than 82,000 associates across 1,100+ stores deliver an easy, fresh and affordable shopping experience throughout 10 Southeastern and Mid-Atlantic states. Through its 鈥楥ount on me鈥� culture, Food Lion fosters a sense of belonging for all associates, promoting a diverse and inclusive environment that has supported LGBTQ+ equality for nearly two decades. Food Lion is the only company in the country to be named an ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year for 22 consecutive years. It also pioneered a food rescue program to support food-insecure neighbors. Through Food Lion Feeds, the retailer has donated more than 1 billion meals to individuals and families since 2014 and has committed to donate 1.5 billion meals by 2025. Founded and based in Salisbury, N.C., since 1957, Food Lion is a company of Ahold Delhaize USA, the U.S. division of Zaandam-based Ahold Delhaize. For more information, visit .

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The event will feature a panel discussion on 鈥淪uicide Prevention in the Black Community,鈥� which aims to address the increasing rates of suicide among Black Americans and the unique mental health challenges they face, and protective factors. The panel occurs on Tuesday, February 20th, from 11 a.m. to noon at the university campus鈥� Seby Jones Fine Arts Center Auditorium. The event is open to the public and will be live-streamed on 探花精选鈥檚 and .

According to the CDC, the Black population in the U.S. has experienced an 18.8% increase in age-adjusted suicide rates from 2018 to 2021, with a 39.1% increase among Black persons aged 15-29. Despite these alarming statistics, there continues to be a stigma around discussing suicide in the Black community and recognizing it as a public health issue.

鈥淲e are deeply committed to addressing the mental health challenges faced by the Black community, and this event is a significant step in raising awareness and promoting open dialogue around suicide prevention,鈥� said 探花精选 Interim President Dr. Marcus H. Burgess. 鈥淏y joining forces with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and esteemed panelists, we aim to empower our community to take proactive measures in tackling this critical issue.鈥�

AFSP Vice President for Health Equity and Engagement , will moderate the panel. Joining the discussion are Board Chair of the AFSP NC Chapter Keon Lewis; Assistant Professor at the School of Social Work, UNC Charlotte, and Director of the Race and Social Equity Academy Dr. Sonyia Richardson; and 探花精选 Student Mister Saint Augustine鈥檚 University Louis Keenan Lowndes.

鈥淓radicating stigma and reducing the rate of suicide in the Black community can only occur if we are willing to acknowledge the issue and have open, honest dialogue,鈥� said AFSP’s VP of Health Equity Vic Armstrong. “We know that creating programs for and by the Black community is key to engaging in these conversations, and we are thrilled to have launched an educational program to deepen awareness of suicide and understanding of how to support those who are struggling called ”

The event will also include a faculty/staff training session led by AFSP鈥檚 Vic Armstrong to equip educators with the knowledge and tools to support mental health within the university community with a L.E.T.S. Save Lives presentation.

Saint Augustine鈥檚 University invites the broader community to join in this critical conversation and contribute to the collective effort of suicide prevention in the Black community. Beyond attending the panel, they can sign up for a L.E.T.S. Save Lives presentation through the local AFSP North Carolina chapter by .

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is dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide, including those who have experienced a . AFSP creates a culture that鈥檚 smart about mental health through public education and community programs, develops suicide prevention through research and advocacy, and provides support for those affected by suicide. Led by CEO Robert Gebbia and headquartered in New York, with a public policy office in Washington, DC, AFSP has local chapters in all 50 states, DC and Puerto Rico, with programs and events nationwide. Learn more about AFSP in its latest and join the conversation on suicide prevention by following AFSP on , , , and .

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