“font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: Verdana;”>Dr. Myrtle Dorsey “font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: Verdana;”>is the new Chancellor for the St. Louis Community College system. Dr. Dorsey moved to St. Louis from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She spent nine years as the Chancellor for the community college system there. On September 1, she received a warm welcome to St. Louis at a reception hosted by the Ecumenical Leadership Council. The council is a group of statewide ministers dedicated to the social, educational and political empowerment of the African American Community. The event was held to introduce Dr. Dorsey to the community and gave her an opportunity to share her vision for the St. Louis Community College system. The reception at the Royal Vagabond’s Club in the city’s Central West End was well attended. Damion Trasada brought greetings from Governor Nixon and discussed the role two-year colleges play in providing access to education and employment for our youth.
“font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: Verdana;”>On hand to meet and greet Dr. Dorsey were; Bishop Lawrence Wooten, Rev. Douglas Parham, Rev. & State Rep. Tommie Pierson (ELC), Ada Taylor, CEO Deer Valley Home Health Services (they provided the food), St. Louis Board of Alderman President Lewis Reed, Drs. Earl and Esther Beeks, Karen and Dr. Gary Watkins, Vickie Newton, UMSL Chancellor Tom George, Jim Buford (Urban League STL), Dr. Art McCoy (Superintendent Ferguson-Florissant School District), Dr. Doris Graham (Ferguson-Florissant School Board), Eddie Davis (Center for Acceleration of African-American Business), Renee Franklin (St. Louis Art Museum), Abe Pruitt (President, Firefighters Institute for Racial Equality), Harold Brown (STL NAACP), Northwoods Mayor Everett Thomas, Thelma Cook (HSSU Board President) and Kenny Murdock (WGNU).
“font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: Verdana;”>Double Header for Steven Roberts (President, Roberts Companies). Steven hosted two power breakfasts this week at popular Shula’s 347 Grill located in the newly renovated Roberts Mayfair Hotel in downtown St. Louis. On Wednesday September 7, Steve was asked to host a roundtable discussion led by Michael L. Davis (Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Employee Benefits Security Administration). Mr. Davis’ task is to connect with area leaders in business and banking in order to access their vision for the future of our economy, discuss problems in their respective industries and message back to the White House.
“font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: Verdana;”>A few of the roundtable participants included; Steve Roberts, Pat Crowley (Sr. VP, Bank of America), Jeff Hall (CFO, Express Scripts), Jim Krekeler (General Partner, Edward Jones), Tom Reeves (CEO, Pulaski Bank), Kenny Story (Director, Roberts Hotels Group) , Victor Franklin (Mercer) and Tom Irwin (Executive Director, Civic Progress).
“font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: Verdana;”>The following morning (September 8) Steve hosted RCGA’s Breakfast with the Gazelles. Breakfast with the Gazelles is features leading business, regional and entrepreneurial leaders who focus on issues and ideas that affect their businesses and the community at large. Steve gave a powerful audio visual presentation that detailed The Roberts Companies success, vision for the future and commitment to the St. Louis community. Discussions following varied from the proposed China Hub to employment, the state of our economy and the need for commitment to the St. Louis community. Steve’s presentation was well received and Shula’s breakfast was top notch. Shula’s St. Louis management advised the St. Louis location is the only Shula’s location that offers breakfast, lunch and dinner.
“font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: Verdana;”>McCormick and Schmick’s “font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: Verdana;”>popular Seafood eatery in West County was the last stop for Brenda Gail Ringo’s (Ferguson-Florissant School District) month-long 55th birthday celebration.
“font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: Verdana;”>Brenda began her summer birthday celebration in Jamaica at the trendy Rui Resort and Spa. She traveled with friends Connie Spencer, Greg Houston, Connie Carson and Marilyn Wilson. Brenda had a great time in Jamaica and is looking forward to her return trip next summer. She said the fresh fish, fresh fruit drinks, entertainment and weather were perfect. She even tried her hand at parasailing and loved it.
“font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: Verdana;”>Two weeks later Brenda celebrated with family and friends in the private dining room at McCormick and Schmick’s. Granddaughter Shawnese Ringo (Ball State) prepared a PowerPoint presentation tribute in honor of her Grandmother’s birthday. Delicious food, birthday cake and great conversation were enjoyed by; Jennifer and Kenneth Jones, Andre and Sheron Chaney, Brandra Xavia and Tavon Sampson (New York), Brothers Marion, Theodore with daughter Tedrah, Aunt Francis Trotter, Cousin Elizabeth Hawkins (Boston), Donna Ellis, Bertha Myers, Angela Carey, Louise Portis and Corliss Stewart.Â
“font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: Verdana;”>The St. Louis American Foundation’s Salute to Excellence in Education is tomorrow night and tickets are at a premium. Please contact Robin Britt at 314-533-8000 to reserve your seat now. Mike Claiborne’s Dirrty Muggs Band will provide entertainment at the after party, he promises a repertoire that will keep you all dancing all night. Michelle L. McClure, PhD (Assistant VP for Academic Affairs, HSSU), Natissia Small, M.Ed. (Assistant Dean of Students, UMSL) and Marsha Yvonne Merry, NBCT (Library Media Specialist, SLPS) are among the 2011 Excellence in Education Awardees.
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“font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: Verdana; background: white;”> Hats off to the St. Louis City chapter NAACP and President Adolphus Pruitt for hosting the August 30th reception at Centene headquarters to recognize Attorney Frankie Freeman for receiving the NAACP’s Spingarn Award in Los Angeles this summer. Adolphus thought it was important for members of the St. Louis community to honor Atty. Freeman in person. Kudos!
“font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: Verdana;”>Blessings!
“font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: Verdana;”>Dana Grace: dgrandolph@live.com.
