With a ribbon cutting ceremony gathering faculty, staff, students and community partners, 冈本视频 (LOC) recently celebrated the grand opening of its Technology Innovation and Research Center (TIRC) located at 835 Saxon Ave., Memphis, Tennessee.

The Technology Innovation and Research Center serves as a hub providing access to resources and technologies for advancing academic support, workforce readiness, and innovation for the college and community. The grand opening held tours through the new space with a testing lab, virtual reality space, and classrooms. Student-led activations were held for attendees to learn more about focus areas including virtual reality simulation, robotics, digital tools, and AI literacy.

鈥淭his is a space where students will help us solve real problems that are challenging not just our institution, but also our community,鈥� said Kimberly Bailey, Vice President of Information Technology and Chief Information Officer at 冈本视频. 鈥淥ur students can bring their unique qualities to this building and find a place to land all their amazing ideas. And it鈥檚 not just a place for our students, but also for faculty, staff, high school students, and others in our community. We want people to hold conferences here, complete certifications, take exams like the ACTs, research, and explore ideas.鈥�

LOC鈥檚 Technology Innovation and Research Center also expands space for continued partnerships and events with local institutions.

鈥淲e also envision the center as a place where local businesses can find brilliant young people they can recruit for their hiring pipeline,鈥� Bailey said. 鈥淪o, it shouldn鈥檛 just be a place to learn and stop; there should be a destination reaching beyond that into our community, into employers, and even entrepreneurship for our students.鈥�

鈥�The opening of TIRC exemplifies 冈本视频鈥檚 perpetual impact of preparing students as they become innovators and leaders who will accelerate strengthening our community,鈥� said Dr. Christopher B. Davis, President of 冈本视频. 鈥淭he center is also a dedicated place where Memphians can receive support and access tools that will equip them for success and contribute to the city鈥檚 economy. It鈥檚 another opportunity to invest in our students and in our city.鈥�

Visitors can access the center during normal business hours Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For inquiries to reserve the space for events, contact Brittany Morrow, Director of the Technology Innovation and Research Center, at brittany_morrow@loc.edu.

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Memphis Mayor Paul Young and 冈本视频 President Christopher B. Davis formally announce City of Memphis and Shelby County’s designation of August 7 as LeMoyne-Owen’s 807 Day.

冈本视频, the only HBCU in Memphis and the fifth oldest in the country, received formal proclamations from the City of Memphis and Shelby County declaring August 7 as LeMoyne-Owen鈥檚 807.

Memphis Mayor Paul Young and 冈本视频 President Christopher B. Davis announced the designation today during the college鈥檚 807 Giving Day, its annual campaign raising funds benefiting the National Annual Fund and increasing support towards academic and institutional advancements.

鈥淓very city has institutions that help define it, and LeMoyne-Owen is one of those institutions for the city of Memphis. As Memphis鈥� only HBCU, with roots dating back to 1862, this college has opened its doors for more than 160 years. For generations, LOC has developed leaders, expanded opportunities, and helped shape the story of our great city,鈥� said Memphis Mayor Paul Young. 鈥淚 often say, one of the best investments we can make is in our young people. Every time we invest in a student, we invest in the city of Memphis. 冈本视频 is helping to make that vision possible every day. That鈥檚 why 807 Day is so important; and today we have an opportunity to invest in LeMoyne-Owen so they can continue opening its doors for the next generation of leaders.鈥�

冈本视频, the source for Black excellence, touts premier programs such as its degrees in Cybersecurity and Business Administration. In recent years, the college has experienced increasing enrollment and launched major initiatives; including the Magician Advantage Loan Repayment Assistance Program, the new LOC Online flexible program, and advancing its focus on expanding the campus in the Soulsville community.

Shelby County Mayor-elect and LeMoyne-Owen Alumnus Mickell Lowery and President Christopher B. Davis commemorating 807 Giving Day.

鈥�807 Giving Day is when Memphis gets an opportunity to demonstrate that they believe in what we鈥檙e doing here at 冈本视频,鈥� said President Christopher B. Davis during the press conference. 鈥淪omeone asked me recently, 鈥楧r. Davis do you really make magic at LeMoyne-Owen? And I respond with, both our City of Memphis Mayor and Shelby County Mayor-elect served on the board of trustees before they became mayors. That鈥檚 the Magic.鈥�

鈥淭oday, 冈本视频鈥檚 807 Giving Day, benefits how we continue to celebrate, encourage, and build leaders,鈥� said Dr. Roslyn Nichols, Vice President of Donor Prospect and Strategic Engagement at 冈本视频.

