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A Conversation with George
Miyake '52 »Reprise of the Tenth Annual Dwight Greene Symposium Three Kings Day Celebration and the BAC Memorial Prize |
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SPRING 2003 NEWSLETTER VOL.3 NO.2 |
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Crowell
Concert Hall was packed to capacity with alumni, current students, parents
and friends for the Tenth Annual Dwight Greene Symposium. Sponsored by the
Black Alumni Council of the Wesleyan Alumni of Color Network, the
Symposium is held in honor of Dwight L. Greene ’70 as a memorial and tribute to his life and work as a professor of law, mentor, and friend. June Jeffries ’75, chair of the Black Alumni Council, served as emcee and offered words of welcome from the Council and from Mrs. Mary Greene, Dwight’s mother. President Doug Bennet added his own welcome, and Evans Jacobs Jr. ’73, former chair of the Black Alumni Council and one of Dwight’s close friends, shared recollections about Dwight's "great ability to network and do for others" as part of the spark that inspired the Symposium. Remarked Jacobs, "From the time he was a student to the time of his passing, Dwight helped pave the way for all students at Wesleyan. He possessed willingness, open-mindedness, intellect, and compassion. These assets served him—and many others—throughout his lifetime. And on top of all that, he was just fun to be around, as evidenced by his frequent laughter." It was clear from the hearty applause that greeted Ashford & Simpson as they walked onstage that the audience was ready to take an active part in this "conversation with piano." |
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Valerie Simpson, left, and Nickolas Ashford P'97 |
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Nickolas Simpson and
Valerie Ashford P’97 talked about getting started in the music business, meeting at the White
Rock Baptist Church in NYC, the joys of songwriting, the early days of
Motown, working with such artists as Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell, Gladys
Knight & the Pips, Quincy Jones, Whitney Houston and Diana Ross, the
challenges of balancing a personal and professional relationship, and
illustrated their anecdotes by performing excerpts from their extensive
repertoire of hits. "Ain’t No Mountain High Enough", "You’re All I Need to
Get By", and "Solid As a Rock" were just a few of the many they presented,
the crowd applauding in recognition as Valerie played the first few bars
of each song. A lively Q & A session followed, with such questions as, "Which of all the many songs you’ve written is your favorite?" to "Will you autograph my album cover?" from a die-hard fan of vinyl, to inquiries about parenting and family life, much to the chagrin of daughters Asia and Nicole ’97, both in the audience. A standing ovation from a very appreciative audience concluded the Symposium, and an informal reception followed at the Davison Art Center. The Symposium provides an opportunity to learn about matters related to the African American experience, to network, and to connect with each other—all of which Dwight was especially good at doing—and ensures that diversity remains an important part of the Wesleyan experience. The Eleventh Annual Dwight Greene ’70 Symposium will take place on Saturday, November 1, 2003. The presenter will be announced later this spring. |
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