2005 Scholars Conference

The Holmes Scholars annual conference was a great success! Over 55 current Holmes Scholars and dozens of Alumni met in Philadelphia January 20-23. The conference began with the induction ceremony and luncheon with the Holmes Partnership Board of Directors. Twenty two new scholars were welcomed into the program this year, and a new Scholar Council was elected. Alumni scholars, now members of NAHSA, were active participants in the conference. The opening and closing ceremonies, as well as the break-out sessions were all organized and presented by Alumni. The 2004 Scholars Council was also very active in the organization of the regional activity, the scholars gathering, and business meeting.

We had wonderful keynote speakers this year. Dr. Jewel J. Faison-Jackson - Holmes Alumni, spoke at the opening luncheon, and Dr. C. Kent McGuire, Dean of the College of Education, Temple University, was the speaker for the reception and dinner with the Holmes Partnership Board of directors. Both gave powerful messages about self-confidence, determination and perseverance, learning to take opportunities, and finding your voice and role in the world.

The opening ritual gave us energy to begin the conference and the closing ceremony helped us reflect, look back, and and thank those who have paved the way for our success.

Over 30 institutions were present at the Job Fair. Scholars had the opportunity to interview with several of them during the one-hour session. We also provided each participant institution with copies of the scholars resumes so, don't be surprised if you receive an offer soon!

In 2004 the Scholars met in San Diego, California, January 15-17, at the Manchester Grand Hyatt, San Diego, California. The Scholars events and sessions started on January 15 and continued throughout the Holmes Partnership Conference.  More than 50 current scholars met at the conference, presented their work, and participated in a series of interesting events. The program included renowned researchers and scholars such as Dr. Roland Tharp, Director of the Center for Research on Education, Diversity and Excellence CREDE-at the University of California-Santa Cruz, and several Holmes Alumni who now hold important professorship and administrative positions in several Universities across the nation.

Holmes alumna Dr. Socorro Herrera, from Kansas State University was the key note speaker for the induction ceremony and luncheon, and Dr. Sabrina Hope King, from the Wallace Foundation, was key note speaker for the opening dinner.

Franklin Williams, from the University of Central Florida, ended his term as President of the Holmes Scholars Council. Rashard Wright, from George Washington University, was elected new council president. Willette Young, from Central Florida, was elected Council Historian.

During the conference, scholars and alumni met to develop a framework from which to begin more formal mentor/Mentee relationships.

 Despite some two feet of snow on the nation’s capital, the 2003 Holmes Scholars Conference took place in Washington D.C. on February 20 - 21 at the Grand Hyatt Regency Hotel, with the participation of over 100 current scholars and alumni from all around the nation. The Scholars' conference is organized within the annual conference of the Holmes Partnership. This conference provides current and former Holmes scholars opportunities to present their research and discussion topics in roundtables and paper sessions, to participate in workshops, as well as to network and make new friends.

Various scholar alumni, who are now in faculty positions, sponsored a number of discussion and workshop sessions for new scholars. The annual job fair attracted prospective employers from 20 universities and many scholars left with a couple of job offers. The scholars had the opportunity to chat with Robin Smiles, Associate Editor of the Black Issues in Higher Education magazine.  Keynote speakers for the induction ceremony luncheon and the Scholars' dinner were Dr. Orlando Taylor, Dean of the Howard University Graduate School, and Holmes alum, Dr. Stan Trent, University of Virginia.

Several scholars will return to Washington D.C. in July to participate in the Holmes Scholars Summer Leadership Institute, organized by The George Washington University and AACTE.