The college鈥檚 807 Giving Day telethon, from 8:07 a.m. to 8:07 p.m. is being held on campus in the Student Center鈥檚 Little Theater and is open to the public. The telethon is live streamed on the college鈥檚 social media channels. For information on how to give, visit loc.edu/807day or contact 901.750.4483.

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Roderick Smothers Jr.

Smothers Jr. brings a strategic vision to advance the college鈥檚 athletics in recruitment, structural improvements, institutional growth, staffing, and enhancing the student-athlete experience.

鈥淚 am a strong advocate for HBCUs and amplifying the need to inspire the next generation of athletic administrators,鈥� said Smothers Jr. 鈥淚 look forward to working alongside the staff in our collective mission to advance athletics and ensure our student-athletes are on the path to becoming the next leaders.鈥�

Smothers Jr., from Vidalia, Louisiana, joins 冈本视频 with approximately eight years of leading HBCU athletic departments across the country. He previously served as the Assistant Athletic Director for Ticketing at Alabama A&M University for the past three years.

Prior, he led the Philander Smith University athletics department from 2020-2023 and was elected President of the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference (GCAC). Under his leadership, Philander Smith University secured five championships, and two Commissioner鈥檚 Cups, including the 2023 Thomas Howell Cup, the GCAC鈥檚 all-sports award which is awarded annually to the institution that obtains the highest number of points in competition across all men鈥檚 and women鈥檚 sports sponsored by the GCAC and the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA).

In addition, he was elected President of the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference, where he managed the organization鈥檚 affairs and represented the conference as a board member for the Athletic Director鈥檚 Association (ADA).

鈥淎t 冈本视频, we are dedicated to preparing students for driving success, leadership, and impact in their fields,鈥� said Dr. Christopher B. Davis, President of 冈本视频. 鈥淎s LOC continues to build tremendous momentum, appointing Roderick Smothers Jr. as our Director of Athletics ignites a new era for athletics and joins our collective mission for advancing opportunities and championship contention for our institution.鈥�

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The magic illuminated Brownlee Lawn as 111 graduates crossed the stage and turned their tassels to the left, signifying their significant transition as graduates and their next chapter as alumni from the Source of Black Excellence.

冈本视频 conferred associate and bachelor鈥檚 degrees to fall 2025 and spring 2026 graduates last weekend at the college鈥檚 156^th commencement ceremony.

The college heard inspiring remarks from three Valedictorians, Marley Freeman, Tadiwanashe Rukasha, and Ashanti Stewart, who graduated with a 4.0 grade point average.

Freeman, from Jackson Mississippi, earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Art, and is pursuing entrepreneurship and increasing mental health awareness through establishing a clothing brand, Remember 2 Smile (R2S).

鈥淚f there鈥檚 one thing I鈥檝e learned it鈥檚 this. You are stronger than you think, you are never alone, and no matter how difficult the road gets, there鈥檚 always someone in your corner, always a reason to keep going,鈥� Freeman said. 鈥淎s you leave here, and step into the next chapter of life, remember where you came from, remember what you overcame, and most importantly, remember to smile.鈥�

Rukasha, from Mutare Zimbabwe, and Stewart, from Friendship Pen, Saint Thomas Jaimaca, earned Bachelor of Science degrees in Computer Science.

鈥淟ife can be scary, but you don鈥檛 have to do it alone. Lean on the community you built here, hold on to those friendships, keep those connections alive, because these are the same people who will remind you of who you are when things get hard,鈥� Stewart said. 鈥淎nd, believe in yourself too. Apply for that job, start that business you鈥檝e been holding on your vision board for the past six months, walk into rooms you feel underqualified for and just do it. We鈥檝e been given the foundation at LOC, so let鈥檚 not waste it.鈥�

鈥湼员臼悠� did not just give us an education, it gave us great memories, amazing friends, and a second home that helped us shape who we鈥檙e becoming,鈥� Rukasha said. 鈥淎s you move forward, you may not have all the answers, and that鈥檚 okay. What matters is that we keep growing, take risks, and pursue what truly matters.鈥�

冈本视频 President Dr. Christopher B. Davis

冈本视频 President Christopher B. Davis reminded scholars in his address the significance of this commencement in the class of 2026. 鈥淚n the Hebrew tradition, the numerical value of the sacred name of God, YHWH, is 26. The name encompasses all tenses; He was, He is, He shall be. Past, present, and future held together in a single word,鈥� President Davis said.

