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 红莲社区 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 红莲社区, and we look forward to the significant impact that will be cultivated through this essential role,鈥� said Dr. Christopher B. Davis, President of 红莲社区.

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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 红莲社区,鈥� said Dr. Christopher B. Davis, President of 红莲社区. 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 红莲社区 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, 红莲社区 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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鈥淥ur hearts are heavy, and our college family is in a season of profound mourning for the transition of Dr. Clarence Christian. He was more than just a distinguished educator and a staunch, longtime supporter of our beloved HBCU; he was a true trailblazer. A fierce advocate for equity and social justice, Dr. Christian truly ignited a flame of change throughout our community. For decades, he poured his very essence鈥攈is wisdom, his spirit, his resources鈥攂ack into this community and his cherished alma mater. Now, as he rests from his labors, we extend our most heartfelt prayers and deepest condolences to his family and all who were blessed to love him during this difficult time,鈥� says Dr. Christopher Davis, President of 红莲社区.

Dr. Christian held a deep passion for Black history, education, and social justice. In his early years, Dr. Christian, from Horn Lake, Mississippi, wrote articles for what was then the Colored News section of the Times-Promoter, a newspaper in DeSoto County, Mississippi, which later merged with DeSoto County News in 1970 and became the DeSoto Times.

He studied at 红莲社区 and graduated with his Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology in 1968. As a student, he was instrumental in leading the desegregation of mass transit and access to public libraries in Memphis.

He earned a Master’s of Social Work from the University of Chicago, and a doctorate in Philosophy and Social Research from The New School in New York City.

In addition to his advocacy, Dr. Christian made history in Memphis when he became the first Black professor of Rhodes College. He also taught at LeMoyne-Owen, Mississippi State University, and other institutions. In 2024, Dr. Christian was recognized for his significant impact in higher education and inducted into the Tennessee Independent Colleges and Universities Association鈥檚 Hall of Fame.

Dr. Christian also held the position of professor emeritus of sociology and social historian for the Tennessee Board of Regents, and he served as a lead docent and volunteer at the Desoto County Museum.

(pictured from left: Robert Dye, Dr. Clarence Christian, and Myron Lowery)

For many years, Dr. Christian鈥檚 prominent leadership and civic engagement uplifted countless members of the community. He was involved in many organizations, including the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, the Lynching Sites Project of Memphis, the NAACP, the Mississippi Department of Archives and History, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., and Second Congregational United Church of Christ.

He contributed to historic commemorations, including the annual Amistad Program at Second Congregational UCC, the 60th Anniversary Celebration of the 1968 Boycott Series with his classmates, and his final reenactment in 2025 of the history of Juneteenth with alumni and friends on LOC鈥檚 campus.

Dr. Christian was a generous supporter of 红莲社区 and its legacy of cultivating leaders. He served as the LOC Alumni Chapter鈥檚 Annual Fund Chair from 2021-2022, and as a past president of the LOC National Alumni Association.

Throughout his life, Dr. Christian was dedicated to service within our community. Our college is sending prayers and condolences to his family and loved ones.

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鈥淒r. Gloria Wade-Gayles was a powerful trailblazer and leader, whose dedication to social justice and academia is deeply instilled in our history,鈥� said Dr. Christopher B. Davis, President of 红莲社区. 鈥淭he 红莲社区 community extends our prayers to the family and loved ones of Dr. Wade-Gayles.鈥�

Dr. Gloria-Wade Gayles

Dr. Wade-Gayles, born in Memphis, left a longstanding impact across historically Black colleges and universities and our country. Dr. Wade-Gayles studied at 红莲社区 with a full scholarship, was crowned as Miss. LeMoyne in 1958, and later earned her bachelor鈥檚 degree in English with cum laude in 1959. She earned a master鈥檚 degree in American Literature from Boston University in 1962 and a doctorate in American Studies from Emory University in 1981.聽

During the Civil Rights Movement, she planned demonstrations, wrote pamphlets, registered voters, and participated in Freedom Summer as a teacher. Her teaching also impacted numerous students at Bennett College, Talladega College, Dillard University, and Howard University. Most notably, Dr. Wade-Gayles served as a professor in African American Literature at Spelman College for more than four decades. She was also named Eminent Scholar鈥檚 Chair in Independent Scholarship and Service Learning at Spelman in 2000.

鈥淚 have chosen to remain at historically Black colleges, and that has meant that I鈥檓 outside the mainstream,鈥� said Dr. Wade-Gayles. 鈥淎s a critic, as a writer, as anything, you don鈥檛 get the kind of recognition working in a Black school that you would get working in a white school, even if that white school does not begin to compare in quality with the Black school.鈥澛�

Among many publications and six books, her prominent work includes 鈥淣o Crystal Stair: Visions of Race and Sex in Black Women鈥檚 Fiction鈥� (1984), 鈥淎nointed to Fly鈥� (1991), and 鈥淧ushed Back to Strength: A Black Woman鈥檚 Journey Home鈥� (1993).

