2014 Honorees
Torch of Truth Award
Honoring the Alumni Heritage of Bowie State University
Mildred Ridgley-Gray
Class of 1940 and 1946
Mildred Ridgley-Gray is a retired educator, conservationist, philanthropist, civic leader and devout Christian. Her contributions to the community have been recognized by many civic organizations. The Mildred Ridgley-Gray Charitable Trust, Inc. was established in 2001 to bring public awareness to the historical background of a community in Prince George's County formerly known as Ridgeley, Ridgely or Ridgley. The mission of the Trust is to research family histories and institutions, to maintain the Arthur and Mary Ridgley house, to support the preservation of the Historic Ridgely United Methodist Church and Cemetery, and the Historic Ridgeley School, among other things.
Mildred Ridgley-Gray is a proud graduate of Bowie State University—classes of 1940 and 1946. For the love of her alma mater and in memory of her late husband, the William S. Gray Endowed Scholarship Fund was established to support students majoring in education. She also volunteers in various capacities at the university, including the Bowie State University Foundation.
Heritage Award
Honoring Leadership
M.A. “Mike” Little
Founder & President, B&W Solutions, Inc.
Mr. M.A. “Mike” Little is the founder and president of B&W Solutions, Inc. Founded in 1997, B&W specializes in providing human resources management support and consulting services to federal agencies and private companies. With a customer service focus, B&W has assisted more than 80 federal agencies and provided employment for more than 500 individuals nationwide.
Over the last 17 years, Mr. Little has provided management consulting support to several large development projects, including the National Harbor, MGM Resorts International, Branch Avenue and Largo Metro Stations, as well as residential development projects within Prince George’s County.
Mr. Little is an advocate and supporter for the community, minority business interest and Bowie State University. He believes that developing, nurturing and respecting the relationships developed throughout life have been the greatest assets for making a difference.
In May 2003, Mr. Little received an honorary Doctor of Public Service degree from Bowie State University and also served as treasurer of
the Bowie State University Foundation.
Founders Promise
Honoring University Service
Gail S. Medford, Ph.D.
Professor of Theatre Arts, Bowie State University
Dr. Gail Medford’s service to Bowie State University is exceptional. She currently serves the university as co-coordinator of the theatre arts program; assessment coordinator for the Department of Fine and Performing Arts; chair of the General Education Committee; co-chair of the Faculty Evaluation Committee; and member of the Faculty Grievance Committee, President’s Faculty Advisory Council, the Appointment, Rank and Tenure Committee and the University Sesquicentennial Planning Committee.
Throughout her 34-year career in theatre and higher education, Dr. Medford has acted professionally and published or presented many scholarly works. She is active in several professional and community organizations and is a three-time recipient of “Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers.”
Dr. Medford is a graduate of Xavier University of New Orleans, the University of South Carolina, and the University of Maryland at College Park, where she received her B.A. in Communication Arts, M.A. in Acting and Ph.D. in Public Communications: Theatre, respectively. She recently completed her certification as a trainer and coach in the Sanford Meisner Method of Acting.
Military Service Award
Honoring Exceptional Military Service
Colonel Marilyn D. Wills
Class of 2000, Bowie State University
Colonel Marilyn D. Wills’ military career began in 1983 when she was identified as a distinguished military graduate and commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the Army upon graduating from Grambling State University with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and psychology. Throughout her illustrious career, she has held a variety of military assignments, as a military police, human resources director and inspector general. She also served during the Afghanistan and Iraq Wars.
A recipient of numerous awards, Colonel Wills was presented with the Soldiers’ Medal for her heroism during the September 11th attack at the Pentagon. She assisted in the rescue effort that day by leading a group of her co-workers out of the burning building. Additionally, she received a Purple Heart for injuries sustained.
In 2000, Colonel Wills received a master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Bowie State University. She also received an honorary Ph.D. in Humane Letters from Grambling State University.
Colonel Wills is married to LTC (R) Kirk T. Wills and they have two daughters, Portia and Percilla Wills. In June 2013, Colonel Wills retired after serving 30 years of active military service to the nation.
Flame of Faith Award
Honoring Service to the Community & Philanthropy
Thomas H. Graham
Vice President, People Strategy & Human Resources, Pepco Holdings, Inc.
Mr. Thomas Graham is Vice President, People Strategy and Human Resources for Pepco Holdings, Inc. (PHI), a regional energy holding company that provides utility service to more than two million customers. He is responsible for developing and implementing enterprise-wide policies and programs encompassing all aspects of human resource management for the company. PHI has more than 4,500 employees working across New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland and the District of Columbia and about 4,400 retirees throughout the United States.
Throughout his 27-year career, Mr. Graham has held several leadership positions at PHI. In 2012, he was acknowledged as one of the Idealists of the Year recipients and received MEA Magazine’s 50 Powerful US/International Business Executives Awards. He also was selected by The Daily Record as one of 50 most Influential Marylanders for 2013.
An alumnus of the University of Tampa and Georgetown University’s senior executive leadership program, he serves on numerous boards, including chair of Center for Energy Workforce Development and Maryland Chamber of Commerce.