Latest news with #SouthCarolinaStateUniversity
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Retired shop owner earns degree to honor victims of the Orangeburg Massacre
Orangeburg, South Carolina — New York native Linwood Riddick could have spent his golden years in Summerville, South Carolina, tickling the ivories or whatever else tickled his fancy. But instead, the 79-year-old retired shop owner has spent the last six years poring over textbooks and dragging himself to class at South Carolina State University in Orangeburg, relentless in his pursuit of a college education. "I just stepped on the accelerator and didn't stop," Riddick told CBS News. "…I was determined to complete what I started." To understand why it mattered so, we need to go back to 1968, when protests against segregation were erupting across the country. One of the deadliest protests occurred at South Carolina State University, where three unarmed Black students were shot and killed by police in what became known as the Orangeburg Massacre. The three killed were Henry Smith, Samuel Hammond Jr. and Delano Middleton. Smith and Hammond were students at SCSU, and Middleton was a high school senior whose mother worked at the university. More than two dozen protesters were also wounded. Nine South Carolina Highway patrolmen, all White, were indicted on federal charges in the shooting, but were all acquitted. Linwood Riddick had never heard of the Orangeburg Massacre until a few years ago when he stumbled on a campus memorial. He says he knew right then what he had to do. "I said, you know, I'm coming here…because I want to put my contributions to their sacrifice,' Riddick said. "And when I get my degree, it's going to be in their name." "In his mind, he was completing their mission," SCSU President Alexander Conyers told CBS News of Riddick. "...He started here in 2019 with zero credits, you know, driving from Summerville every day, which is almost an hour to class and back home." That patience and persistence earned him a bachelor's degree in music industry. And earlier this month, he walked across the stage to a standing ovation. But the more important walk was yet to come, one done alone and without any pomp or circumstance to the Orangeburg Massacre memorial. With that, Riddick's mission was complete. And although it started as a symbolic gesture, Conyers says it'll have a very real impact. "Mr. Riddick has brought this back to the forefront for this university, for this community, for this state — to remind us of our solemn duty to never forget." Here's how much Qatar's plane gifted to Trump administration will cost to retrofit Biggest takeaways from RFK Jr.'s MAHA report What is Trump's message to the European Union amid new tariff threats
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Memorial Day observation program returns to Langston
Langston will once again honor the sacrifice of those who gave their lives in service to the country with a Memorial Day observation, 11 a.m. Monday at Wm Conrad Veterans Memorial Gardens, 313 East Turner Street in Langston. According to a news release, 'veterans, their families and friends, and the public are respectfully invited to assemble to observe Memorial Day. 'We will again provide an opportunity for citizens of this area to join the many U.S. Citizens across the nation as we reflect on the countless individuals who served in our military and lost their lives during wars or other military actions since the founding of our nation. Again, this year, we will come together with the families and communities of those who were lost and those who returned,' the release states. The keynote address will be delivered by Dr. Clifford Stanley, a reverend and retired US Marine Corps major general. 'Having completed a 33-year distinguished career with the Marine Corps, our speaker rose to the position of Undersecretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness; serving as the senior policy advisor to the Secretary of Defense on recruitment, career development, pay and benefits for 1.4 million active duty military personnel, 1.3 million Guard and Reserve personnel, 680,000 DoD civilians, and was responsible for overseeing the overall state of military readiness,' the release reads. 'His last position was as the Deputy Commanding General, Marine Corps Combat Development Command and Commanding General, Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia. Additionally, he served as the Marine Corps Principal Representative to the Joint Requirements Board which supported the Chairperson of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in fulfilling his responsibilities, as well as in various other positions.' Stanley is a graduate of South Carolina State University with a master's degree from Johns Hopkins University and a Master of Divinity degree from the United Lutheran Seminary. 