Latest news with #AlbanyStateUniversity
Miami Herald
3 days ago
- Sport
- Miami Herald
Former HBCU star thriving with Harlem Globetrotters
Randy McClure always dreamed of making basketball his career-and now, he's living that dream with flair. Known as 'Crash' the former HBCU standout at Albany State University, McClure is now dazzling audiences around the globe with the World Famous Harlem Globetrotters. McClure carved his name into Albany State history with over 1000 career points. From 2016 to 2020, he earned titles such as D2 All-American and SIAC All-Conference. He was also named twice to the NBPA HBCU Top 50, a rare honor for student-athletes at historically Black colleges and universities. After college, McClure played overseas. He won both League MVP and Championship honors in the Moldova Superleague. His success abroad led to a homecoming with one of basketball's most iconic teams. "When an opportunity to play with the world's most historic team comes, you don't turn it down," McClure said. Since joining the Harlem Globetrotters in 2021, McClure has continued to rise. In 2024, he was invited to perform as a third quarter showman during the team's world tour. That role is typically reserved for veterans. "No way at all would I have pictured myself in this position my first weeks as a Globetrotter," McClure reflected on Instagram. "But in my third year, I've learned a thing or two from the best." He gave special thanks to mentors Saul White Jr. and Chandler Mack, as well as the entire team for their support. From HBCU hardwood glory to international courts and the bright lights of the Globetrotters' stage, Randy McClure's journey is shared by his teammates. He also plays alongside former HBCU stars like Carl Garcia from Miles College, Prince Moss from Grambling, Asanti Price from Benedict College and Angelo Sharpless from Elizabeth City State University. The post Former HBCU star thriving with Harlem Globetrotters appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Tony Duckworth to lead Albany-area YMCA
ALBANY — When Tony Duckworth stepped away from his role as Albany State University's athletic director in 2023, he didn't expect his next opportunity to come from one of Albany's most community-centered institutions: the YMCA. In June, Duckworth will officially take over as director of the Albany-area YMCA, following the retirement of longtime leader Dan Gillan. 'I wanted to stay in Albany,' Duckworth said. 'That was the deciding factor.' After leaving Albany State, Duckworth turned down several out-of-town opportunities before accepting a position with Syneos Health, a pharmaceutical company. But even as he settled into that role, he kept an eye out for meaningful leadership opportunities in the Albany area. Off the clock, he remained a familiar face in the community, officiating high school basketball and baseball games and writing a popular weekly column for The Albany Herald. The Path to the YMCA It was a connection from his time on the NCAA Division II basketball selection committee that first introduced Duckworth to the idea of YMCA leadership. A fellow athletic director on the committee had taken a CEO role at a Pennsylvania YMCA shortly after Duckworth left ASU. 'That was the first time I really considered nonprofit leadership,' Duckworth said. 'It stayed in the back of my mind.' When Gillan announced his plans to retire, a local Albany State booster let Duckworth know about the opening. He applied, and after what he called an 'exhaustive' interview process, he was selected to lead the organization. Similar Roles, New Mission Transitioning from collegiate athletics to a nonprofit organization may seem like a shift, but Duckworth sees plenty of overlap. 'There are a lot of parallels,' he said. 'As a Division II athletic director, you wear many hats—staffing, budgeting, resolving complaints, running events, sweeping floors, driving buses, and fundraising. That's very similar to nonprofit leadership.' At the YMCA, Duckworth is especially motivated by programs that serve youth and families in need. 'We're feeding kids who might not get another meal that day,' he said. 'Feeding the Valley provides those meals, and both our afterschool programs and our partners at Easter Seals benefit from that relationship. It's a mission-driven operation that calls for creativity and compassion.' Listening First, Then Leading Rather than implementing immediate changes, Duckworth said his first few months on the job will be focused on understanding the organization's people and culture. 'For the first three to six months, I'm going to be listening,' he said. 'I want to understand the day-to-day operations, the roles of our team, and the needs of our members. If I'm asking questions, it's not to challenge—it's to learn.' Growth and Facility Improvements Though large-scale changes aren't imminent, Duckworth said improvements are already underway thanks to federal funding secured by Gillan through U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff. 'Members at the Gillionville Road facility will see aesthetic upgrades around the indoor pool and behind-the-scenes work that's just as important,' Duckworth said. 'A new HVAC system is also going into the gym.' Looking further ahead, he's excited about potential expansion, especially at the Lee County YMCA. 'There's a lot of development happening in that area,' he said. 'Our board is forward-thinking, and I hope to be a strong voice as we plan for future growth.' For Duckworth, leading the YMCA feels like a natural extension of his passion for serving people. 'The Y is truly a one-stop shop,' he said. 'It's the only place in town that serves everyone—from elementary school kids to senior citizens. No one else does what the YMCA does, and I'm honored to help continue that mission.'
