Shaw Expands Initiative of Community Beyond the Gates

Raleigh, NC – (March 22, 2007) A solid foundation with community has been firmly expanded beyond the gates of Shaw University. With co-sponsors Womble Carlyle Sandridge & Rice, PLLC and Relational Technology Solutions, the “Bridging Global Initiatives & Local Community” initiative was unveiled to more than 80 business and community leaders who donned the campus on March 20th. This opportunity of exchange allowed the excellence and forward movement of the Shaw University story to be shared. The commitment to community made by the administration to bridge the digital divide has been fulfilled with the installation of wireless Internet service to the Top Green Community Center and the South Park community. This project of technology was showcased live via videoconference during the morning press conference in historic Estey Hall.

During the press conference, Martel Perry, Executive Vice President of Shaw University welcomed the business and community leaders and stated, “By launching this community service project, we intend to facilitate dialogue between Shaw and a wide array of organizations; private and public, for-profit and non-profit; who share our vision of fostering intellectual enhancement and technological skills both within and beyond the gates of our institution. On behalf of Dr. Clarence G. Newsome, the 13th President of Shaw University, I want to thank our co-sponsors and business partners that include Womble Carlyle, Relational Technology Solutions, Avaya, Incorporated, Citrix and Extreme Networks.”

Through joint partnerships with Avaya, Incorporated, Citrix, Extreme Networks and Relational Technology Solutions, the University is expanding deployment of a converged end-to-end data and voice systems network by extending its rich IP Telephony capabilities to the Community Center. IP Telephony is software-based technology that uses Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) to transmit voice as data over a computer network.

Don Donadio, Office Managing Partner of Womble Carlyle Sandridge & Rice, PLLC stated, “Shaw University is a wonderful part of the downtown community and the 550 lawyers of Womble Carlyle are excited about reaching out to our neighbor and we will continue to be involved. This initiative is connecting Shaw to the world but they also remain deeply rooted in the community.”

Jeff Ehlers, Chief Executive Office of Relational Technology Solutions stated, “Relational is proud to partner with leading telecommunications, networking and application delivery organizations to support Shaw University in launching this initiative.”

Brad Thompson, a community leader and member of the Southeast Raleigh Assembly (SERA) stated, “Shaw University is an important member of our community and has been for almost 150 years. We are grateful for this continued partnership with such a prestigious institution of higher learning.”

Through donations of equipment and consulting resources made by the four technology partners, Top Green will leverage an Application Gateway to access web-based, University content via Avaya IP phones newly installed at the Center. This functionality offers users the ability to use a touch screen interface and press the graphic related to the Shaw University service in which they are interested.

The day of community events also included Kenneth W. Lewis, the keynote speaker for CASES (Cultural, Academic & Spiritual Enrichment Seminars) in the Thomas J. Boyd Chapel at 11:00 a.m. Dr. Quincy Scott, Dean of the Chapel facilitated the event and introduced Mr. Perry who brought greetings on behalf of the President. Paul Billow of Womble Carlyle provided greetings and stated, “This is a wonderful launch of community and it is important to develop friendships with community partners.” Mr. Perry introduced Mr. Lewis and told the students, “He understands building companies, the economy and international funds. He understands money and your position and what it will mean in the modern economy. Young people need to participate in the educational process to the fullest.” A partner in the Firm’s Corporate and Securities practice group, Mr. Lewis came to the podium and told the students beautifully adorned in Shaw dress that “You have to dare to dream big. We are all creative; creating relationships and opportunities. The vision that you adopt for possibilities in your life will determine if you are successful.” He is a graduate of Duke University and the Harvard Law School. The University Choir under the direction of Dr. Lonieta Cornwall provided beautiful selections for the occasion.

A Presidential Luncheon sponsored in Estey Hall by Relational Technology Solutions was held in Estey Hall at Noon. June Costa, Vice President of Institutional Advancement provided greetings on behalf of Dr. Newsome and the University Family. She introduced Mr. Perry who in turn introduced Jeff Ehlers, CEO, the speaker for the Luncheon. Dan Dunn, National Account Manager of Relational Technology Solutions and Gloria Agard, Diversity Coordinator of Womble Carlyle provided greetings and spoke to the marvelous spirit of cohesiveness and relationship that has been developed with Shaw University. Harvey Schmidt, President of the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce extended greetings and a hearty acceptance of this call to community. Steve Niu, faculty member of Shaw University and Dr. Herman Thomas, Vice President of Academic Affairs, provided key information on the global initiative established between Shaw and the Second Northwest Nationality University (NNU) of the People’s Republic of China. This opportunity will allow an exchange of students and faculty with students from China receiving dual degrees from Shaw and NNU.

A wonderful Reception sponsored by Womble Carlyle rounded out the day of events at 5:30 p.m. welcoming other leaders to campus to learn the Shaw Story, provide more dialogue and exchange.

Every leader in attendance echoed the importance of establishing and partnering with Shaw University, “the intellectual center of downtown Raleigh” as previously stated by Dr. Newsome. The collaboration with our co-sponsors, Womble Carlyle and Relational Technology Solutions, and other business partners firmly solidified the call to extend and expand this global initiative beyond the gates with the local community. Shaw University is on the progressive and exciting move and the recent gift of $5M from The Christy and John Mack Foundation Endowed Scholarship is an exceptional validation and example of the limitless opportunities of partnership, community and excellence that lie ahead.