Reading together: JSU holds communal event to promote early childhood learning

Ashley Morrison, The Anniston Star, Ala.
·2 min read

Oct. 26—Several schools around Calhoun County held a communal reading event Wednesday in memory of a late retiree and alumna of Jax State, Dr. Sandra Stone.

Jacksonville State University invited the community to read along on the inaugural "Sandra Stone Day of Reading," which was established to "promote literacy at the preschool level," according to a recent news release from the university.

The release stated that 10 schools and 26 classrooms across the county participated in the event.

Stone, who died in July at the age of 75, was a prominent figure on campus for many years and a major supporter of the university. She held a Ph.D. in child and family studies, and was the assistant director of the JSU Gadsden Campus.

Stone died after a short battle with cancer, and is survived by her three children — Dr. Staci Stone, Steven Stone and Jeff Stone — and their spouses, as well as four grandchildren, according to the news release. Coincidentally, her husband of 54 years, Bill Stone, died Wednesday. He was the son of former JSU President Dr. Ernest Stone and first lady/educational administrator Kitty Stone.

"We appreciate this tribute to my mother, who was an avid supporter of all things JSU — baseball, visual arts, football, Marching Southerners, academic scholarships," said Dr. Staci Stone, JSU associate provost. "We also thank the friends and family who donated to the Sandra Stone Memorial Fund, which is being used to support literacy initiatives at JSU as part of the Sandra Stone Day of Reading. We look forward to continuing to collaborate with the College of Education and Professional Studies to support this annual event."

According to the news release, various community members, and Jax State students, faculty and staff read books to several preschool classes in the Calhoun County area. JSU officials are hoping to make this event an annual occurrence, according to the release.

"We are incredibly thankful to the Stone family for honoring Dr. Stone's dedication to education by partnering with us on this important initiative," said Dr. Kimberly White, dean of the College of Education and Professional Studies.

The release stated that those hoping to gain more information on the Sandra Stone Day of Learning can do so by contacting Courtney Christopher at clchristopher@jsu.edu.

Staff Writer Ashley Morrison: 256-236-1551. On Twitter: @AshMorrison1105.