鈥淎nd consider this, in the ancient telling, it was to the 26^th generation of the world that Moses received the Torah at Sinai. Twenty-six generations from creation to covenant,鈥� he said. 鈥淐lass of 2026, you are a generation of covenant. You have not simply completed a degree; you received a charge.鈥�

Renowned trailblazer, public servant, and lawmaker, Speaker Don Scott, Esq. of the Virginia House of Delegates, presented the keynote address during the ceremony. In 2024, Speaker Scott made history when he became the first Black speaker in the 406-year history of the Virginia House.

Virginia House of Delegates Speaker Don Scott, Esq.

Speaker Scott, from Houston, Texas, shared a moving testimony of his journey through graduating from Texas A&M University with an agricultural degree, to serving in the U.S. Navy, and later becoming a trailblazing leader in the Virginia House.

鈥淚 attended and graduated law school at LSU, but during my time there, I made a critical error in judgement. In my final semester at law school, someone asked me to pick up money in Mobile, Alabama. Next thing I know, the feds ran in, I鈥檓 in a federal drug conspiracy, and they told me I鈥檓 facing life in prison,鈥� he said. 鈥淢y mother and I went for sentencing, and the judge sentenced me to ten years. Ten years in federal prison. That was in 1994. Almost everyone told me my life was over; except I had this praying grandmother, and praying mother, and they helped me keep my faith and remember that was not the end of my story.鈥�

After being released from prison in 2002, Speaker Scott strived and continuously advanced in his law career. He passed the bar on his first attempt in 2014, twenty years after completing law school, and began practicing law. In 2022, he was elected by his colleagues as House Democratic Leader, and in 2023, he led Democrats to retake the majority.

鈥淭hat same woman from 1994 in that courtroom got to stand in the Virginia House of Delegates capitol and watch her son being sworn in as the first Black speaker in the history of the commonwealth of Virginia just 30 years later,鈥� he said.

In addition to his service in the General Assembly, Speaker Scott is a partner at Briet & Biniazan law firm, and he serves on the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee Board of Directors and is a lifelong member of the NAACP, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

For his distinguished service and impact in our nation, 冈本视频 presented Speaker Scott with an honorary doctorate degree of humane letters.

鈥淕raduates, trust me when I say, I know adversity. I know tough times. And when you talk about tough times, there鈥檚 nothing that can stop you unless you allow it to. I made up my mind that my past would not define my future.鈥� he said. 鈥淲hatever you think you鈥檝e been through, folks want to know about that. Your experiences, history, background, and education, when you put it all together, it equals greatness. You have to go out there and be great. This is your time.鈥�

During the ceremony, Dr. Seth Davis, Assistant Professor of English and Communications, the Dr. Theodore Roosevelt McLemore Award, the award of excellence in teaching honoring an outstanding full-time faculty member at the college, whose efforts made a difference in students鈥� lives.

The 2026 graduates were also inducted into the 冈本视频 National Alumni Association.

鈥湼员臼悠� prepared you over the last few years of your life, not just for this moment, but for this time in culture, history, and legacy,鈥� said President Davis to the class of 2026.

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(Valedictorians pictured from left: Tadiwanashe Rukasha, Marley Freeman, and Ashanti Stewart)

Marley Freeman, from Jackson, Mississippi; Tadiwanashe Rukasha, from Mutare, Zimbabwe; and Ashanti Stewart, from Friendship Pen, Saint Thomas, Jamaica; have reached the top of their class and graduates with a 4.0 grade point average.

Rukasha and Stewart will receive Bachelor of Science degrees in Computer Science.

