The Langston Letter August 1, 1964

Transcription

1 Langston University Digital Langston University Langston Letter Archives The Langston Letter August 1, 1964 Langston University Follow this and additional works at: Recommended Citation Langston University, "The Langston Letter August 1, 1964" (1964). Langston Letter. Paper 1. This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the Archives at Digital Langston University. It has been accepted for inclusion in Langston Letter by an authorized administrator of Digital Langston University. For more information, please contact jblewis@langston.edu.

2 - PUBLIC RELATIONS DEPT {KC-JicUtqAtw ^ett&l * im86hm ' makmm Quality Education At Langston University Since hiselection to the Presidency of Langston University four years ago, Dr. William H. Hale, along with his faculty, has worked continuously to upgrade the quality of education at Langston University. We thought the alumni, friends, and former students of the institution would be interested in the following excerpt from the June 19, 1964 Congressional Record as introduced by The Honorable A. S. Mike Monroney, Senior Senator from Oklahoma: EXTENSION OF REMARKS HON. A. S. MIKE MONRONEY Of Oklahoma In the Senate of the United States Friday, June 19, 1964 MR. MONRONEY. "Mr. President, as we try to perfect a law to carry out the civil rights guarantees of our Constitution, we in Congress also must recognize that our goal will be reached only as citizens move on many fronts to make equal opportunity a fact. "For 3 years, Dr. William Hale, Negro president of Langston University, Langston, Oklahoma, has moved quietly to remove any educational inadequacies among Negro students. Langston's faculty has been given accelerated, high quality training in all areas of learning that involve freshmen. Subject matter has been upgraded. An effort has been made to coordinate all possible experiences in class to the student's growth. Efforts at promoting rapid intellectual and cultural growth have been aimed at first year college students but have affected the entire student body. "Dr. Hale's desire to improve Negro education in Oklahoma also has led to campus conferences for secondary school teachers and entertainment on campus of nearly 3,000 sixth-graders in a program to prevent drop-outs. "As the Office of Education, the American Council on Education, and the Carnegie Corp.- Rockefeller Foundation programs make national efforts to improve Negro education on a national front, I want to call attention to Langston University's pioneering efforts. I ask unanimous consent to have printed in the Appendix of the Record a newspaper article describing Dr. Hale's program in more detail. " There being no objection, the article was ordered to be printed in the Record as follows: From the Oklahoma City (Okla.) Times June 4, 1964 Educators Map Attack On Low Standard Negro Education (By Mary Jo Nelson) Ranking educators have developed a new broad plan to overcome what they call lower standards of American Negro Education. A $400,000 grant from the Carnegie Corporation and the Ford Foundation is financing intense summer training seminars solely for teachers from Negro colleges and universities. However, an Oklahoma plan already has progressed far in remedying any inadequacies that handicap state Negro young people. Langston University initiated three years ago a daring self-improvement plan devised by its forceful president, Dr. William H. Hale. Expanded each succeeding year, the plan has given Langston's faculty high-quality accelerated training in all areas of learning that involve freshmen. It was Dr. Hale's first major undertaking after becoming Langston administrator. Now, he would like to see his idea extended to every Negro high school teacher in the state. Besides helping faculty members advance in their separate fields, the Langston plan is extensively upgrading subject matter, and works at promoting "rapid intellectual and cultural growth" of all first-year students. Reaching every freshman, Dr. Hale said the program aims at "co-ordinating all possible experiences in class and out-of-class" to the student's growth. "We decided to aim all our guns on the freshmen hoping this would filter through as the years go by," the president said. First step in 1961, was calling in as consultant Dr. Allison Davis of the University of Chicago College of Education. He was joined a year later by Professor Benjamin Bloom, also a University of Chicago education professor. "Dr. Davis probably knows as much about the relation of social class and learning as any man in America," Dr. Hale said. (Continued on Page 2, Col. 1).

