Dr. Sylvia Jenkins, Academic Affairs’ vice president at Moraine Valley Community College, will be named its fifth president by the Board of Trustees when it formally approves her appointment at the May 9 meeting. Dr. Jenkins succeeds Dr. Vernon O. Crawley, who retires June 30 after 21 years as president.

Quintin E. Primo III, chair and CEO of Capri Capital Partners, speaks for Building the Peace, the 2012 Gala that celebrates “Good in the City” May 10 at Northerly Island, 1400 S. Lynn White Dr. (along Chicago’s magnificent lakefront).

Halleluyer!!! --The Chicago Defender receives the coveted Legacy Award at the United Negro College Fund’s 12th Annual Black & White Ball on June 9 at The Fairmont Hotel, and slated to pick up the distinguished 2012 Harold H. Hines Jr. Benefactor’s Award is American Airlines for its ongoing commitment to UNCF. Gala chair is Mark Furlong, president and CEO, BMO Harris Bank, the presenting sponsor. Top-notch entertainment will come from none other than Dennis Edwards & The Temptations, says Jann Honoree, regional development director.

Murrell J. Higgins Duster, associate vice president and dean of the Angelina Pedroso Center for Northeastern Illinois University’s Diversity & Intercultural Affairs. will be honored at a Farewell & Retirement Reception on Monday, 4-6:30 p.m., in NEUI’s Alumni Hall in the Student Union, 5500 S. St. Louis Ave. At the gathering, which recognizes her 35 years of “Servant Leadership” and “Service to the NEIU Community,” there will be the grand announcement of the Murrell J. Higgins Duster Legacy Endowment. My, what a recognition!!!

Our deepest condolences to the family and many friends of the late Harold Johnson, co-founder of eta Creative Arts Foundation, who served as its artistic director from 1971-1989. A Memorial Service will be held Wednesday (today), beginning with a Reception from noon-1:30 p.m., at eta, 7558 S. South Chicago Ave., followed by a Tribute Ceremony from 1:45-5 p.m.

Hats Off – to nice guy Tyronne Stoudemire, global director of community, diversity and inclusion at Aon Hewitt, who received the Ninth Annual Spirit of Achievement Award on Tuesday evening from Loretto Hospital during its Annual Dinner, a fund-raiser at Grossinger Motors. Proceeds from Tuesday’s event, which honored Stoudemire’s outstanding career achievements, will go toward Loretto Hospital Foundation’s fund for its Global Lifestyle Center.