Category: Alumni

LANGSTON UNIVERSITY PLAYERS INDUCTED INTO HALL OF FAME

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By Kaylie Wehr, Digital Marketing Specialist

LANGSTON, Okla.—Thomas “Hollywood” Henderson and Mike Garrett, athletic director at Langston University, will induct 10 football players into the Langston University Hall of Fame as a part of the halftime festivities at Homecoming on Oct. 18, 2014.

“These are deserving men,” said Henderson, a retired NFL linebacker for the Dallas Cowboys and a Langston University alumnus. “They are great football players and each has provided valuable contributions to Langston Athletics.

“I am pleased to be part of this activity, and I hope it begins a tradition to acknowledge student-athletes who have made contributions at Langston University.”

Inductees were chosen by a selection committee for their performance as a student-athlete. The men will be presented with a medal and recognized for their contributions to the university.

Men being honored will include the coach and several players of the 1973 team that won the title of Oklahoma Collegiate Conference Champions.

Thomas Henderson, Mike Garrett and Langston University alumnus Clarence James will present the medals.

Langston University is located 12 miles east of Guthrie, Oklahoma. Langston offers more than 38 degree programs, including five master’s degrees and one doctoral program. For more information on Langston University Athletics, please visit www.langstonsports.com.

LANGSTON UNIVERSITY PREPARES FOR HOMECOMING CELEBRATION

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By Kaylie Wehr, Digital Marketing Specialist

LANGSTON, Okla.—Langston University homecoming, Forever A Memorable Experience, will kick off with Rep. Mike Shelton as the grand marshal. Homecoming is Oct. 13-18, 2014, with Shelton leading the annual parade and kicking off festivities on Saturday.

“We are pleased to have representative Shelton as our homecoming grand marshal,” said Kent J. Smith, Jr., President of Langston University. “He embodies the quality of leadership that we strive to teach at Langston. Shelton has dedicated his life to serving others and has always been a great supporter of Langston University.”

Shelton is a native of Oklahoma City and a Langston University alumnus. It was by studying under a former state representative that Shelton became interested in politics. Shelton mentored and worked with several organizations, including Langston University’s Oklahoma City campus. As the Community Outreach Coordinator for Langston University – Oklahoma City, he launched the first adult scholarship program for the campus.

In 2004, Shelton was elected to Oklahoma District 97 and currently serves as the Assistant Democratic Floor Leader.

Homecoming is an anticipated tradition at Langston University. Events are scheduled every day during the week of homecoming, such as the annual Gospel Fest, President’s Scholarship Gala, Greek Step Party and coronation of Mr. and Miss. Langston University. The parade begins at 10 a.m. on October 18, while the football game begins at 2 p.m. against Wayland Baptist University.

Langston University is located 12 miles east of Guthrie, OK. Langston offers over 38 degree programs, including 5 masters degrees and one doctoral program. For more information on Langston University homecoming and to purchase tickets, visit www.langston.edu/homecoming.

LANGSTON GRADUATE HEADS BACK TO ROOTS AS THE NEW DIRECTOR OF BANDS

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By Christina Gray, Media Relations Specialist

Langston University recently named in-demand performer and alumni Lonnie Easter as the new Director of Bands. He brings with him a wealth of knowledge in the field of music and stays ahead of the curve by choosing songs from the Billboard Top 25 list.

Easter earned a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education from Langston University, where he graduated magna cum laude from the Edwin P. McCabe Honors Program. He also earned a Master of Music in Jazz Studies from the University of Central Oklahoma.

Easter recently served as the Director of Bands for Douglass High School in Oklahoma City, restoring a once proud program. The Douglass High School marching band is now known for its outstanding performances at halftime events and performances at the OKC Arts Festival. He served as the Director of Bands for nine years at Millwood Public Schools in Oklahoma City. The most memorable performance was for the Battle of the Bands in 2006. It was Easter’s creative approach that caused News 9 to feature Millwood as its ‘band of the week’ for their winning performance that had the crowd dancing in the stands.

Easter is best known for crafting contemporary and upbeat performances and is now continuing that tradition as he prepares the Langston band for its upcoming performances this fall.

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