3 QUALITY EDUCATION f Continued from Page 1, Col. 2) The two consultants worked with Langston officials to map a full-range "freshman faculty development-study program. " A core faculty group was formed with representatives from all areas of freshman experience mathematics, physical and biological sciences, social science, health and physical education and out-of-class experiences. Committees were framed for each area and the various sections meet regularly to continually plan for improved instruction and learning. Laboratories were established for reading, modern language, speech and mathematics. How-to-StudyClinics involved every freshman. A fully new course in humanities was developed as a result of the successive steps. During the year that just ended, Langston became the first institution of its region to join a coast-to-coast telelecture program that links college campuses by telephone for lectures from world leaders in literature, sciences, and other fields. Students can personally question the great figures following the lectures. Langston's plan included a stepped-up cultural program on campus, and transportation of students to cultural activities and exhibits in nearby cities. To extend the program beyond the campus borders, and so spread its results Langston has sponsored one-day conferences each year for secondary school teachers, in the areas of language, arts, guidance, mathematics, counseling, extra-class activities, health, physical education, social studies and sciences. In an effort to combat school dropouts among Negroes, the University has brought sixth-graders (1,200 the first year, 1,500 the second) and their teachers to campus for a day of intensive exposure to the need for education beyond the elementary level. Results of all this is not yet measurable, and may never be. But all he has accomplished so far merely fuels Dr. Hale's desire to improve Negro education in Oklahoma. With half-way financing, he said, Langston could drastical lyalter the preparedness of all Negro secondary school teachers in the state. He has a detailed study plan ready. Placement Of Graduates A Major Concern At Langston University Since the fail of 1962, our Career Development Center, under the direction of Mr. Walter O. Mason, has provided testing, guidance, counseling, placement, and follow-up services for students and graduates of Langston University. We feel that the organized placement services has been one of the most significant moves forward. President Hale and his staff continually seek wider job opportunities for Langston students. The following reprint of an article which appeared in the Oklahoma City Times, June 23, 1964: Langston Chief Plugs For Job Opportunities By Madelaine Wilson (Washington Bureau) WASHINGTON - One of the tragedies for graduates of Langston University is the lack of job opportunities within the state. Dr. William Hale, president of the university, made this statement Thursday. He is here to attend a joint conference aimed at more employment opportunities for minority college graduates. The sponsoring groups are, Plans for Progress, the President's Committee on Equal Opportunities, and the College Placement Council, Inc. Representatives of such firms as Dow Chemical and Alcoa are here for the two-day meeting which began Thursday at the Statler Hilton Hotel. Dr. Hale, who will be 50 on August 8, is starting his fifth year as president at Langston. Four years ago the school's enrollment was about 550. Now it is approximately 690. "Our careerdevelopment center is able to place a majority of our graduates in jobs but it is mostly in large cities such as Washington and New York," he said. "One of the tragedies is the lack of job opportunities in Oklahoma." Dr. Hale and his wife were graduated from Langston University in 1940, were married a week later. They both have doctorate degrees. His is from the University of Chicago. Mrs. Hale, who was reared in an orphanage at Taft, has her Ph. D. degree from the University of Wisconsin. A new student union, two dormitories for men and women, and 12 faculty apartments wi 11 be ready for returning Langston students and faculty this fall. In addition, the old dining room is being renovated into dormitory rooms. Besides employment opportunities for Negro college graduates, Dr. Hale is concerned with the number of dropouts in elementary schools. "We have an incomplete integration situation in Oklahoma. Negro pupils were placed in formerly all-white schools, but Negro teachers lost their jobs. In a five-year period, 500 Negro teachers were released. During one year, 400 Negro children dropped out of school. 11 Dr. Hale believes these two facts are related. "One reason for the dropouts is that after the sixth grade, the Negro child may have no contact (Continued on Page 3, Col. 1)