Calgary Herald
27-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Calgary Herald
'It's temporary:' Steve Guttenberg talks about the fleeing nature of fame and the importance of being a good person at Calgary Exoat Calgary Expo
Article content Article content But only up to a point. On Saturday afternoon, the star of the Police Academy franchise, Short Circuit, Cocoon and Three Men and a Baby told an audience at Calgary Expo that he made a deal with his mom and dad when he left New York for Hollywood at the age of 17. Article content Inspired by the success of family friend Michael Bell, a successful voice-over actor who had a mansion in L.A., a Cadillac and beautiful girlfriends, Guttenberg had decided he wanted to be a movie star. He took some acting classes in New York and set off for Hollywood after graduating from high school. Article content Article content 'My parents gave me two weeks,' Guttenberg said. 'They said I could stay with Michael Bell . He had a big mansion on Mulholland Drive so I had somewhere to stay and somewhere safe to stay. My parents said 'you've got two weeks. So go to Los Angeles and become a movie star. But if you don't in two weeks, come back and you'll go to Albany State University, which I got accepted to.' Article content Article content Before the two weeks were up, he landed a commercial. It was for Kentucky Fried Chicken. He had no lines, but he was in scenes opposite Col. Sanders himself. Article content 'So I called up my parents and said 'I'm a movie star!'' Guttenberg said. Article content His first film, which Bell helped him get, was a tiny role in the 1977 action thriller Roller Coaster opposite George Segal (Fun Calgary Expo overlap: Rollercoaster was also the first film of guest Helen Hunt, who played Segal's daughter, and was also featured at this year's Expo.) Article content Article content Guttenberg eventually landed his first breakout performance in 1982's Diner, a cult comedy that also featured early appearances by Mickey Rourke, Kevin Bacon, Paul Reiser, Daniel Stern and Ellen Barkin. Article content But he became a household name after playing Carey Mahoney, the smart-alecky new recruit in 1984's Police Academy and its three sequels. Guttenberg said he was certain the film would be a success. But he was also certain he had lost the role after producers narrowed it down to him and another actor. Article content 'It was between me and another guy,' Guttenberg said. 'I don't want to say his name, but he was really a super talented gu. 'I was able to listen to his audition. The crew was laughing and clapping. This guy could sing and dance. He could do acrobatics and he was handsome. The crew was just laughing and cheering and when he left they were clapping.'