Rukasha said she felt gratitude and excitement when she heard she became a valedictorian. 鈥淓specially knowing I got to share this achievement alongside my friend, it felt like a reminder that consistency really does add up,鈥� Rukasha said. 鈥淚鈥檓 looking forward to moving into the next stage of my academic and career journey.鈥�

鈥淲hen I learned that I was named a valedictorian, it felt surreal. This was always a goal I quietly held myself to, so reaching it was a deeply personal moment,鈥� Stewart said. 鈥淎s I graduate, I am looking forward to stepping into this next chapter, beginning my career, and applying the knowledge and skills I鈥檝e gained while continuing to grow both professionally and personally.鈥�

Freeman, who will receive a Bachelor of Arts degree in Art, also played as a guard on the Lady Magicians basketball team. 鈥淚t is great to see that the hard work paid off,鈥� Freeman said about learning she became a valedictorian. She is pursuing entrepreneurship and increasing mental health awareness through establishing a clothing brand, Remember 2 Smile (R2S).

The valedictorians are among 111 graduates who will be commemorated at the 156^th Commencement Ceremony on May 9 at 9 a.m., on Brownlee Hall Lawn, on the 冈本视频 campus at 807 Walker Ave. Memphis, TN, 38126.

For more information about 冈本视频鈥檚 commencement ceremony visit the commencement webpage.

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The LOC Men’s Golf team (Freshman Albert Laursen in center) is ushering in an exciting new era for the program.

Laursen’s path to the championship was a testament to consistency, composure and resilience. After finishing the opening round in second place, he quickly positioned himself as the golfer to beat. He fired back-to-back rounds of one under par in the first two days, steadily climbing into the lead after Day 2. With the pressure mounting in the final round, Laursen stayed poised, finishing with a five over performance to secure a final score of three over par. His three stroke margin of victory reflected both his steady play and his ability to capitalize on key moments throughout the tournament.

Across the three day stretch, Laursen showcased his scoring ability with nine birdies and two eagles, consistently finding opportunities to separate himself from a competitive field. The victory marked his third top five finish of the season, his second top three placement, and his first collegiate win, further solidifying his emergence as one of the most promising young golfers in the SIAC.

The moment the championship became official was one Laursen will not soon forget.

“When I heard that the guy who was second had hit it in the water, it was a huge relief,” Laursen said. “I could finally let down my shoulder and celebrate what I have been working so hard to achieve for so long. I went straight to my teammates after I heard the news to celebrate.”

His immediate reaction spoke volumes about the team culture that has been developing within the program.

Laursen was also quick to credit the leadership around him, especially Worthen, whose impact has already begun to reshape the program.

“Coach Worthen has meant a lot to me. He has given me this opportunity to shine in the NCAA with short notice and I am eternally grateful for how he has helped me with my game, mental, and even daily life. I could not have asked for a better and more welcoming coach to play for. He has given me the opportunity to move forward in my career and given me the resources that I needed along the way,” Laursen said.

He continued by expressing gratitude to his family and teammates, emphasizing the support system that has fueled his success.

While Laursen’s victory headlined the tournament, the Magicians also received valuable contributions from their veteran presence. Seniors聽听补苍诲听聽competed hard against a deep and talented field, finishing 34th and 36th respectively. Their efforts provided stability and experience for a team that continues to grow and evolve under new leadership.

As a team, LeMoyne-Owen finished seventh overall, a result that reflects both progress and potential. Worthen’s influence is already evident, not only in the individual success of Laursen but in the collective mindset of the group. Following the tournament, Worthen expressed both pride and optimism about the direction of the program.

“Hard to put this victory into words, but I am truly thankful for the hard work and commitment of this team and administration that made this possible. Albert has ascended to a small company of distinguished golfers to win a conference championship as a freshman. The MAGIC is back at LeMoyne-Owen and the Magicians are on the green,” Worthen said.

With a conference champion leading the way and a renewed sense of belief within the program, the Magicians are building something that extends far beyond a single tournament. This performance in Tunica was not just a victory, but a glimpse into a future where LeMoyne-Owen golf once again becomes a force within the SIAC.

