HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-26-2011 The “Algie Effect” at Riley vs. Clay Basketball Game
MEDIARELEASE
Joint Release from:
South Bend Community School Corporation and the City of South Bend
January 26, 2011
3:45 pm
The “Algie Effect” at Riley vs. Clay Basketball Game
on January 28
On January 13, 2011, South Bend lost one of its best and most beloved educators, former
Riley principal, Algie S. Oldham. Oldham was Riley’s principal from 1982 to 1988 and
retired from the South Bend School Corporation in 1989. Known for his ability to
remember every student’s name and his rousing cheers at Riley pep rallies, he was a
mentor and leader to every student who knew him. A Facebook webpage honoring him
has had over 700 comments within the first 24 hours and his passing was covered across
the local news as well.
On Friday, January 28,many Riley alumni and their families will join current students
and faculty at the Riley vs. Clay basketball games being played at Riley High School –
Girls’ Varsity at 6:00 pm, followed by Boys’ Varsity at 7:30 pm. “A percentage of each
ticket sold for the game will be donated to the Algie S. Oldham Foundation,” according
to current principal, Edward Bradford. Additional donations will be accepted at the
game. Donations can also be sent to P.O. Box 781132 Indianapolis, IN 46278.
Mandy Kadar Olds 85’, Helene Kadar Sirko 88’ and Jennie Dieter Mast 91’, the Riley
Alums that set up the donations at the game thought is was important to show what is
being termed the “Algie Effect” to the Southside. “We thought it was important to show
our Southside pride to the current students, faculty and families,” stated Mast. Additional
seating has been arranged at the game.
Many attending the game will be wearing special designed “Algie” t-shirts. Proceeds
from the shirt sales also will go to the Oldham Foundation. Shirts can be purchased at
www.cafepress/giamaires
Special Note: This is also the Riley Homecoming game and Senior Girls’ Night. The
Homecoming Court will be introduced and the Powers Trophy, a Clay vs. Riley tradition
will be presented.
For additional information please contact Denise Jozwiak Zigler 84’ at 574-532-0079.
To view the Facebook webpage set up to honor Algie Oldham, go to
www.Facebook.com/Remembering Mr. Oldham - Riley HighSchool.
May 18, 1927 - Jan. 13, 2011
INDIANAPOLIS - Educator and distinguished Masonic member, Algie S.
Oldham Jr. of Indianapolis, IN, formerly of South Bend, IN, died January
13, 2011, after an extended illness. He was born in Dyersburg, Tennessee,
on May 18, 1927, to the union of Algie S. Oldham Sr. and Cleo Rodgers.
His parents, including his siblings Daisy, Maxine, Julia and Patricia,
preceded him in death. In 1952 he married Sarah May Graham. To this
union were born one daughter, Roslynn (Wesley) Oldham Lancaster of Indianapolis, IN,
and one son, Bryan (Marcia) S. Oldham of Douglasville, GA. They survive along with
three grandchildren, Jonathan Lancaster and Lauren Lancaster of Indianapolis, IN, and
Sydney Oldham of Douglasville, GA. Algie is the former principal of James Whitcomb
Riley High School in South Bend, IN. He also taught at Linden, Oliver and Colfax
schools in South Bend, and retired in 1989. He received a B.S. degree from Tennessee
State University in Education 1949 and an M.A. degree from the University of Notre
Dame in 1954. He was a former member of the Phi Delta Kappa Education Fraternity, the
National Association of Secondary Schools and Indiana Principals Association. He was a
former trustee of the South Bend N.A.A.C.P., Board of Directors, and South Bend Urban
League. Other affiliations included the South Bend Rotary Club, and he was a recipient
of the Paul Harris Fellow Award. He was also a member of the South Bend Police Merit
Board, Model Cities Neighborhood Board and South Bend Board of Zoning Appeals. He
was a life member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, and was inducted in the South Bend
Hall of Fame in 1993. In 1997 he was appointed a board member to the South Bend
Community School Corporation Education Foundation. He served the U.S. Army from
1950-1952, obtaining the rank of Supply Sergeant Transportation Corps, Ft. Eustis, VA.
He was a member of St. Peter's Lodge #31, F.&A.M. of the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of
Indiana, and became Worshipful Master in 1965 and 1966. He was elected Right
Worshipful Grand Junior Warden in 1975 of the Grand Lodge, and held offices of Right
Worshipful Grand Secretary and Right Worshipful Grand Treasurer. On the Scottish Rite
level, he served as Recording Secretary and Grand Secretary of the Indiana Council of
Deliberation. In 2005 he became the Sovereign Grand Commander of the United
Supreme Council Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry Prince Hall
Affiliation, Northern Jurisdiction, USA, Inc. Ebony Magazine cited him as one of the
100+ Influential Black Americans in the United States in 2005 and 2006. He was also a
member of Olivet A.M.E. Church in South Bend and Northminster Presbyterian Church,
Indianapolis. Open visitation to include Masonic Rites and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity,
Inc., will be held Friday, January 21, at Crown Hill Funeral Home & Cemetery, 700 W.
38th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46208, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. A tribute celebration will be
held at noon on Saturday, January 22, in Northminster Presbyterian Church, 1660 Kessler
Boulevard East Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46220. Visitation will be from 10 until noon, with
the tribute to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Algie S. Oldham
Foundation, Incorporated, P.O. Box 781132, Indianapolis, IN 46278.
Published in South Bend Tribune on January 19, 2011