Yahoo
17-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Tribute to Chiquita Greene: Educator, trailblazer, servant leader
By Patricia Jackson, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority SYLVESTER — On behalf of President Yolanda Fields, it is with deep love and heartfelt remembrance that the Albany Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. honors the life and legacy of Chiquita Michele Greene, who passed on April 6. Chiquita was a devoted daughter of Arthur L. and Earnestine Greene of Sylvester. She was indeed a beacon of scholarship, sisterhood, and service. A 1995 graduate of Worth County High School, Chiquita made history as the first African American member of the school's dance team. She went on to become a double alumnae and lifetime member of Albany State University's Alumni Association. She earned a bachelor's degree in early childhood education and later pursued advanced degrees in education and leadership from Wheelock College, Walden University, Georgia Southern and Northcentral University. As a Dougherty County School System educator, Chiquita served with excellence at Martin Luther King Elementary School, Albany Early College and Westover High School. At Westover, she was named 2018–2019 Teacher of the Year and a finalist for DCSS Teacher of the Year. Over her career in Dougherty, Savannah-Chatham, and Glynn counties, she held many leadership roles: English Department chair, school improvement specialist, sixth-grade specialist, teacher support specialist, graduation coach, academic coach and instructional coach. She was also a Black History Quiz Bowl Team advisor. During her tenure, the Albany Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta was honored as a 2021–2022 Red Ribbon Chapter. Her leadership also saw the issuance of a mayoral proclamation recognizing Albany native and Delta Sigma Theta co-founder Osceola Macarthy Adams. Additionally, the chapter experienced growth through reclamation efforts, and the petition for a historical marker in honor of Adams is currently underway. She also served as co-advisor to the collegiate chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., Delta Rho, located on the campus of Albany State University. Chiquita's service has included: • President, Albany Alumnae Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.; • Charter member and vice president, Albany Flint River Area Section of the National Council of Negro Women; • President, Sylvester-Worth Chapter, ASU Alumni Association; • Board member-at-large, ASU National Alumni Association; • Vice president, Worth County Rams Alumni Reunion Inc.; • Co-chair of fundraising, Ma Flora's Helping Hands; • Secretary, Marching Rams Show Band National Alumni Association; • Worthy Matron, Pride of Sylvester No. 477, O.E.S.; • Advisor, Royal Dolls flag line; • Advisor, Tau Beta Sigma Band Sorority; • Advisor, Delta Rho chapter; • Secretary, Marching Rams Show Band National Alumni Association; • Member, Worth County NAACP. She was also the recipient of many honors, including: • 2021 Trellis Cuffie Volunteer Award; • 2021 Multicultural Award, GA Council of Teachers of English; • 2021 Distinguished Delta Award; • Albany Herald's 40 Under 40; • Albany State University's 50 Under 50; • 2017 Albany State University 'A Future to Fulfill' Award; • Leadership Academy for Women of Small-town America – Class of 2016; • 2007 Caring Person in the Community, Brunswick; • 2016 DCSS Leadership Academy selectee. In honor of her enduring legacy, Westover High School Principal William Chunn posthumously awarded Greene the prestigious Patriot Award for her exemplary service and commitment to the school. Additionally, Congressman Sanford Bishop is expected to issue a formal Congressional Record — the highest recognition a member of Congress can bestow — once Congress reconvenes later this month. Chiquita, whose personal motto was 'Give a good day on purpose,' was deeply passionate about reading, teaching flag and dance, and spending treasured moments with those she loved. She was a teacher, a leader, a mentor, and a friend, an extraordinary woman whose light will continue to shine in the hearts of all who knew her. May her memory continue to inspire. May her legacy continue to lead.
Yahoo
16-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Albany State grad Aliyah Johnson to serve as spring commencement speaker
ALBANY – Albany State University will celebrate the achievements of more than 700 graduates during its spring 2025 commencement ceremony on May 10, at 9 a.m. at the Albany Civic Center. Doors open at 8 a.m., and the academic processional will begin promptly at 9 a.m. Former Student Government Association President Aliyah Johnson will serve as the keynote speaker for commencement. A 2021 graduate of Albany State, Johnson made history as the youngest senior advisor for public engagement at the White House, where she served in the Biden administration. In her role, she managed events and programming for the President of the United States, making her a rising star in public service and a powerful example of Ram excellence. In addition to the main commencement ceremony, the university will host several special events to honor graduates from specific academic programs: Health Sciences Pinning Ceremony — May 8 at 2 p.m. Student Center, Building C, Room 266 – West Campus Nursing Pinning Ceremony — May 8 at 4 p.m. Student Center, Building C, Room 266 – West Campus Social Work Hooding and Penning Ceremony — May 9 at 2 p.m. C.W. Grant Student Union Ballroom – East Campus Professional Embracing Novice (PENning) Ceremony — May 9 at 5 p.m. Billy C. Black Auditorium – East Campus These ceremonies mark important milestones for students transitioning into the work force as educators, health professionals, and social workers. They also reflect ASU's continued commitment to preparing leaders who will serve communities across Georgia and beyond. The Spring 2025 Commencement Ceremony also will include a U.S. Army ROTC commissioning ceremony, recognizing graduates who will begin their service as commissioned officers.