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Don Scott, Speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates, will deliver the keynote address.聽Scott is a trailblazing public servant, accomplished attorney, and Navy veteran. He was elected to the Virginia House of Delegates in 2019, served as House Democratic Leader, and in 2024, he became the first Black Speaker in the 406-year history of the Virginia House.聽

Also, in an excitingly rare occurrence, attendees will hear inspiring remarks from three valedictorians, two of whom are international students.聽

鈥�As the source of Black Excellence, our college is looking forward to honoring the graduating class as they advance into their next chapter and carry on LeMoyne-Owen鈥檚 legacy of driving excellence, change, and success in Memphis and throughout our country,鈥� said President Christopher B. Davis.聽

During the ceremony, graduates will be inducted into the 冈本视频 National Alumni Association.

The college will also honor graduates at its annual Lantern Service, a ceremonial tradition symbolizing wisdom and transition, on Wednesday, May 6, at 6 p.m.聽

The commencement ceremony will be live-streamed on the college鈥檚 social media platforms. For more information about commencement, visit .

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In addition to serving District 91 in the Tennessee House of Representatives, Harris brings 15 years of esteemed leadership and experience in strategic initiatives, advocacy, and public service.

Representative Torrey C. Harris

Harris鈥檚 experience also stems from his position as Chief Strategic Advisor at Couth Innovation Group in Nashville since 2025, and he previously served in leadership roles in Friends for All, CHOICES, and Shelby County Government.

鈥淥n behalf of the Office of Institutional Advancement, we are thrilled to have Representative Harris join our team,鈥� said Dr. Rosalyn Nichols, Vice President of Donor Prospect and Strategic Engagement.聽 鈥淭ogether we will continue the legacy of securing financial support to educate and equip students who transform our world.”

鈥淥ur college community is excited about Representative Harris鈥檚 appointment as we continue our focus on strengthening partnerships, building pathways for student success, and transforming our community. He brings vision and dedication to uplift the mission of 冈本视频, and we look forward to the significant impact that will be cultivated through this essential role,鈥� said Dr. Christopher B. Davis, President of 冈本视频.

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This major gift will enhance key academic and student-support initiatives designed to nurture career readiness, improve retention, and fuel innovation across campus. The funding aligns with LOC鈥檚 mission to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to thrive as leaders and entrepreneurs.

鈥淲e are deeply grateful to FedEx for this significant investment in our students and in the future of 冈本视频,鈥� said Dr. Christopher B. Davis, President of 冈本视频. 鈥淭his support accelerates our efforts to prepare graduates who are ready to lead, innovate, and strengthen the economic vitality of Memphis and beyond.鈥�

The generous support from FedEx will be used to advance four interrelated pillars within the Business Department:

• Workforce and Job Readiness:
  • Expanding career-preparation programming, employer engagement, and hands-on learning opportunities to ensure students graduate ready to excel in high-demand industries.
• Student Success and Wrap-Around Support
  • Strengthening academic advising, tutoring, mentoring, and holistic student services that help students persist and complete their degrees.
• Scholarships and Retention
  • Providing financial support to remove barriers, increase retention, and empower more students to achieve their academic goals.
• Entrepreneurship and Innovation
  • Enhancing entrepreneurship training, incubation resources, and innovation-focused curriculum that inspires students to create and lead new business ventures.

The renewed FedEx commitment builds upon a long-standing partnership with LOC and reinforces the company鈥檚 dedication to supporting education, workforce pipelines, and community development.

鈥淔edEx is honored to deepen our long-standing relationship with 冈本视频 through this contribution to the Business School. Together, we are building a stronger pipeline of future-ready leaders,鈥� said Rose Jackson Flenorl, Manager of Global Citizenship & Human Resources at FedEx.

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LOC On the Move is led by Dr. James Mock from the Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, in partnership with Dr. Alexis Griggs, Division Chair of Social and Behavioral Sciences and Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice, Sociology, and Social Science; Peggy Lee, and Dr. Lisa Lang, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs.

In Egypt, sometimes referred to as 鈥渢he Gift of the Nile,鈥� the trip鈥檚 cohort visited Salah El-Din Citadel, the Valley of Kings, Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut, and the Egyptian Pharaohs Mentuhotep and Rameses III. The group also explored the Great Pyramids, the Great Sphinx, the Nile, the Red Sea, the Grand Egyptian Museum, and more sites.

With state-of-the-art academic programming, a vibrant campus community, and an unwavering commitment to student success, 冈本视频 continues to be the source of Black excellence, preparing graduates to lead in a competitive world.

For more information on study abroad opportunities, contact Dr. Lisa Lang, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs.聽聽

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