Perspective Dillard University (DU) students will have to bring their game to the DU campus on Saturday, Mar. 24 for the 2012 Spring Auditions and Open House. Auditions will be held for music, theater and visual arts talent-based scholarships. Students are requested to bring any necessary items to audition.

In addition to auditions, students will have the opportunity to complete the admissions process, speak to admissions and financial aid counselors, tour the campus, and speak with current students and faculty members.

For more details, please contact the admissions office at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or

follow the Registration Link: http://duspringopenhouse.eventbrite.com

Date:  Saturday, Mar. 24, 2012

Time:  Check in starts at 10 am

In what was proclaimed to be "just what we needed" by Dillard University students, the "Message in the Middle" worship service welcomed revered preacher Dr. Jasmin W. Sculark to its special program. Held in Lawless Memorial Chapel on Wednesday, Feb. 29, 2012, the hour-long event was designed to offer students, staff and faculty a midday, mid-week break to attend worship service and share with one another. With participation from the DU VisionQuest choir and members of the liturgical dance and mime groups, the uplifting event brought rousing praise from worshippers.

An accomplished pastor, teacher and preacher, Dr. Jasmin W. Sculark, known as "Dr. Jazz" is the Senior Pastor of the Shiloh Baptist Church in York, Pa. and Founder and President of the Daughter of Thunder, ministries. A proven trailblazer, Dr. Jazz is the first female to be called to pastor a Baptist church in York. Under her spiritual leadership and teaching, Shiloh has welcomed over 2,000 new believers. She has added and developed over 40 new ministries to meet the needs of her church and commmunity.

Dr. Jazz acknowledged the recent loss of renowned singer Whitney Huston and used her song "It's Not Right, But It's Okay" as an example to preach forgiveness and love. Her fiery message elicited strong reactions from the audience, who showered Dr. Jazz with applause at the end of her message. Led by VisionQuest Assistant Project Director Joshua L. Lazard, the "Message in the Middle" service provided the Dillard community with an opportunity to find salvation on a mid-week day.

On Friday, March 2, 2012 many local school students' lights will be shining as they share their talents with the public at the Orleans Parish School Board's Performing & Visual Arts Showcase 2012. With vocal and instrumental performances, skits and a multi-media visual arts presentation, the afternoon-long event promises talent on every level. The public is invited to attend and enjoy the showcase with students from Eleanor McMain Secondary School, McDonogh #35, Bethune Elementary and Ben Franklin Elementary represented.

Beginning at 1 p.m. in the Samuel DuBois Cook Fine Arts Center on the Dillard University campus, highlights include vignettes of "Hold Me" by Jules Feifer presented by theatre students from McDonogh #35 and monologues from "The Colored Museum" performed by theatre students from McMain. Musical selections from both the McMain and McDonogh #35 choirs will be presented, as well as classical pieces from various students.

Dillard University (DU) supports being smoke-free, with signs posted across the  institution reminding staff, faculty and students there is no smoking in any building. However, on March 3, 2012 hundreds of Louisiana middle, high and college students will also offer their support for being smoke-free when they descend onto the DU campus to mark the importance of being aware of tobacco marketing and living a tobacco-free lifestyle, at the fifth annual Youth and Young Adult Summit on Tobacco Advocacy.

Sponsored by the Louisiana Campaign for Tobacco-Free Living (TFL), the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals Tobacco Control Program, American Legacy Foundation, Dillard University and WQUE-FM Q-93, the day-long event will feature a rally, special guest speakers and a performance by music artist Dee-1.

“Not only do we want to create awareness around tobacco industry marketing toward youth, but we also want to empower youth to resist that manipulation and live healthy, tobacco-free lives,” said April Cabrera, TFL Program Coordinator for Youth and Young Adults.

Despite growing awareness of anti-smoking campaigns, the rate of teen smokers has risen in Louisiana from 19 percent in 2009, to 23.6 percent in 2011. Such statistics emphasize the need to continue the fight to be smoke-free. 

Other highlights include breakout sessions with high profile speakers including:

• Duffy, from MTV’s Road Rules -- “Taking it to the Streets” using visual arts and graffiti to promote tobacco-free messages

• Chris Blackburn, former Biggest Loser contestant - “The Size of Addiction-How Smoking and Obesity Go Hand in Hand”

• Chad Bullock of MTV fame, “Igniting Initiative”- exploring tobacco’s impact and how taking initiative is the only way to change it.

The American Legacy Foundation will also host a session entitled “Social Justice and Tobacco”. Cabrera and other organizers hope to focus on the reality of youth access to tobacco products, and how attendees can become involved in policy debates on tobacco products at both the state and local level.

For more information on the event, contact April Cabrera at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call (504) 301-9843.