肯尼索,遗传算法. | 2024年5月3日

Excited gasps punctuated a Saturday afternoon in Kennesaw State University’s 工程技术 Center as a crowd gathered around the unveiling of a new, permanent exhibit honoring the late Rev. 哈里斯特拉维斯.

The unveiling took place during the second annual Hornets Homecoming, an event hosted by the Southern Polytechnic State University (SPSU) 校友 Society honoring those who graduated from the institution. Replacing the traditional gold and black colors of Kennesaw State, SPSU’s green and white colors decked the halls, 的表, and the walls all over campus. 正规博彩十大网站排名会长Kathy S. Schwaig, donning a green blazer, was on hand to welcome the crowd.

“What an honor it is to recognize Rev. 特拉维斯 and to share in this moment with his family and friends. It means so much to unveil this exhibit to someone who was a dear friend to so many and an inspiration to all,施瓦格说.  “This tribute honors the legacy of an academic, 一个工程师, 还有一个牧师, and of someone who had a tremendous impact on our community.”

Prior to his death last year, 特拉维斯 served as the first African American chief academic officer of SPSU from 1982 to 1998. After that, he was the senior pastor of Zion Baptist 乔治亚州玛丽埃塔的教堂. He was also an engineer, educator, academic administrator, author, and humanitarian.

The exhibit, titled “All Joy,” was curated by Catherine Lewis, associate vice provost in the Department of Museums, Archives and Rare Books. It consists of four large panels containing personal pictures from 特拉维斯’ life, and it details the important role he played in the history of Kennesaw State and the community.

“Dr. 特拉维斯 played an important part in helping grow SPSU, and his leadership came at a critical time in the university’s history,刘易斯说. “We’re so pleased to unveil this exhibit about his life and legacy to help inspire our next generation of leaders.”

家庭 and friends came from all over for the special occasion including one of 特拉维斯’ daughters, 谢丽尔·吉尔伯特.

“I’m just overjoyed and in awe,” Gilbert said. “We’re so, so thankful that he’s being recognized. Dad touched so many lives. He was a believer, he loved everyone, and he always wanted to share his faith and his knowledge. I’m so proud of his legacy and of this tribute to him.”

The decision to unveil the tribute at the Hornets Homecoming was to further drive home the importance of the role that SPSU plays in the history of Kennesaw State as 一个整体. Clay Long, associate director of alumni and constituent engagement, said weeks of planning went into the event.

“The legacy of SPSU matters to us and it matters to them that they’re recognized,” Long said. “The 正规博彩十大网站排名 will always be their campus and where they got their degree, where they changed their life, where they changed their family’s lives. Seeing their faces as they reminisce makes all the planning worth it.”

Another of 特拉维斯’ daughters, Verdonna马龙, said her father would have been beside himself to see the turnout to celebrate the history of SPSU as well as of those celebrating his extraordinary life and service.

“He would be joyous,” Malone said. “He would be so happy that you even thought of him. He was a very humble man. He was a man of many talents, and to be recognized for all areas of his life is so special. He was so many things, but most importantly, he was my dad, and I looked up to him. He would be so thrilled to see that his legacy was seen as important.”

——阿曼达·库克的故事

Photos by Judith Pishnery

A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Kennesaw State University offers undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees to its more than 45,000名学生. Kennesaw State is a member of the University System of Georgia with 11 academic colleges. The university’s vibrant campus culture, 多样化的人口, strong global ties and entrepreneurial spirit draw students from throughout the country and the world. Kennesaw State is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 7 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit 肯尼索.edu.