30th Anniversary university partners

In celebration of our 30th Anniversary publishing year, THE BLACK COLLEGIAN Magazine has established a $30,000 scholarship fund for elementary education majors at 10 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) including Alabama State University, Alcorn State University, Benedict College, Bennett College, Clark Atlanta University, Dillard University, Fayetteville State University, Florida Memorial College, Virginia Union University and Xavier University of Louisiana. Our magazine will donate $1,500 scholarships to one male and female student each at the participating HBCUs, which have been featured in month-long fund-raising campaigns on the syndicated Tom Joyner Morning Radio Show.

We are convinced the recruitment of talented and committed African-American college students to pursue teaching careers in elementary education is a critical issue facing educators across the nation. Teacher shortages nationally are growing, and we're pleased to be a part of the solution in addressing this vital issue. In all, 20 deserving students will benefit from our scholarships. We trust this initiative will encourage them to seriously pursue the elementary education teaching profession as a viable career option.

We are pleased some of the participating colleges in our scholarship program have joined us as University Partners by matching each of our $1,500 scholarships with a $1,500 tuition credit. Several of our University Partners, Benedict College, Bennett College, and Alcorn State University, are profiled below along with their recipients of our elementary education major scholarships.

Benedict College

Benedict College, a co-educational institution, had the largest enrollment in the history of the college with 2,452 students during the 199899 academic year. Benedict is the fastest growing HBCU in the country with the largest numerical enrollment gain of the 41 UNCF institutions. Benedict College has the largest student population among the 13 historically Black colleges in North and South Carolina. Among the 11 private institutions, Benedict is ranked the second largest undergraduate program. Through an expanded and flexible curriculum, Benedict students pursue courses of study that will prepare them for the 21st Century in business, government, social, and health services, public and private school instruction, civic, cultural, religious, and scientific work. Money Magazine's College Guide among the top seven Historically Black American Colleges and Universities has twice named Benedict nationally (as offering the best value in American education for the money spent. The college has been recognized by the Knight Foundation for its commitment for high standards of quality in education and a distinguished record of providing educational opportunities to African-American students. Two students who have shown exceptional skill and workmanship in the field of elementary education from Benedict College are Degarrius Cullum and Sherrie Waddell.

Degarrius Cullum, a sophomore, born and raised in Aiken, S.C., is currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in elementary education. Cullum is a member of many organizations, including the school's marching band, the NAACP, and a leadership program called "Think Tank" that organized and held a voter registration drive to help educate current students about being leaders in today's society. Cullum has also received many honors and awards, including being named on the Dean's List and winning the Marching Band scholarship, an Endowed scholarship, a Life scholarship, and the Tom Joyner scholarship. He states the reason he decided to become an elementary education major was because he likes helping young people grow and develop. His many future goals include furthering his education at Florida A&M, where he plans to earn his master's in English; and then attend the University of South Carolina, Aiken, to earn his doctorate in education administration.

Sherrie Waddell, a sophomore originally from Birmingham, Alabama, decided to become an elementary education major because children and education have been a big part of her life for many years. Waddell's mother is a teacher, and Waddell, herself, has been working in a day care center since she was 15 years old. "Children are a joy to be around, and I like to facilitate learning in the process (while being around them)." It was this passion that led her to choose her major so quickly. She is a member of the Honors Program and has been named on both the Dean's List and the President's List. Waddell's future plans are to enroll in graduate school in Georgia for curriculum and instruction, and then enter a Ph.D. program in gifted instruction for grades 3-5.

Benedict College 1600 Harden Street

Columbia, South Carolina 29204 (803) 256-4220

www.benedict.edu

Bennett College

Founded in 1873 as a coeducational institution and reorganized in 1926 as a college for women, Bennett College is located in Greensboro, North Carolina. The college offers students 30 majors including chemistry, clothing and fashion merchandising, political science, mass communications and social work. The college is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Council of Social Work Education, the American Dietetics Association, and the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education. Bennett College offers seven intercollegiate athletics including volleyball, swimming, basketball, softball, and tennis. Call today and join the ranks of phenomenal Bennett women who have become well-educated professionals, enlightened parents, facilitators of social justice, wise users of technology and persons of high moral standards.Two bright students who rose above and beyond the call of duty at Bennett College are Vivian Bynoe and Keyah White.