Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Remembering Dr. Angela Grant, former PROMISE Peer Mentor (Math, UMCP)

Today, we honor and remember our dear friend and sister, Dr. Angela Grant. Angela was part of the first cohort of PROMISE Peer Mentors from the University of Maryland College Park. Angela was a mathematician and was on the faculty at Northwestern University.

Memorial Services for Dr. Angela E. Grant will be held on Saturday, Sept. 25, 2010 at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, 40 Coral Ave., Glendale, Ohio 45246. Family Hour at 10:30a.m. Memorial Service begins at 12:00p.m. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Dr. Angela E. Grant Memorial Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 84481, Pearland, TX 77584. Please keep the family in your prayers.

Here are some of our PROMISE memories in pictures. Angela had a smile and a kind word for everyone. She was an inspiration and she will be missed!





The pictures above show Angela as a doctoral student. She is shown above at SREB conferences, the PROMISE Summer Success Institute (she even came back as a speaker once she received her Ph.D.), and the PROMISE Community Building Retreat during the days when we used to take the long bus rides to Coolfont in West Virginia.



Here is the article from the Daily Northwestern Newspaper at Northwestern University, 9/22/10:


Mathematics professor loses battle with cancer
Professor of Mathematics and Weinberg adviser Angela Grant died of cancer Monday in her Cincinnati home. Grant, who has taught at Northwestern since 2005, sent an e-mail to advisees over the summer, informing them that she would not be returning to NU in the fall for health reasons.
"I love my job and my students," she wrote. "I know you will go on to do great things. I'll certainly be at your graduation in spirit!"

Weinberg senior Catherine Kennedy, one of Grant's advisees, described the professor as "always warm and friendly and very personal." Grant was known for her sense of humor and her enthusiasm for both mathematics and the Cincinnati Bengals. The date of the memorial service will be announced soon.



When Angela participated on panels and gave advice to her then fellow graduate students, she would always emphasize the importance of not being isolated. A strong proponent of connecting with people from different cultural backgrounds, she would encourage students to socialize with people from other ethnicities, experience different genres of music, and learn about other traditions. She LOVED math! She was a great student, a wonderful alum, and a fantastic person. She will be missed!

44 comments:

  1. My deepest sympathy to PROMISE, Northwestern, and her family. I don't know Dr. Grant personally, but from the pictures I can tell she was someone special.

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  2. We will miss Angela so much in the advising office! Always smiling always friendly! She had so many talents and always kept a positive attitude about everything. She inspired so many and will continue to do so in spirit. To a wonderful human being, RIP Giggles!

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  3. My condolences to the Grant family. It is always difficult to see such a bright light move on, but know that her spirit lives on. May you find peace in her memory.

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  4. Angela has truly been a special gift to so many people. Here infectious smile and countenance brightened the days of many. I will always remember her as that Sunflower who brougt light wherever she went.
    May God strengthen the Grant family during this time.

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  5. I don't have words to describe my feelings right now. This is a huge loss to the Grant family, UMCP family, and the mathematics community. I had the unique pleasure of working with Angela through our NSF-funded Math SPIRAL program in the College of Computer, Mathematics and Physical Sciences at UMCP. In her role as a TA and through other capacities, Angela reminded us and especially young people that Black women are SMART, INTELLIGENT and can succeed in Mathematics. Angela, thank you for giving of yourself over and over again. You will be missed! Joelle Davis Carter

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  7. Hello To the Grant family. Your daughter, sister, friend, aunt, wonderful black women was such an inspiration to me when I began my PhD. What I remember most about Angela was her warm smile and great words of encouragement. As a professor I to know how it is to truly give of one self, which I'm sure Angela did. Although I only hung out with Angela a handful of times over the two years I knew her, I was always inspired by her. I pray God strengthen and bless your family for Angela. She will be missed dearly.

    Dr. Geriel Ettienne-Modeste (former PROMISE student, 2003-2009)

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  8. What a great loss to all of us she touched with that bright smile of hers!

    Another member of her UMCP family and I were reminiscing yesterday about Angela, her love for baking and her intelligence came up among other things, but we kept coming back to her great bright smile and loving personality.

    My prayers to Angela for eternal rest, to her family and friends for acceptance, and to the many individuals that like me, will keep her smile in our hearts for ever.
    Haydeé
    UMCP Grad Office

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  9. I'm going to miss you Angela. When I first started at UMCP you took me under your wing as a fellow FAMU rattler and always looked out for me. Your infectious smile and warm spirit touched many lives. May you rest in peace.

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  10. Greetings to the Grant famliy from Atlanta, GA..my most sincere sentiments at this time..I have been a close friend to the Grant family and have had the pleasure of spending time with Angela many times. She went to high school with my husband, Robert Black and her cousin, Latese Grant(who preceded her in death),is my best friend. It is with great sadness that I send this message. Angela had a great joy, spirit and smile that left a lasting effect on each life she touched. She was truly an Angel!
    My our prayers and expressions of love give you comfort at this time..