4 PLACEMENT OF GRADUATES (Continued from Page 2, Col. 2) with a Negro teacher a person who would understand his problems." Last year, Langston University had a special day for sixth graders to visit the campus. "We wanted to motivate them in staying in school and making something of themselves. Twelve hundred came the first year. This year, about 1,500 came. Next year, we hope to have 2,000. " Dr. Hale was honored June 19 when a story about him was included in the Congressional Record on request of Sen. Mike Monroney. TKe story, written by Mary Jo Nelson, appeared in the Oklahoma City Times June 4. Sen. Monroney told the senate that as several agencies make national efforts to improve Negro education on a national front, "I want to call attention to Langston University's pioneering efforts...for three years, Dr. Hale has moved quietly to remove any educational inadequacies among Negro students. " (Copyright, 1964, Oklahoma Publishing Company. Reprinted by Permission) Seventeen Valedictorians Admitted For The Fall Term Tuition scholarships have been awarded seventeen high school valedictorians admitted to the freshman class this fall. Selection of the recipients for these scholarships is made on the basis of the student's high school scholastic average. Those receiving scholarships are: Jo Helen Alexander, Dunbar High School, Okmulgee, Oklahoma; Jerry Driver, Booker T. Washington, Sand Springs; James Glover, Booker T.Washington, Sand Springs; Helen Grayson, Wheatley High, Beggs; Lou Ella Henderson, Dungee High School, Choctaw; Larry Jefferson, Douglass High School, Lawton; Rutha Mae Moore, Grayson High, Henryefta; Arcelia M. Johnson, Fairview High, Linden, Texas; Ernie Oulds, Jr., L'Ouverture High, McAlester; Wilma Jean Renfroe, Boley High, Boley; Margie Jean Porter, L'Ouverture High, McAlester; Lois Jean Spurlock, Booker T. Washington, Hugo; Alice Strong, Tatums High, Tatums; Portia E. White, Clearview High; Clearview; Sandra Kay Wilson, Manual Training, Muskogee; Betty Jo Gaines, Tullahassee High; Tullahassee; Patrick Gill, Douglass High, Ardmore; and, Norman Puckett, Manual Training, Muskogee. Greetings From World's Fair Guide James Robbins, a Langston University junior majoring in English, is enjoying his work as one of the twenty World Fair "Sooner Guides" in New York. Robbins, an honor student from Ft. Gibson, Oklahoma, was selected from a large number of applicants from Oklahoma colleges and universities. We thought you would like to know how he is enjoying his assignment: Deai Pre sident Hale, Jul y29, 1964* INC - fairr eetlngs from New York, a h has been " ^ fabul us 'e ardingf at C m ' ^e/m Z'TuSl e^elncp e lnn j S ' PPortunity f 0[ I7]e, n? ston f r ProviT Vety lousl&'upovite, lotf rabl ' e vacati W nderfu^place * an? case /S/ Enrollment Up Sincerely and Ja mes Robbin s gratefully y ou " fabu * e The Langston University 1964 summer school enrollment showed an increase of 26% over 1963, as compared with an increase of 7.4% in all of Oklahoma's colleges and universities for the same period. Langston's freshman enrollment for the 1964 summer session showed a 95% increase, as compared with a 19.3% increase of freshmen in all Oklahoma institutions of higher learning. The University is pleased to see more freshmen beginning their college careers in the summer. Admissions to date for the freshman class for the fall indicate an unprecedented increase of 94%. The 1963 fall freshman class totaled 192. Already, 390 freshmen have been admitted to the 1964 fall freshman class. Although our new building program included two new resident halls, space in both has already been assigned.

