Members of Strong-Turner Association, 3.0 Club honored for dedication to education

By Christy Brown, Herald Staff

The Strong-Turner Alumni Association paid tribute to black students who have excelled in academics at its annual Honor's Reception Wednesday in the Carl R. Reng Center Ballroom.

More than 160 black students were honored at the reception for either being a graduating senior or a member of the 3.0 Club.

To be eligible for the 3.0 Club, students must have completed at least 30 credit hours at Arkansas State University and have a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or above.

This club was established in 1994 to "show that African Americans can achieve on a predominately white campus and compete with other ethnic backgrounds despite the odds that are facing them," Parice Porter, coordinator of minority affairs, said.

Dr. Rick Stripling, vice president for academic affairs, applauded the honorees for their dedication to academic excellence.

"This is a special week in the life and times of the university. It is a time to recognize exceptional academic performance," Stripling said.

"It is important to pause and take time out of the academic vigor and say, 'job well done,'" he said.

Organizers invited LaToshia Scaife, a May 2000 graduate and 3.0 Club member to speak at the reception. Scaife currently lives and teaches in the Jonesboro area.

Scaife praised the honorees for their commitment to education and encouraged them to continue to excel.

"Your career as well as your influence must start now," she said.

The Strong-Turner Alumni Association was formed in 1982 in honor of Walter Strong and Frederick Turner, the first black graduates of ASU.

The purpose of the organization is to increase interest and participation of black students in the university. Organizers said they want to promote awareness of the legacy of black history at ASU.

"This program has turned out to be a very big success. It is great to watch African American students achieve and excel to a higher level," Porter said.