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  11. I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our beloved Angela. We all have precious members of our time with her; her infectious smile; her love for her fellow classmates in Mathematics; and her generous contributions to PROMISE. My deepest condolences to her family and to those of us who knew and loved her.
    -- Johnetta G. Davis, former Associate Dean, Graduate School, UMCP

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  12. On behalf of the College Park PROMISE family, I extend my deepest sympathy to Dr. Grant's family. I would also like to offer my sincerest condolences to all of her friends and former classmates.
    --Carol S. Parham, Associate Dean, The Graduate School, UMCP

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  13. My deepest sympathy to PROMISE, Northwestern, and her family. I knew Dr. Grant personally and she will be greatly missed. Dr. Grant and I were both Promise Mentors during the same time.

    Dr. Lemuel Russell

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  14. My condolences to Angela's family. As a student, I came to know what it's like to lose someone so close to cancer, and the PROMISE family gave me some comfort.
    Likewise, I offer up to God my most sincere prayers of comfort to you at this time.

    -- Dr. David Major, PROMISE alum (2004-2009)

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  15. I first met Angela when I came to Maryland as a graduate student. She was so warm, open, generous, and enthusiastic about mathematics in particular and learning in general. She always had a smile or a word of encouragement for me. She inspired many of us and I feel really lucky to have known her. Her death is an incalculable loss, and I just want to express my deepest sympathies to her family.

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  16. Dear PROMISE and Grant Family,

    I am so saddened to hear about the loss of our beloved Angela. Please accept my deepest condolences. She was such a wonderful inspiration to us all and we will sincerely miss her. Her smile would light up the room whenever she entered. May she rest in peace and may God be with all of us in this time.

    Sincerely,
    Dr. Heather Holden (former UMBC PROMISE student, 2003-2009)

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  17. I've delayed writing a comment since I posted this tribute a few days ago. I enjoyed seeing Angela's smile as I shuffled through my files of pictures, and then decided that I could post any of them, because she was so beautiful in each one. To the Grant family, thank you for sharing Angela with us! The PROMISE program in Maryland appreciated her love of life and math and her willingness to share that love with all who crossed her path.

    As you celebrate her life today, please know that she affected so many lives. I see that some of her peers have written notes above ... they were all students together, and together, they reached their goals of obtaining their doctoral degrees. I finished my own Ph.D. at Northwestern, so I was especially excited when she told me that she was going to join their faculty.

    Angela and I talked about our faith and so we know that to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. And while she is not physically here with us, she lives on ... with HIM.

    We'll miss her here. Her legacy will live on.

    Kindest regards,
    Renetta Tull, Ph.D.
    Director of PROMISE: Maryland's AGEP

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  18. My deepest sympathies go out to Dr. Angela's family and friends. Although I never had the opportunity to meet her, I have heard of her warm spirit and know she is resting with the angels.

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  19. Many many condolences to her family and friends. This was quite a remarkable young woman who's legacy is sure to live through others!

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  20. Dr. Grant has left eternal deposits that impact lives of many around her. My prayers are with her family and friends.

    YC CHEN

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  21. What a wonderful woman! May God comfort her family and friends and may her good works be remembered.

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  22. It is clear that you came to Earth and fulfilled a purpose, because many sincerely miss you. Although I did not have a chance to meet you, I hope to follow your footsteps and impact others the way you have clearly done in your brief journey. May God give strength to your family and may your soul fully rest in peace.
    Sincerely,
    Mycah Wilson

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  23. Though I did not know her personally, I am pleased to have had the opportunity to benefit from Dr. Grant's contributions to PROMISE. I extend my condolences to her friends and colleagues.

    Unfortunately, I do know personally the pain of losing a child, and to Angela's family and loved ones, I extend my heartfelt sympathies. I am very sorry for your loss.

    Asha-Lateef Williams, PhD (PROMISE, 2005-2010)

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  24. We are all part of a big family and we are all interconnected; Angela left a legacy among us and we are all proud of everything she achieved. I am thankful for people like Angela, who make a positive difference and help us become better people.

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  25. My condolences to the family. I will keep you in my prayers asking God to grant you the Strength that you need.

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  26. My deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Angela. May her work on Earth be honored, and may the fight against cancer continue...

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  27. I offer my deepest sympathies to all who knew Angela Grant. I did not know her personally, but I know she will be truly missed. I'm proud to apart of her legacy that lives on.

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  28. As a PROMISE participant who didn't know Angela, I send my condolences to those who are feeling her loss right now, particularly family and close friends. From what I have read, she has been an inspiration and mentor to many. I am also inspired by her love of hard work and the encouragement that she gave to her students even when she knew circumstances weren't in her favor. May her love and inspiration live on in those who love her and even in those who only know of her, and may all find, in her memory, a renewed encouragement to push toward achieving their dreams, maybe similarly to the way she pushed toward hers. -Sincerely, Alexis Williams

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  29. My condolences and God's peace to the family of Dr. Angela Grant. I did not know her personally, but I will use her story of excellence and giving to encourage me along the way. It is clear her life was not in vain.

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  30. My condolences goes out to the Grant family and everyone who’s been touched by Dr. Grant. Angela was such a wonderful person and scholar. Her inspiration, warmth, and loving smile will be greatly missed. May her spirit continue to live in all of us.