'His formal military education includes, in part, Amphibious Warfare School, the Naval War College, Honor Graduate of Marine Corps Command and Staff College and National War College,' the release said. 'Dr. Stanley earned his Doctorate Degree from the University of Pennsylvania and holds Honorary Doctor of Laws degrees from South Carolina State University and Spalding University. Additionally, he holds a Doctor of Science, Honoris Causa, from The Medical University of South Carolina and Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Stillman College. 'Our speaker's military honors include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, the Legion of Merit Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal (2 awards), the Navy Commendation Medal, and the Navy Achievement Medal. His civilian awards include receiving the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People's (N.A.A.C.P.) Meritorious Service Award, the N.A.A.C.P. Roy Wilkins Award, and the American Legion Award for Inspirational Leadership. He is a Life Member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.' Stanley is an adviser and assessor with the Worldwide Association of Business Coaches and is an associate minister in Philadelphia. 'The master of ceremony is a fantastic, returning Memorial Day Speaker, Mr. Marlon T. James. A native of Oklahoma City, he attended Langston while simultaneously serving in the Oklahoma National Guard and was a cadet in the Army ROTC Broncho Battalion at the University of Central Oklahoma! He graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) from Langston University in 1995, and days later, he received an active-duty commission as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army,' the release reads. 'Marlon has been stationed all around the world and throughout his 23 years in the Armed Forces, he has held positions of increased responsibility in leadership, management, operations, and human resources. Marlon was fortunate to command two companies, including one in combat, where he was awarded the Bronze Star due to his actions in combat.' James works at Tinker Air Force base in civil service as an acquisition program manager. He is on the Langston University Foundation Board of Directors. 'The Wm Conrad Veterans Memorial Gardens is pleased to complete the display of flags for each military branch in the Gardens' stately Flag Pavilion. The U.S. Space Force was established on Dec. 20, 2019, creating the first new branch of the armed services since 1947,' the release reads. 'The establishment of the USSF resulted from widespread recognition that space is a national security imperative. With the cooperation of the OSU ROTC Program, U.S. Space Force Cadet Alexander Turner Camacho, will officially raise the U.S. SPACE FORCE FLAG with remarks by WCVMG Trustee Dr. Kermit McMurray and the Space Force Hymn played by U.S. Air National Guard Bugler Vicki Friedemann. 'Stillwater resident, Mr. James Horn, an outstanding Marine and a resolute supporter of the WCVMG will introduce his fellow Marine, Dr. Stanley. It was through his diligent efforts that we are privileged to have this distinguished speaker for our Memorial Day Program.' Music will be provided by vocalists Isaac B Coleman, Jr. and Nalha Casby. 'This year's program will again welcome an Honor Guard from Tinker Air Force Base; Rev. Everett Mack, Sr., New Hope Baptist Church; and the Mistress of Ceremony from our 2024 Veterans Day Program, our own Langston 'Darling' – Ms. LaVonne Lee (Dallas) who will do a tribute to Ms. Rita Graham who penned the signature Memorial Day Poem for the Gardens,' the release said. 'The WCVMG will host a 'Morning Coffee and Pastry Reception' at 10 a.m. to give attendees the opportunity to meet our speaker and other program participants. The program will start promptly at 11 a.m. All guests are invited to fellowship with our Veterans following the program at a Community Picnic with Lunch sponsored by the Gardens and the Town of Langston City.' The observance can also be viewed live on the Wm Conrad Veterans Memorial Gardens Facebook page. 'Army Veteran and Langston native Stewart A. Williams is the founder/developer of the Wm Conrad Veterans Memorial Gardens. He and his wife Maeoma have worked tirelessly to find ways for others to honor our U.S. Veterans. From the official groundbreaking ceremony that was held 10 years ago on July 4, 2015, to the Grand Opening Ceremony held on October 1, 2022, Veterans and the public have been invited to the Gardens to 'Honor all who served,' the release reads. 'To make a Capital Campaign Pledge and/or to request to purchase a Military ID Tag for yourself or your favorite Veteran(s), please email: wmconradveteransmemorialgarden@ or send by US mail to PO Box 27 Langston, OK 73050. Cash donations can be made to Cash App: $wmcveteransmg. All donations are tax deductible.'
