ROLAND H. ALEXANDER, PH.D.

"As a Black man in this Christian society I have grown in my desire to help people, especially young people who exhibit or project betterment for themselves and their community. My greatest personal achievement was the completion of the educational requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy Degree. However, without the cooperation and help from my wife and family, the task would have been insurmountable."

"An adversity in my life was securing promotions in the United States Air Force in prejudiced situations. I overcame this forcing myself to be better than my peers at every task, whether work, play, or learning situations."

"My occupation is that of teacher for the Board of Education for School district 189. 1 like working with youths and trying to provide a role model for them. I assist them in increasing their self-esteem by drawing out their abilities and with illustration of techniques and methods for removal of inadequacies."

MEMBERSHIPS: Southern Illinois Occupation Education Leaders, Pres. 1978; Department of VES Advisory Council, Chairman, 1982; Tyree Consistory No. 64 (A.A.S.R), Commander in Chief, 1979.

HONORS: 'Three cherished honors are a plaque presented by the Vocational Electronics Class of 1975; a trophy presented by the Class of 1977 for being the most helpful teacher they had; and an award from Mc DonnelI-Douglas, presented by Harold Altis, Executive Vice President, 1982."

My hobbies are bowling, sports and dressing as a clown during parades. My favorite book is "Jublilee by Margaret Walker Alexander. This book is an affirmation of stories told to me by my grandmother about the tribulations of the Black person during slavery.

DISCRIMINATION: "An instance of discrimination which occurred to me happened this way: I submitted an engineering drawing as a requirement for employment, was called for an interview but denied employment because of my color. I had to accept this refusal, but did have the satisfaction of knowing that my ability was better than the person who received the job."

Childhood punishment: "The method of punishment I received as a child was every method known to man or woman. For fighting with my older brother about the family car, we both received a whipping and were made to travel to the football game together, one drove one way and retained possession of the car until halftime, then the other had possession of the car until we returned home. That was the last punishment I received.

An amusing incident: My oldest brother was dressed in his finest togs, getting ready to attend a dance. My oldest sister requested to go along with him. He said "NO!" She retaliated by hitting him on the legs with a dirty mop. Grandmother had to rescue my sister from possible "murder".

Our family lives in Fairview Heights, Illinois. We like the space surrounding the house and the quietness.