5 Kudos To President William H. Hale '40, who was given the coveted distinction of being selected by the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Oklahoma as "Mason of the Year." Mr. Arthur Wallace '60, who received the Doctor of Philosophy degree in Agricultural Economics from Oklahoma State University. Doctors Nathaniel Hare '54, and Franklin D. Hill '56, who have been selected for inclusion in the 1965 edition of Outstandi ng Young Men of America. Mrs. Marian Guest Patmon '54, Oklahoma City, who recently graduated from the University of Oklahoma with the Master of Library Science degree. Mr. Arthur Stevens '60, Boley, who received the Master of Science degree in Chemistry from the University of Oklahoma. Mrs. Doretha Edwards Gaffney '54, Guthrie, who recently graduated from Oklahoma State University with the Master of Science degree in Clothing, Textiles, and Merchandising. Mr. James Scott '38, Wewoka, who recently graduated from Oklahoma State College with the Master of Science degree in Adult Rural Education. Mrs. Myrtle Elliot '50, Tulsa, on being selected as Best Dressed Woman in Oklahoma as featured in a recent issue of Ebony. Mr. William C. Garrett, Sr., '42, Muskogee, who recently graduated from Oklahoma State University with the Master of Science degree in Adult Rural Education. Mr. William B. Parker '43, Choctaw, who received special recognition for twenty years of service as a vocational agriculture teacher. Mr. John Batchlor '54, Washington, D. C., who is co-author of a book soon to be published on job employment analysis. Mrs. Fiorestine Rodgers, Idabel, who recently graduated from The University of Oklahoma with a Master of Science degree in Home Economics Education. ALL ALUMNI serving and contributing to make your Alma Mater, your community, your country, and, eventually, the world "just a little bit better" because You were here 1. Faculty Notes Two Langston University professors participated in institutes for teachers from predominantly Negro colleges held this summer with support from the Carnegie Corporation of New York and the Rockefeller Foundation. The two participants were Miss Ella L. Clement, Assistant Professor of Mathematics, and Mrs. Moxye W. King, Associate Professor of English. The Mathematics Institute was held at The University of Wisconsin, and the English Institute at Indiana University. The eight-week institutes brought the faculty members up-to-date on the latest developments in English and mathematics and "what's new" in the teaching of these fields to college undergraduates. k -k k The Doctor of Humane Letters degree was conferred upon President William H. Hale by the Oklahoma School of Religion during its final commencement exercises held May 21, Dr. Hale was cited for outstanding achievements and notable contributions to civic and community activities and for dynamic leadership in the field of education. k k k James F. Scott, Associate Professor of Sociology and Chairman of the Department of Social Science served as guest lecturer for a seminar sponsored by the Southwest Center for Continuing Education at The University of Oklahoma, July 31, Mr. Scott will be on leave from the University for one year, beginning in September, to complete work on the Doctor of Philosophy degree in Sociology. He will resume his duties at Langston University in September, Dr. Jno. W. Coleman will serve as Acting Chairman of the Department of Social Science during Mr. Scott's absence. k k k The following faculty and staff members engaged in formal study this past summer: Mrs. E. E. Breaux and Mr. Wm. B. Scott, Oklahoma City University; Mrs. Evelyn Thrower, University of Denver; Mrs. Ada Lois Fisher, University of Oklahoma; and, Mrs. Ann Robinson, Messrs. John Gaffney, Booker T. Morgan and Eric Thrower at Oklahoma State University.

6 Scholarship, Key To Housing In New Resident Halls The formula approved for assigning housing space in the new dormitories is one of the positive steps taken by the Institution to create a more desirable academic climate. The students who will live in the dormitories will be as follows: 1. Seniors 2. Sophomore and Junior Honor Students 3. High School Valedictorians President Hale Concerned About Wider Community President Hale has been active in trying to help create better human relations in our state. In recognition of his dedicated efforts, Governor Henry Bellmon appointed him as a member of the newly created Human Relations Commission. Below is a reprint of a letter which appeared in the July, 1964, edition of the Tulsa Jewish Review. The Letter was written by Julius Livingston, a member of the Tulsa Jewish Community Council to Dr. Hale, who spoke at a recent forum held in Tulsa. It is felt that this arrangement will influence higher academic achievement on the entire campus. Building Project Nears Completion We are sure you will be delighted to know that the University Center, Men's Dormitory, Women's Dormitory, and twelve faculty and staff apartments are scheduled for completion September 1, We are pleased to announce that at the July 17, 1964, meeting of the Board, recommendations by the faculty for names for new and old buildings were unanimously approved. The buildings listed below will be named for the persons whose names appear opposite them: P * William Hale Langston University ^ngston, Oklahoma June 24, 1964 Dear Dr. Hale :. 1 indeed fp P 1 Privileged to arcana fort unate that t, io 0 ; 1 0 time. you A ltlts """ "" remain with met,"" in having men i ike crusade. There will b 3ny yeais to lead this OLD BUILDINGS Administration Building Science-Agriculture Bldg. Industrial Arts Building University Men's Dormitory L. G. Moore D. C. Jones E. A. Miller Z. T. Hubert Sincerely yours Men's Dormitory Women's Dormitory University Center NEW BUILDINGS Eugene J. Brown Lenouliah Gandy William H. Hale P.S. JULIUS LIVINGSTON opmse'sns^s Pay- 10 n. as a little enconrl VerSlty Founda - Sn a do W rk you are dotng g Thnt in the " d much as Ze goes^n.^ 2 If you have not done so, please consider this a special invitation for you to come to Langston and see your new buildings.