Miami Herald
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Miami Herald
HBCU awards degree to 80 year old Vietnam veteran
Linwood Riddick didn't enroll at South Carolina State University, an Orangeburg, South Carolina, HBCU, in pursuit of a career. Instead, he came seeking clarity, a renewed sense of purpose, and a way to honor a legacy that deeply moved him. This month, the Vietnam War veteran and longtime member of the SC State Concert Choir received his bachelor's degree in music industry-just weeks before his 80th birthday in July. His journey to that diploma was far from traditional, but it was firmly grounded in personal conviction. "I was walking through campus one day and overheard some men discussing the Orangeburg Massacre," Riddick recalled, referring to the tragic 1968 police shooting that claimed the lives of three unarmed Black students at SC State. "I thought to myself, 'I need to come here, leave my mark on this institution in honor of those young men.'" Now, with his academic journey complete, Riddick hopes his story will inspire others. "People will see me and hopefully understand the purpose behind my being here," he said. A Moment of Recognition SC State President Alexander Conyers made a special pause during Friday's commencement ceremony to honor Riddick as he stepped down from the choir risers. "Mr. Riddick, at 80 years old, has been fully immersed in the student experience-singing in the choir, performing at events," Conyers said. "You inspire us all." Later in the ceremony, Conyers personally handed Riddick his diploma, and the arena erupted in applause from his fellow graduates and the audience. From Service to Song Born in New York and raised in Virginia, Riddick began his college journey at Norfolk State University before being drafted into the U.S. Navy and serving in Vietnam. After returning home, he built a successful business selling souvenirs and various goods for over 30 years. "I did my time in the military, came back, got some help from the VA, and started my own business," he said. "I ran that business until I retired at 72." Instead of settling into retirement, Riddick began commuting from his home in Summerville, South Carolina, to Orangeburg for classes. "I wanted to keep my mind and body active," he said. "The brain is like a spiritual muscle-it needs to be used. Mind, body, soul, and spirit-all must be engaged." An HBCU Voice and a Mentor At SC State, Riddick became a familiar face in the Concert Choir, performing at commencements and special occasions. But his impact extended far beyond the stage. His presence brought inspiration and wisdom to a younger generation of students. Riddick hopes to continue supporting his HBCU. He plans on working with faculty and students to build stronger intergenerational connections and spark greater student engagement. "We need to bridge the gap," he said. "Sometimes, one must teach one. With all I've been through, I want to mentor these students. Hopefully, the faculty and I can foster more connection. We need innovation." A Message of Hope Riddick's advice to others, particularly seniors, is simple but powerful: "If I can do it, you can do it. Nothing's impossible if you try." As for the future? He jokes, "The only thing left for me now is to get computerized-but I've got everything else covered." The post HBCU awards degree to 80 year old Vietnam veteran appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025
NBC Sports
03-04-2025
- Sport
- NBC Sports
How to watch the men's and women's 2025 HBCU All-Star Games: Live stream, rosters, start time
This Sunday, the top 24 men's and women's HBCU players in the nation head to San Antonio, Texas, to showcase their skills in the 2025 HBCU All-Star Games. This year marks the fourth annual competition for the men and the very first women's HBCU All-Star Game. Both contests will take place at Freeman Coliseum. Live coverage will begin at 1 PM ET on Peacock and the NBC Sports NOW FAST channel. See below for everything you need to know about the 2025 HBCU All-Star Games. How to watch the 2025 HBCU All-Star Games: Date: Sunday, April 6 Time: 1:00 PM ET Where: Freeman Coliseum in San Antonio, Texas Live Stream: Peacock and the NBC Sports NOW FAST channel What time is the 2025 Men's HBCU All-Star Game? The men's game begins at 1:00 PM ET. HBCU All-Stars has announced the broadcast team for the 2025 men's HBCU All-Star Game. 2025 Men's HBCU All-Star Game Roster: Team Al Attles: Kameron Hobbs, Morgan State University Alvin Miles, Miles College Evan Johnson, University of Maryland Shore Christian Ings, Norfolk State University Martaz Robinson, Delaware State University Marcus Dockery, Howard University Jalen Williams, Clark Atlanta University Omar Croskey, South Carolina State University Davion Everett, South Carolina State University Jesus Carralero Martin, Bethune Cookman University Ahmir