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The African-American Chapter of the University of Missouri-St. Louis Alumni Association recently held a scholarship donor appreciation concert and party, A Jazzy Affair, to raise funds to support African-American students at the institution.
UM-St. Louis Chancellor Thomas George, Dr. Barbara Harbach and Professor Jim Widner provided the musical entertainment that evening for scholarship donors, and special guests The Bosman Twins capped off the night with a saxophone extravaganza.
ABC Fox 2 News reporter Bonita Cornute served as mistress of ceremonies for the event and Paula V. Smith, former director of U.S. Labor and Industrial Relations, was the honorary chairperson.
“This is a wonderfully gratifying event because not only did donors enjoy an evening of enchanting music in the ambiance of the beautiful Finale music venue, but they also experienced the holiday spirit of giving,” Sharon Holbrooks, president of the African American Alumni Chapter, said.
Understanding that many students find the tuition difficult to manage, Chancellor George lent his talent as a musician and encouraged some of his colleagues to do likewise to aid the African-American Chapter in its pursuit to raise scholarship funds.
In 2004, the University of Missouri established a new scholarship program to enhance access and opportunity for students. Each need-based scholarship totaling $15,000 will be matched with $15,000 from the institution through a matching program. Monies raised from donations combined with the money from the matching program create an endowed scholarship valued at $30,000. UM-St. Louis matches donations in increments of $15,000, thereby, empowering the African-American Chapter to assist its students when each $15,000 goal is attained.
The African American Chapter of the UM-St. Louis Alumni Association is committed to promoting and supporting the academic, professional, and personal development of all African-American students. Since its inception, the chapter has worked diligently to create opportunities that enable African-American students to pursue a UM-St. Louis education. The African American Alumni Chapter Scholarship Fund grants financial support to those in the St. Louis community who find it difficult to afford a college education.
To make a donation or for more information about the program, contact Gwendolyn Deloach-Packnett at (314) 516-6807 or email her at deloach-packnett@umsl.edu.