7 Foundation Ends Fourth Year Campaign LANGSTON UNIVERSITY DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION Statement of Cash Received and Cash Disbursement's October 1, June 30, TOTAL CONTRIBUTIONS RECEIVED (729 Contributions) $29, TOTAL DISBURSEMENTS 1. Matching Funds for National Student Defense Loan Funds (Made possible long-term loans to more than 600 students in this period). Estimate 450 will be helped during Revolving Small Loan Fund (For Short-term loans up to $50). 3. United Student Aid Funds, Inc. (Created a $25,000 long-term loan fund) High School Valedictorian Tuition Scholarships Langston University 4-Point Student Tuition Scholarships 6. Tuition Scholarships for 2 Essay Contest Winners, Emancipation Centennial 7. Band Awards 8. Operation Crossroads Africa Project (1 Student for Summer, 1964) 9. Designated Contributions: Lincoln J. Ragsdale Scholarship McCurtain County Scholarship Decagynian Federated Club Scholarship Langston Alumni, Detroit Oklahoma Club of Washington, D. C. Refund Sadler Fund 10. Surety Bond (3 years) 1 1. Operating Expenses $8,524.80*** 1, , , , , , TOTAL DISBURSEMENTS $23, CASH BALANCE, JUNE 30, 1964 $ 6, ***Matching funds made possible National Student Defense (Long-term) Loans as follows: $ 7, $50, , , , Larzette G. Hale, Director Langston University Development Foundation

8 Homecoming Calendar Of Events Theme: "All gaze with pride upon the scene" Thursday, November 5, :30 P.M Coronation of "Miss Langston" I. W. Young Auditorium 8:15 P.M. Coronation Ball Friday, November 6, :00 P.M Alumni Senate Meeting Saturday, November 7, :00 A.M...Breakfast Dance Langston University Collegians 8:00 A.M.-11:00 A.M Coffee Served by LU Parents Organization Sanford Hall & Gandy Hall 8:00 A.M.-9:30 A.M Reunion Breakfast 1934, 1944, 1954 Classes 9:30-10:30 A.M Class Reunion Meetings 9:30-10:30 A.M Open House All University Residential Centers 10:30 A.M Parade 1 1:15 A. M Special Music Langston University Concert Band 11:30 A.M Campus Tour 11:30 A.M.-1:00 P.M Dinner 2:00 P.M "Game Time'." Langston vs. Northwestern State College 6:00 P.M Concert* Lionel Hampton and Orchestra I. W. Young Auditorium 8:00 P.M Homecoming Dance* *One ticket admits a person to both the concert and the dance. The price of the ticket is $3.00 advance sale and $3.50 at the door. Advance tickets may be secured by writing the Business Office, Langston University. Make check payable to Langston University. Scheduled Events To Which You Have A Special Invitation September 16 October 18 November 7 February 27 March 14 April 7 Opening Convocation 10:00 A.M. Dedication of New Buildings 2:00 P.M. 2:00 P.M. Homecoming Game Workshop Department of Agriculture 2:30 P.M. Founders Day 20 NHA State Rally Honors Day Convocation 10:00 A.M. 10 Career Day 21 Leadership Convocation 10:00 A.M NFA State Convention May 1 25 Parents and Awards Day 10:00 A.M. & 2:00 P.M. Sixth Grade Day Fine Arts Festival 23 Commencement ATTENTION!!!! Football Fans Coach Tim Crisp, holding true to form, is not being too optimistic concerning the 1964 football season. When asked about his prospects for fall, Coach Crisp made his standard statement, "Langston University will finish no lower than last." He predicted that the conference race will end with Northeastern capturing the championship, followed by Central State, East Central, Panhandle A. & M., Northwestern, Southwestern, Southeastern, and Langston. We are hoping that with such a prediction, we can expect a record year. However, he did throw one ray of hope into the dark outcome, he added that the Lions have a good defense and more experience. Perhaps, the recent acquisition of a new scoreboard will contribute an added incentive to the team's success.