Langlais, Tennessee State University Tyrel Bladen, Norfolk State University Coaches: Erik Martin - South Carolina State University Head Men's Basketball Coach Doug Whittler - Morehouse College Head Men's Basketball Coach Team Bob Love: Robert Smith, Delaware State University Tairell Fletcher, Fayetteville State University Kevin Sesberry, Tuskegee University T.J. Madlock, Alabama State University Jordan Hinds, Bluefield State University Derrick Tezeno, Southern University Bakir Cleveland, Lincoln University (PA) Wayne Bristol Jr., Hampton University Ernest Ross, Grambling State University Kenny Hunter, Texas Southern University Romelle Mansel, Jackson State University Shannon Grant, Jackson State University Coaches: Kevin Johnson - Southern University Head Men's Basketball Coach Luke D'Alessio - Fayetteville State University Head Men's Basketball Coach What time is the 2025 Women's HBCU All-Star Game? The women's game is set to tip off approximately 30 minutes after the men's game ends. HBCU All-Stars has announced the broadcast team for the 1st ever women's HBCU All-Star Game. 2025 Women's HBCU All-Star Game Roster: Team Yolanda Laney: Diamond Johnson, Norfolk State University Iemyiah Harris, Miles College Zamara Haynes, University of Maryland Eastern Shore Jordyn Dorsey, North Carolina A&T State University Saniah Parker, Tennessee State University Taliah Wesley, Allen University Maleia Bracone, North Carolina A&T State University Kaiya Creek, Howard University Makoye Diawara, Norfolk State University Morgan Callahan, North Carolina Central University Corriana Evans, Clark Atlanta University Laila Lawrence, Coppin State University Coaches: Larry Vickers - Norfolk State University Head Women's Basketball Coach Tony Bailey - Clark Atlanta University Head Women's Basketball Coach Team Patricia Hoskins: Destiny Ryles, Bowie State University Kahia Warmsley, Grambling State University Keayna McLaughlin, Fayetteville State University Lauryn Pendleton, Alabama A&M University Zoe Cooper, Jackson State University Soniyah Reed, Southern University Lyric Cole, Tennessee State University Amesha Miller, Virginia State University Treasure Thompson, Texas Southern University Alisha Wilson, Alabama A&M University Kayla Clark, Bethune Cookman University Lydia Freeman, Grambling State University Coaches: Carlos Funchess - Southern University Head Women's Basketball Nadine Domond - Virginia State University Head Women's Basketball Coach How can I watch sports on Peacock? Sign up here to watch all of our live sports, sports shows, documentaries, classic matches, and more. You'll also get tons of hit movies and TV shows, Originals, news, 24/7 channels, and current NBC & Bravo hits—Peacock is here for whatever you're in the mood for. What devices does Peacock support? You can enjoy Peacock on a variety of devices. View the full list of supported devices here. What is NBC Sports NOW? NBC Sports NOW is a free 24/7 streaming channel from NBC Sports offering daily sports talk shows, live sports and highlights on Peacock, The Roku Channel, Pluto TV, Xumo and more. Where can I watch NBC Sports NOW? NBC Sports NOW can be accessed for free across most devices, including Smart TVs, streaming platforms (Peacock, The Roku Channel, Pluto TV, Xumo), smartphones, tablets and web browsers. Nicole Auerbach,
Yahoo
25-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
New research status for SC State highlights its enrollment, fiscal turnaround
A South Carolina State University student walks outside the school's new engineering building Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2025. The building is a research hub on the campus of the state's only public historcally Black university. The school has earned the Carnegie Commission on Higher Education's second highest research designation. (Photo by Jessica Holdman/SC Daily Gazette) ORANGEBURG — A research designation boost for South Carolina State University emphasizes how far the school has climbed from a decade ago, when falling enrollment and mounting debt threated its closure. The state's only public historically Black university announced Tuesday that it had achieved the second-highest level of research under the Carnegie Commission on Higher Education's ranking system. 'This is a defining moment in our university's history, one that reflects our steadfast commitment to academic excellence, innovation and impactful research,' said President Alexander Conyers. To reach that status, the university has to spend at least $5 million on research and award at least 20 doctoral degrees a year. By comparison, the state's top-tier research schools — University of South Carolina, Clemson University and the Medical University of South Carolina — spend at least $50 million on research and development and award 70 or more research doctorates each year. SC State becomes the only college in South Carolina in the next tier. When Conyers spoke to S.C. State's governing board last year about pursuing the designation, he told board members corporations often seek historically Black colleges and universities as partners for federal grants. Having a higher research status makes the university even more competitive for those opportunities, The Orangeburg Times and Democrat reported. 