    Tina L. Ligon

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  31. On behalf of the PROMISE community at UMB, I would like to offer our condolences. Though TIna was at UMCP for her doctoral degree, those of us at UMB who knew her were acutely aware of the special kind of person that she was. She will be sorely missed.

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  32. Thank you Angela for sharing your love, light and beauty with us! I will miss your smile, giggles, and genuine optimism.

    Your memory is my keepsake,
    with which I'll never part,
    God has you in His keeping
    I have you in my heart.

    Love,
    Gloria Anglon
    PROMISE: Maryland AGEP family

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  33. I only met Angela a few times because I started UMBC when she was graduating, but I remember her smile and the calm and warmth she evoked in me. She was so confident. It was a quite confidence. She made me feel like everything was going to be OK. I didn't realize she had become a professor, but that role seems so appropriate. My deepest condolences to the Grant family and to all those whose lives Angela touched.

    Patti Ordonez Rozo

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  34. Even though I was not privileged enough to meet Dr. Grant, I can feel her presence in the memories shared of love, respect, and remembrance. Dr. Grant will always continue to inspire us to fulfill our goals, despite challenges.

    With heartfelt sympathy, we express our sincere condolences. Our love and prayers to the Grant family and friends.

    Kavita Krishnaswamy

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  35. My condolences to the Grant family.

    It is with a heavy hard that I write this message. Angela had a joyful spirit, one filled with smiles and laughter. Angela and I were part of the first group of PROMISE peer mentors. She loved mathematics and she loved life and each encounter with her reaffirmed that as did her habit of celebrating her birthday for an entire week. She was a true friend always willing to lend a helping hand whether it was helping me out when I was stranded with a broken down car or teaming up with me for a game of cards during PROMISE retreats. Heart warming memories; Angela will be greatly missed and remembered. She touched many lives and I am honored to be one of them.

    May God strengthen and bless the Grant family during this difficult period.

    Dr. Yves Ngu (PROMISE alumni 2003-2008)

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  36. Dr. Donald Cole (Mentor)September 27, 2010 at 9:51 AM

    Having taught Angela and been a mentor for her over the years, I now reflect on how much she taught me and how much she mentored me. It was always pleasurable for us to meet at the annual SREB Institute where she would seek me out for an update on her progress. We would laugh to together, we would cry together. When she completed her Ph.D. we celebrated as would super bowl champs. When she gave a lecture in New Orleans I didn't hear a mathematical word uttered; rather I sat there thanking God for her and her success. He pulled me through that lecture, allowed me to compose myself, congratulate Angela on such a fine performance, and granted us an unforgettable moment of appreciativeness. Now I ask that He grants the family of this very special young lady the same appreciativeness of her life. She made a difference in my life and compelled me to continue to diligently work towards producing other Angela Grants!

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  37. My condolences and sympathy to the friends and family of Dr. Angela Grant. I did not know her as a person but I am sure she will be missed and may her legacy continue to live on.

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  38. My condolences to Dr. Grant's family and friends. I pray for strength and courage for you all. After listening to and reading the stories I hope we all continue and push from where she left off, finishing the race.
    Peace to all,
    HJ

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  39. My condolences and sympathy to Dr. Grants family and friends. I will keep you in my prayers

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  40. I remember Angela from our high school days. I got to know her from sitting by her in several classes. I always enjoyed chatting with her because she was so down-to-earth, genial and bright. I recall her winning first prize in the school's poetry contest for a poem titled "Obstacles", one of many moments that caught my admiration.

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  41. From Paris... a place in France...
    I was in College Park 10 years ago and I met Angela in the Mathematics Department. We spoke together about mathematics... she was looking for a subject in mathematics and obviously an advisor...
    She was a very pleasant and smiling person...
    My condolences to her family and all friends.

    Charles

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  42. I met Angela at UMD while we were both doing our PhD. Although we did not take many courses together, she was always charming and friendly. Her smile was contagious... I will keep her and her family in my prayers.
    Gabriela

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  43. Angela and I met as participants in the Minority Apprenticeship Program through the University of Cincinnati over 20 years ago. We both interned at the EPA our junior and senior years. I'll always remember her little red sports car that she drove me home in after work everyday. She "charged" me $1 the first day she took me home and let me keep a tab from then on. Such a beautiful woman...inside and out. This is the first I've heard of her passing and it hurts. Rest in Peace Angie.

    -Wayne Hilson

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  44. My condolences and God's peace to the family of Dr. Angela Grant. She help a lot to Promise Community. A good PEER mentor.

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We invite PROMISE members to offer tributes to loved ones who have inspired them.

When a student goes to grad school, he/she is usually thinking about the excitement of new classes, the promise of the Ph.D., the effect that he/she will have on the world with newly acquired expertise. But when "life happens" (e.g. a loved one passes away) it is unexpected, and unplanned. This site is dedicated to those loved ones who have passed away, to those persons who are alive and continue to encourage, and to you, the grad students who are determined to press forward to continue to achieve your goals.

Feel free to post thoughts, photos, stories ... your tributes.