Tuskegee University’s Veterinary Medicine Program Receives $2,000 Scholarship from the United Supreme Council 33rd Degree Masons
by Anissa L. Riley

        Tuskegee, AL--On November 15, 2007, three members of the United Supreme Council, 33rd degree Masons, presented the first installment of a scholarship in veterinary medicine to Dr. Tsegaye Habtemariam, Dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine, Nursing and Allied Health.  The presentation was made by Tuskegee University School of Veterinary Medicine (TUSVM) alumnus and Tuskegee resident Dr. William O. Jones (‘63), Sovereign Grand Inspector General Calvin Miler, II (from Huntsville, AL), and Overseer of the Orient for Alabama Council of Deliberation Wilber Webb (from Mobile, AL).  Dr. Jones is a Lt. Grand Commander in the United Supreme Council, Prince Hall Affiliation.  He was also featured in the May 2005 issue of Ebony Magazine as one of the 100+ Most Influential Black Americans and as President of the Conference of Grand Masters Prince Hall Masons.   He also served on the faculty at TUSVM for over 30 years.
        “Selecting Tuskegee’s veterinary program for the scholarship was an easy choice for me because I know first-hand the veterinary medical opportunities that were afforded to me due to my  getting a top education in the veterinary field, especially during a time in history when other universities were not willing to give such an opportunity to minorities.  If it was not for Tuskegee (TUSVM), I would not have been a veterinarian.   I owe a great deal to Tuskegee,” said Dr. Jones.
        TUSVM was selected to receive financial support from the organization’s investments along with programs in Alabama at Alabama State University and Alabama A&M University.  Each year, the United Supreme Council Charitable Foundation, Inc., looks to see who they can award money to that will benefit students.  The Foundation’s headquarters is in Washington, D.C.
        “When Dr. Jones suggested to us that we consider Tuskegee University’s veterinary program, it was not a hard sell.  Being familiar with Tuskegee, I knew it had a proud heritage and had benefitted many minorities specifically as well as students in general.  We eagerly agreed to give the scholarship to Tuskegee,” said Miller.  
        Mr. Miller taught ROTC at Tuskegee University from 1982-1985.  He is presently in charge of the State of Alabama Prince Hall Masons.    Mr. Wilber Webb is second in command in the State of Alabama to Mr. Miller.  Dr. Deary Vaughn is the Sovereign Grand Commander.
        Dean Habtemariam and Associate Dean for Academic Affairs Dr. Ruby Perry (TUSVM alumna 1977) both thanked the Prince Hall Affiliation Masons for selecting TUSVM.  “This speaks volumes of what ‘Mother Tuskegee’ produces.  When we have graduates and former faculty that want to give back then this shows a commitment as well as gratitude to Tuskegee University.  We hope to instill in all our graduates here in the college the significance of doing your best with what Tuskegee gives you and then remembering to support your alma mater.  Again, we are very grateful to the United Supreme Council,” concluded Dean Habtemariam.