'Going forward, this designation will, I believe, give us a much greater opportunity for additional resources and funding,' Conyers told reporters Tuesday. 'This is going to give us an opportunity to elevate on all levels.' The Orangeburg university has one doctoral program — in education — which prepares students for jobs as school district superintendents, curriculum developers and other educational management and policy-making positions. The university has considered adding more doctoral programs, said spokesman Sam Watson. That could include the areas where the university already offers master's degrees. SC State student and faculty research areas also include transportation, energy, agriculture, cyber security and cancer prevention. Victoria Jordan, a senior from Fort Mill, has worked along researchers at the Medical University of South Carolina to study precursors of pancreatic cancer in an effort to catch the disease before it progresses. She's also studied oral cancers and after graduation she plans to continue her education and pursue a career as a dentist. The college's industry partners include IBM, Duke Energy, BMW and Savannah River National Laboratory. SC State's partnership with the federal nuclear laboratory, as well as USC and Clemson — known as the Battelle Alliance — was among the efforts Conyers highlighted in his announcement. To help produce the workforce needed at the national lab, SC State started a fire protection engineering degree and a cyber security degree to its list of offerings. 3 SC colleges could split $120M to educate students for jobs at nuclear laboratory The new research designation marks a major comeback for the university that a decade ago was on the brink of losing its accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools' Commission on Colleges. The accrediting agency put SC State on warning in 2013, followed by probation a year later after school officials failed to cut spending despite years of declining enrollment. The commission's next step, revoking accreditation, would have ended students' ability to qualify for federal financial aid — which would've been a death knell for the school. In 2015, lawmakers took drastic steps to keep the school open. Those included approving a $19 million bailout, firing SC State's entire governing board and appointing temporary members to cut spending and return the school to solvency. Hundreds of jobs were eliminated. In 2016, after the Legislature forgave all but $6 million of the debt, the school's accreditation was fully restored. While the school largely had moved past its fiscal mess by 2021, enrollment still lagged. The board fired the previous president and installed Conyers to turn that trend around. The university now has about 3,000 students, up from about 2,100 students when Conyers came to the helm. As the university continues to improve, House budget writers are seeking to forgive the school's remaining $2 million debt to the state. 'They certainly have gotten their act together,' Rep. Bill Taylor, R-Aiken, said last week as the House Ways and Means Committee adopted its spending plan. The school could've already paid the debt in full if it had as many alumni and deep donor pockets as USC and Clemson. Removing that cloud is the right thing to do, he said. 'South Carolina State University is on the move,' Conyers said Tuesday. Revenues at the college were up 17% to nearly $30 million at the start of last school year. And this fall, the school actually enrolled more than 3,300 students but had to turn hundreds away due to a campus housing crunch, Watson said. Total SC college enrollment remains flat this fall, 'nowhere near the cliff' SC State has more than $18 million worth of housing projects under construction — two dorm remodels that will add nearly 300 bed spaces when complete — in an effort to remedy that. Watson said the school also hopes to use bonds to finance a new 500-bed facility to allow for future growth. Finally, Watson said, private developers are considering building a pair of apartment complexes near the campus. And the city of Orangeburg has started a major redevelopment project, known as Railroad Corner. The project is being built using nearly $30 million in federal funds and will include housing space for 200 students that the college will lease from the city. Watson said the school leadership estimates they could regrow enrollment to 5,000 students by 2028, a student number the school has not seen since before the Great Recession.
