On behalf of the entire Langston University community, we are saddened and disturbed by the recent violence enacted on the campuses of Morgan State University and Bowie State University in Maryland as both institutions celebrated their homecomings. These senseless incidents take a toll on our collective communities and shared experience as Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
As we prepare for our own Homecoming celebration at Langston University, we want to take the time to remind and reassure our community of the resources and protocols in place. The University has security cameras throughout the grounds and in campus buildings which are routinely monitored and reviewed. There will be an increased presence of law enforcement and security for all Homecoming activities.
In an effort to ensure the well-being of the campus, we ask that everyone please practice these steps to sustain safety on campus:
— If you see something, say something. Our University community should feel empowered to report any suspicious or threatening behavior immediately so that the appropriate officials may respond.
— Download the free Campus Shield app to use in case of emergency or to make an anonymous report through photo or video directly to LUPD. You can find the app in the App Store or on Google Play for Android. Download the app directly onto your mobile device and select “Langston University” from the installation menu. The app allows for immediate emergency calling and provides an easy means of reporting suspicious behavior or activity directly to LUPD.
— Take note of the Blue Light call boxes located around campus. The call boxes can be used to place an emergency call to LUPD for immediate assistance at any time.
— Be mindful of who we allow or bring onto our campus locations. Too often, acts of violence are perpetrated by visitors who have no sense of responsibility to an institution or its members’ shared values.
— Do not engage with individuals who seek to threaten the safety of our campus community. No good will come from attempting to engage with individuals who intend to do harm. Please report any incidents immediately to LUPD.
— Model the behavior we wish to see as we celebrate our Homecoming. Homecoming at Langston University is a cherished celebration for so many and this year, we want you to be “ALL IN”. We ask that all members of our community conduct themselves with pride and respect for others.
To be clear, violence will not be condoned or tolerated. Please report any suspicious activity, no matter how minor, to LUPD immediately. Our sworn and certified police force is here to protect and serve. Together, we can continue to ensure that Langston University is a safe place for our community to live, learn, and thrive.
Thank you for your continued support and love of Langston University. Together, we look forward to a safe and successful Homecoming celebration!
Sincerely,
Ruth Ray Jackson, Ph.D.
Interim President
Nathanael Rakestraw Edwards
Student Government Association President
There is nothing like an HBCU homecoming! LU alumni and fans traveled across the country to enjoy the week’s festivities.
The week kicked off with Gospel Fest featuring Dove Award-Winning Musical Artist, Travis Greene. The LU-OKC Campus hosted a family fun night complete with games, vendors and more! Several events highlighted the University’s milestones including the 40th Anniversary Celebration of the LU-Tulsa campus and the 30th Anniversary Celebration of the E.P. McCabe Honors Program.
The 14th annual President’s Scholarship Gala was marked with celebrity guests including the host, Emmy Award-winning comedian Sheryl Underwood and featured musical performances by local artist Club Nouveau and R&B funk headliner, Cameo. The evening was dedicated to those who have given in support of the University’s mission and all the proceeds went directly to student scholarships.
Gameday festivities included the annual parade, a tailgating competition, and the highly anticipated football game. Dance teams and marching bands came from all over the state to march in the parade that featured our beautiful historic campus. Lion fans of all ages came out to watch the Lions storm the stadium to defeat Texas Wesleyan in a 69-7 battle. Game Day was highlighted by the top-ranked Marching Pride Band during their incredible halftime performance.
If you’ve never experienced Langston University’s homecoming, you are missing out!
LANGSTON, Okla. —Langston University homecoming, the EvoLUtion will start off with Cheryl Miller as the grand marshal. Homecoming is Oct. 12-17, 2015, with Miller leading the annual parade and kicking off festivities on Saturday.
“We are excited to have one of Langston University’s newest members, Coach Cheryl Miller serve as our homecoming grand marshal,” said Kent J. Smith, Jr., President of Langston University.
“Cheryl has been a great addition to our campus and has shown she has the true spirit of a lion. Cheryl leads our girls not only on the court, but instills the quality of leadership and provides the mentorship they need to thrive.”
Coach Cheryl Miller was appointed as Langston University head women’s basketball coach in April 2014. Miller was a three-time national player of the year at the University of Southern California, leading the Women of Troy to national championships in both 1983 and ’84 and playing on the 1984 U.S. Olympic team. She went on to coach in the WNBA for four seasons before beginning a career as a national sports broadcaster.
The NCAA named Miller one of the top five collegiate basketball players in NCAA history. Miller was USC’s head women’s coach for two years in the mid ’90s, and then coached the Phoenix Mercury of the WNBA from 1997 to 2000. Miller led LU’s women’s basketball team through a great 2014-15 season, finishing with a 28-4 record.
Homecoming is an anticipated tradition at Langston University. Events are scheduled each day during the week of homecoming, such as the annual Gospel Fest, President’s Scholarship Gala, Greek Step Show, and the coronation of Mr. and Miss Langston University. The parade begins at 10 a.m. on Oct. 17, while the football game begins at 2 p.m. against Southwestern Assemblies of God.
Langston University is located 12 miles east of Guthrie, Oklahoma. Langston offers over 38 degree programs, including five masters degrees and one doctoral program. For more information on Langston University homecoming and to purchase tickets, visit www.langston.edu/homecoming.
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.
