Special Celebration Honors Former Student Advocate and Mentor

In 2009, an African-American alumnus of Aquinas Institute visited his alma mater after nearly 20 years. John Majors '91, CEO of The Amenity Club in Atlanta, was impressed with the students, college prep coursework, the facilities, and the community within the school. As an alumnus of Harvard Business School and Morehouse College, he recognized the importance of alumni involvement in the success of a school. He reached out to fellow African-American alumni to raise funds for a gift to the school, which would assist Aquinas students in financial need; provide recognition of social justice; and, reflect an appreciation of African American culture and history.

The resulting gift was named in honor of Mrs. Iris Turner, of Pittsford, who served as a mentor and student advocate for hundreds of students, while on staff as the school nurse from 1986 – 1993.

"It's such a blessing to be able to come home (both to Rochester and to Aquinas) and honor one of my personal heroes, Mrs. Iris Turner, in such a special way. I can't count the number of times, whether at Morehouse, Harvard Business School, or just in everyday life that I've drawn on lessons I learned during my time at Aquinas and I owe a huge debt of gratitude to a great number of people in the Aquinas family, especially Mrs. Turner. In reconnecting with several fellow alumni, I found that they all felt the same way and were excited to say thank you to Aquinas and to Mrs. Turner with this alumni gift," said Majors.

Mrs. Turner left an indelible mark on the Aquinas community through her efforts to instill a sense of pride in students of color, fostering greater inclusion of these students into the Aquinas community, and bridging racial gaps. Known to students as "Mrs. T", she was an influential part of the Aquinas experience for students who sought her wisdom, knowledge, and love with life lessons, humor, and inspiration. Her life story, overcoming the vestiges of racial segregation in the South, served as a lesson in the importance of education, a spiritual foundation, and commitment to community.

Under her guidance, Aquinas planned the first Black History Month Celebration in 1989. The celebration spurred the creation of multicultural literature courses and community outreach, thus, extending and continuing Mrs. Turner's influence upon the Aquinas community.

The gift was presented on Saturday, February 27th, at a special celebration planned by the Aquinas Multi-cultural Society. In the Spirit: A Celebration of Culture and the Arts featured performances by the Elim Baptist Choir, New Life Ministries Choir, Futurpointe Dance, Spiritus Christi Choir and Aquinas choir, dance, music and theatre students.

Performance Program:

Welcome and Opening Prayer

"Jet Song" and "Tonight" Quintet - Cast of West Side Story

"Battle of Jericho" - The Aquinas Select Choir Directed by Jeff Wilson

Gequon Hunter `12 - "Heaven Awaits" and "Can't Give Up" - Composed by Gequon Hunter

AQ Dancers

Elim Baptist Choir - Featuring Avis Reese `05

Intermission

Presentation of Iris Turner Annual Alumni Award - John Majors '91 and Andre Turner '91

New Life Ministries Choir - featuring Miles Mc Neill `12

Futurpointe Dance - Guy Thorne and N'jelle Gage, Directors

"A Raisin In The Sun" Scene - C. Michael Whitfield`11, Noelle MelElrath Hart`11,Malcolm Whitfield `11, Asia Van Alstyne`11

Spiritus Christi Choir - Directed by: Paul Boutte