9 Langston's First Lady Becomes First Supreme Basileus Elect Dr. Larzette Hale, a graduate of the 1940 class and wife of President William H. Hale, was elected to the office of Supreme Basileus-Elect by the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., at its Fortyfirst Boule in Philadelphia on August 14. Dr. Hale was a charter member of Alpha Zeta Chapter while a student at Langston. She has been active in Sorority affairs over the years. Dr. Hale's achievement in winning this coveted post parallels that of her husband. Dr. William Hale was the first General President Elect of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and served as the twentieth General President of that organization. Registration Started In New York Registration was started today fora new program to enable qualified Negro teachers who hold education degrees to obtain their New York City teaching licenses. Sponsored by the New York Urban League and Yeshiva University in cooperation with the Federal Government, the program is designed to upgrade teaching skills. It concentrates on written and oral English and student teaching. An applicant can apply for participation in the program bywriting to Ira Asherman, Industrial Field Secretary, New York Urban League, 204 West 136 Street, New York, New York 10030, or by phoning AUdubon During the month of September, Yeshiva University will test all applicants, from which the first class in the program will be chosen. Starting on October 5, 1964, the class will last nine weeks, meeting give times a week from 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Stipends will be available for those students who qualify as heads of households. Additional classes are scheduled to start in January, March, and June, FOOTBALL SCHEDULE 1964 September 19 Philander Smith September 25 Central State October 3 East Central October 10 Panhandle October 17 Southeastern October 24 Northeastern November 7 Northwestern November 14 Southwestern November 21 Lincoln *Night Game ^Conference Game Guthrie* Edmond*^ Guthrie*^ Good we 11*^ Durant*^ Tahlequah*^ Homecoming^ Guthrie*^ Jefferson City, Mo. Kerr -McGee Launches Scholarship Program A bold new application of existing curriculum at Langston University, coupled with a plan for intensive practical instruction, has prompted Kerr- McGee Oil Industries, Inc., to launch a program at the school that initially will offer eight scholarships lasting up to four years and leading to a bachelor of science degree in business administration, D. A. McGee, company president, and Dr. William H. Hale jointly announced. To meet the need for skilled personnel in retail petroleum operations and to provide greater job opportunities for graduates of the predominantly Negro university at Langston, Oklahoma, school and company officials established job requirements and the Langston faculty agreed to design a special course of study from existing classes that will prepare selected students for entry into the petroleum marketing field at the ownership level. Students selected for the Kerr-McGee grants will receive practical experience in petroleum marketing in addition to the business administration curriculum. The company will provide summer employment for the students in Deep Rock retail outlets and will arrange for specialized training in auto mechanics and in related skills. Effectiveness of the course and the progress of individual students will be evaluated annually by university guidance personnel and by Kerr-McGee officials. A 1940 graduate of Langston, Dr. Hale said he was elated over Kerr-McGee's participation in the novel program and hoped the scholarship and placement plan will encourage other companies to inaugurate similar programs. "Our Career Development Center finds it necessary to locate jobs for many of our graduates in large eastern cities. The lack of job opportunities in Oklahoma for educated, qualified graduates is a tragedy," Doctor Hale declared. He added that 54 per cent of Langston's 1963 graduating class left this area to locate employment. "We are happy to utilize the facilities of this fine university to train selected persons in general education, in a business administration course, and in many practical facets of petroleum marketing in order to prepare them to operate their own retail businesses," McGee stated. "This program presents an unusual opportunity for those students who successfully complete the academic and practical phases of this course. It will enable them to step into a business of their own immediately after graduation. There will be no delay and no apprenticeship, " McGee pointed out. Students from freshman, sophomore, and junior classes are now being selected by school officials for the scholarships.