Rachel Washington Mercadel
Spirit of Commitment Award Recipients

Bio Here

A lifelong native of New Orleans, LA, Cynthia earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in early childhood at Dillard University.  Cynthia was an extraordinary student who maintained excellent grades and graduated at the top of her class.  In addition, she participated in several campus organizations where she demonstrated superior organizational and leadership skills.  Cynthia pledged to Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and was pinned by Rachael W. Mercadel, to whom the Spirit of Commitment Award is named in honor.  In 2011, President Barack Obama tapped Cynthia as his appointee on the Christopher Columbus Fellowship Foundation Board of Trustees.  "Cynthia M. A. Butler-McIntyre Day" has been declared in over twenty-five nationwide she has received the key to over thirty cities.

Trudi Hanley-Dyer was a member of the cheer team and captain of the dance team.  A high-energy person, Trudi, you would see her on the baseline cheering and at half-time you would see her performing with the dance team.  Trudi ad the support groups understood how important it was to keep the crowd engaged in the game.  Crowd engagement often resulted in wins.  Tudi's game enthusiasm carried over to other events throughout the year.  A Health & Physical Education major, Trudi was involved in several campus organizations.  After graduation, she continued her education at Tuskegee University where she received a certification in Recreation Therapy.  She would later complete a Master's in Curriculum and Instruction from Xavier University; and then a Specialist degree in Education Administration and Supervision of Instruction from University of New Orleans.  Trudi started her career with the New Orleans Public Schools System as a special education teacher at Miline Boys Home and George Washington Carver High School.  Trudi became the owner and operator of her dance school for 29 years, and she also taught dance in the National Youth Sports Program, sponsored by the Rams cheerleaders and flag team.  In 1989, Trudi was promoted to coordinator and Program Specialist in the Department of Exceptional Children's Service until her retirement in 2011.  Today, Trudi spends times with her husband Rudy and is the mother of tow successful youn adults, Jude and Angelique.

Charity "Boo" Hill was a Dillard University Dance Team member.  She and the team could connect with the crowd through dance.  The team knew how to show expression and grace to make the dance look good.  Before the game, time outs, and halftime, the crowd looked for the dancers.  Charity was a model student in and out of the classroom and on campus.  A Health & Physical Education Major, Charity graduated in 1974.  After graduation, Charity started her professional career as a second-grade teacher. In 1978, the Dallas Parks and Recreation Department hired Charity to coordinate the activities of two swimming pools, a skating rink, adult fitness classes, early childhood programs, seven summer camps, and senior programs.  Charity is a member of the National Recreation and Park Association and American Camping Association, Instructor of First Aid and CPR.  In addition, she is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, church, and community.  Charity enjoys exercising daily, spending time with her grandchildren, and traveling.

Charmaine, a 1978 graduate of Dillard University, was a member of the first woman's basketball team coached by Mary D. Teamer and the firs volleyball team coached by Rogerwene Washington.  Charmaine was a player who led by example.  She came to Dillard from Xavier Preparatory High School(St. Katherine Drexel Preparatory School), where her mother coached her.  After playing an entire basketball game, she would change into her cheerleader uniform and become a cheer team member for men's game.  Charmaine was an athlete with few in her class, male or female, to excel in three different sports.  After graduation, Charmaine was a highly respected physical education teacher and coach.  She taught in New Orleans, Louisiana public and private schools and officiated volleyball games for Jefferson Parish Recreation Department.  Illness has caused Charmaine to retire early from her love of teaching.

Dianne "Snoopy" Taylor-Mitchell was a three0year member of the Dillard University Cheer Team.  Dianne was a cheerleader who understood being a spirit raiser; she promoted and spread school pride all year, encouraging fellow students to show their school spirit by being a good example.  Dianne was a Pre-Med/Biology student and participated in several campus organizations.  Dianne started her professional career at Weston Electric Company and later became a business owner.  She was opening her beauty salon.  Dianne returned to school to complete her degree in biology from Souther University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana.  Dianne began teaching in the St. Landry Public School System until her retirement.  She is a member of the National Association of Education of Young Children, the National Association of the University of Women, the Democratic Women of St. Landry Parish, the Eucharistic Minister, and the Ladies Auxiliary of St. Peter Claver.  Dianne and her husband, Eugene, reside in Opelousa, Louisiana; they have three sons: Bernard Jr., Demetrius, and Eugene Jr.  They are grandparents of Carter, Bernard III, and Alivia Rose,

Brenda was a Blue Devil cheerleader for four years.  She was a cheer team member who led the football team onto the Alumni Field during hoe games.  After football season, Brenda became a cheerleader for the men's basketball team.  Brenda possessed high energy and passion, with the chants that kept the crowd in the game.  Brenda connected with the crowd as a spirit leader, athlete, and entertainer.  She was involved in the Dillard Players Guild, Pre-Alumni Council, United Negro College Fund, Student Assistant Pre-Freshman Program, and a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.  A cum laude graduate, Brenda completed her Master's from Louisiana State University.  Brenda worked as a Founder/Senior Editor of the Black Collegian Magazine and produced and hosted the Saturday Review Show on WGNO-TV.  In 200, Brenda's leadership spearheaded the creation of the Satchmo Summerfest.

Earlean was a member of the Dillard University dance team, one of the sports department's most active organizations.  They performed for the men's and women's basketball home games.  Earlean brought with her excitement, energy, and enthusiasm.  Her movements and the dance team would delight the crowd with their footwork and body language.  The dance team was a must-see  for pre-game, time-outs, or half-time.  Earlean as a speech and drama major with a minor in English.  She continued her education, receiving a Master of Science in Administration and Supervision from Nova Southern University and her Doctorate in Curriculum, Instruction, and Instructional Design from the University of South Dakota in Vermillion, South Dakota.  Presently, Dr. Smiley is in partnership with her husband, Roy C. Smiley ('73), and their two children, Roy II and Qualey-Leigh, in an education consulting service.

Valda was one of the cheerleaders who brought the crowd to their feet every time they ran onto the court in front of the men's and women's basketball teams.  As crowd leaders, the cheer team was the connection between the students, patron, and the basketball teams.  The energy and enthusiasm produced by the crowd rallied the groups to victory.  Thanks to Valda and the cheer team for cheering at appropriate times and how they created new ways to improve crowd involvement.  As spirit raiders, Valda and the cheer team promoted and spread school pride throughout the year.  While at Dillard, Valda was an honor student, a member of the university choir, and pledged Chi-Eta Phi (Nursing Sorority) ad Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.  Valda fulfilled her mother's request when she returned home as a Registered Nurse to work side by side with her for one year.  Valda is a Labor and Delivery Staff Nurse/Preceptor Educator to new incoming graduates at Southern Regional Medical Center's Women's Life Center in Riverside, Georgia.  She has advocated for low-income and high-risk patients in the Clayton County Community.  She is a relief charge nurse who runs a 14-bed unit under the leadership of her unit manger while keeping a close eye on fetal monitors.  In May 2020, Valda was voted Nurse of the Year at the hospital where she works.  Through the years, Valda has supported Dillard and the Choir's travels around the south and southeast by participating in various alum activities.  Valda lives in Atlanta, Ga with her daughter and is very active in her community.