WSSU donors, scholars connect at Rams Rising luncheon highlighting impact of scholarships
Winston-Salem State University administrators and student scholarship recipients showed their appreciation to donors at the Rams Rising Scholarship Luncheon April 9 in the Anderson Center’s McNeil Ballroom.
Donors were hailed both for their generosity and the role their gifts have played in developing future leaders.
The luncheon was a featured event of Scholarship Week, an educational series designed to highlight the brilliance, creativity and groundbreaking research of WSSU students.
In welcoming attendees, WSSU Chancellor Bonita J. Brown noted the luncheon’s connection to the university’s recently unveiled “We Are Rising” strategic plan.
“Today reflects the very best of who we are,” Brown said. “In this moment, right here in this room, is ‘We are rising’ in action. Our strategic plan calls for us to expand access, invest in our students and strengthen ties to the university and our community.”
Cheré R. Flowers, WSSU’s senior director of development, told the gathering that during her first year at WSSU, her team focused on listening, learning and building a strong foundation.
“We are building the process that will sustain excellence,” Flowers said. “We are cultivating the partnerships that expand our activity, and we are reimaging the possibilities of what fundraising can and should be for WSSU.”
Students shared the impact scholarships have had on their development.
Chancellor’s Scholar Maya Williams thanked donors, saying her full scholarship allowed her the time to participate in campus activities and assume leadership positions.
“The scholarship lifted a tremendous burden off my family, especially with a younger brother also preparing for college,” said the junior from Baltimore. “It meant I could fully experience campus life. I have been blessed with the freedom to be fully engaged. These experiences have helped me grow, lead and truly find my place. One day, I hope to stand where you are, giving to a new generation of Rams.”
Student Government Association President Maliyah Winters thanked donors for helping to remove barriers, opening doors and creating opportunities for students to pursue goals with confidence.
“Scholarships are more than rewards,” said Winters of Raleigh. “They are reminders that someone believes in us and that belief carries us through challenges and pushes us to lead, to serve and to give back.”
Senior Patrick Stephens, a mathematics and mass communications double major, credited his scholarship with freeing him from concerns about “survival” and allowing him to pursue his dreams.
Stephens hosts “The Patrick’s Show,” a podcast highlighting WSSU athletes, coaches and campus figures.
“I have learned that talent doesn’t always pay fees, that no amount of determination can replace opportunity,” he said. “Scholarships provide opportunity. Scholarships get you to the finish line, not barely or partially, but gracefully.
“When you invest in a student, you invest in their family, their community and their sphere of influence,” he continued. “Your generosity is not abstract and theoretical. It shows up in real lives like mine.”
John Kirby Jr., assistant vice chancellor of University Advancement, served as master of ceremonies. Titus I. Lee, director of annual giving, gave the invocation.
Deneen Clarke, reigning Miss WSSU Alumni, spoke about her group, Women of Winston, which last fall announced creation of the Women of Winston Endowment Fund.
Concluding her remarks, Flowers lauded the celebratory gathering of donors and scholarship recipients.
“This is merely a glimpse of what is to come and a glimpse of what happens when vision meets commitment,” she said.