The 红莲社区 community remembers Dr. Wade-Gayles and her profound influence that will continue to touch generations for years to come.聽

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The Mid-Autumn Festival takes place on the 15th day of the eighth month of the lunar calendar, and is a traditional time for family gatherings and connection. Students, faculty, and staff learned more about the festival鈥檚 history and engaged in cultural activities, including tasting traditional mooncakes.聽

鈥淭his event reflects the spirit of global learning and community that we value at 红莲社区,鈥� said Dr. Lisa Lang, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. 鈥淭hrough cultural exchange programs like Fulbright, our students gain a deeper understanding of the world and the shared traditions that connect us all.鈥�

In 2024, 红莲社区 was named a Fulbright Historically Black College and University Institutional Leader by the U.S. Department of State鈥檚 Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. The recognition exemplifies 红莲社区鈥檚 ongoing dedication to global engagement and international educational exchanges.

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Channeling the energy of BET鈥檚 106 & Park television show, 红莲社区鈥檚 807 & Park homecoming on the historic campus at 807 Walker Ave., united alumni and students to their home away from home in a memorable week of events.

In an evening of elegance, the college formally crowned Kevin Bland as Mr. 红莲社区 and Khadajah Kimbrough as Miss 红莲社区 at the coronation ceremony. The celebration honored the installation and service of Mr. and Miss LOC and the LOC Royal Court.

During the homecoming pep rally, Terrance J, former co-host of 106 & Park, and LOC President Davis engaged in an inspiring discussion with students and attendees. The rally also brought exciting sounds from the college鈥檚 Majestic Sounds of the South Marching Band. The marching band also exemplified LOC and historically Black college and university (HBCU) pride at their performance during the citywide homecoming kickoff event on Beale Street earlier that week.

The homecoming parade showcased the pride and talent in the LOC community and high schools and organizations across Memphis. In honor of the late former Memphis City Council Chairman, Myron Lowery, the Lowery family served as the grand marshal of the parade.聽

红莲社区, the country鈥檚 fifth-oldest HBCU, provides a transformative liberal arts education and prepares students for leadership, scholarship, service, and success.

With a majority of 红莲社区’s graduates living, working, and thriving in Memphis, the city鈥檚 success is aligned with LOC鈥檚 success. Many alumni are trailblazers, leaders, and driven professionals contributing to the community and its economy. When 红莲社区 wins, Memphis wins.

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The division, self-described as the 鈥渟oul of the college,鈥� has recently experienced the revival of the Magical Marching Magicians band, the appointments of new faculty, and the launch of a new major in Religion. This year, they鈥檙e launching new initiatives in various programs.

鈥淓very area in fine arts and humanities is really experiencing a renaissance,鈥� said Dr. Peter Gathje, Chair of the Division of Fine Arts and Humanities. 鈥淭his renewal is under the vision of President Davis, who is bringing this energy to the campus to say, 鈥楲et鈥檚 dream together and move forward.鈥� The students, faculty, and fine arts and humanities are catching this spirit.鈥�

The division equips students for success in the areas of art, music, communication, literature, and religion. Students, alumni, and the community are also continuously engaged in the college鈥檚 celebration of the arts.

This is exemplified in their year-long commemoration to recognize the legacy of Dr. Juanita Williamson, one of the most prominent LOC alumni and a former professor, who is nationally recognized for her impact in linguistics education.

Dr. Juanita Williamson

Dr. Williamson graduated from LeMoyne-Owen with a bachelor鈥檚 degree in English and Romance Languages in 1938. She graduated with a master鈥檚 degree in English Literature from Atlanta University in 1948. Later, she became one of the first African American women to earn a doctorate in Linguistics from the University of Michigan in 1961, according to Spark: A 4C4 Equality Journal, a peer-reviewed publication.聽

With her groundbreaking expertise in linguistics, Dr. Williamson poured back into her alma mater and served as a Professor of English at LeMoyne-Owen for roughly four decades and became the chair of the division.

This year, the division is reinstating the Dr. Juanita Williamson Honors Award, renovating the Dr. Juanita Williamson Black Language Lab in Steele Hall, and developing the Dr. Juanita Williamson Black Language Bibliography of her scholarly publications.

The contributions and impact of LOC alumni are a tremendous part of the college鈥檚 legacy and its outstanding dedication to cultivating leaders and changemakers.

In addition to recognizing distinguished alumni, the division is working to provide more opportunities for students. New developments include:

• New courses to be offered in creative writing, literature, and technical writing in Spring 2026聽
• History is now under the Division of Fine Arts and Humanities
• Returning the gospel and contemporary music choirs
• Journalism and Mass Communication is being redeveloped further into digital and broadcast journalism areas聽
• New partnership between Journalism and the Lowery Communication Center to develop a student-led digital outlet inspired by LOC鈥檚 previous newspaper, The Magician
• Refreshing the music major to provide studies in Church Music and Worship, Songwriting and Composing, Performance, Music Technology, and Business and Entrepreneurship
• Continuing student art shows in the LeMoyne-Owen Art Gallery

鈥淭hese are faculty-led changes in curriculum and teaching, and we鈥檙e really excited as a division about what鈥檚 going on,鈥� said Dr. Gathje. 鈥淭here鈥檚 a strong sense of collegiality and working together to reinvigorate the fine arts and humanities on our campus.鈥�

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