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Temptin' Temptations
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(JACKSON, Miss.) - Otis Williams of Motown's legendary Temptations will perform with his group the Temptin' Temptations at the Jackson State University College of Public Service "Celebrating the Giving Heart II" Scholarship Gala April 25 at the Hilton Jackson Hotel in Jackson.
The event will honor the legacy of the college's founding dean, Gwendolyn Spencer Prater, and raise money for an endowed scholarship in her name. Prater will step down from her post in June.
"My first love, my passion during my entire academic career, is the students," Prater said. "I am very pleased that funds raised will be for students."
Prater began her career as a social worker and started teaching at Jackson State in 1978. She is the founding dean of the JSU's School of Social Work, which launched in 1995. In 2003, she became the founding dean of the College of Public Service, which encompasses the School of Social Work, the School of Health Sciences and the School of Policy and Planning.
"I have truly enjoyed my tenure as founding dean," Prater said. "At Jackson State University in the College of Public Service, we have been successful in building, expanding, and getting new professional academic programs nationally accredited at the master's and doctoral levels."
Williams, 67, is the only surviving member of the original Temptations, which created a slew of R&B hits including "My Girl," "Ain't too Proud to Beg" and "I Cant Get Next to You." The group was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1989.
"I'm sure the performance by the legendary Temptations will be exceptionally great!," Prater said. "I am truly looking forward to the event."
Tickets for the gala cost $125 per person and $1,250 for a reserved table of 10. A souvenir booklet will feature congratulatory messages to Prater and the College of Public Service. Advertising rates range from $50 to $1,000. The publication deadline is April 3. Supporters may also make a tax-deductible donation to the scholarship fund. For complete details and an order form, visit http://www.jsums.edu/cpsweb/gala.pdf.
For more information, call the Jackson State University College of Public Service at 601-979-8836.
Photo of Otis Williams and the Temptin' Temptations: "http://www.jsums.edu/~announcements/temptations.jpg>
Photo of Gwendolyn Spencer Prater: http://www.jsums.edu/announcements/prater.jpg
- JSU -
About Jackson State University: Challenging Minds, Changing Lives
Jackson State University, founded in 1877, is a historically black, high research activity university located in Jackson, the capital city of the state of Mississippi. Jackson State's nurturing academic environment challenges individuals to change lives through teaching, research and service. Officially designated as Mississippi's Urban University, Jackson State continues to enhance the state, nation and world through comprehensive economic development, health-care, technological and educational initiatives. The only university in the Jackson metropolitan area, Jackson State is located near downtown, with three satellite campuses throughout the city. For more information, visit www.jsums.edu.
