Rust College President Dr. David L. Beckley graciously accepted a check for $6,300 on February 1, 2011 from Rev. Clarence Smith on behalf of the Tupelo/Lee County United Negro College Fund Committee.
“We appreciate the Tupelo/Lee County UNCF continuing their effort to support the joint UNCF campaign of Mississippi,” said Dr. Beckley. “Because of that support, needy students are able to attend Rust, Tougaloo, and the other thirty seven UNCF schools across the country. We are delighted they have bought into the concept.”
Rev. Smith announced that Andrew Birks, of Tupelo, MS, was the first recipient of the Dr. Debra Calvert Memorial Scholarship established in 2009. Birks, a freshman, currently receives $500 per semester toward his expenses while enrolled at Rust. “We appreciate the entire community’s support, and solicit their continued support. Remember, a mind is a terrible thing to waste”, said Dr. Beckley.
The group recently concluded their 2010 campaign with its 20th UNCF Banquet, held at the Summit Center in Tupelo. The theme for the banquet was “A Challenge for Change”.
Dr. Walter Kimbrough, president of Philander Smith College, Little Rock, AR, was the guest speaker for the annual event. Other distinguished members who played a major role in this year’s success included: Rev. Robert J. Jamison, Attorney James Ford, Mrs. Mearion Smith, Ms. Florine Nails, Mrs. Lillie Bell Johnson, Mrs. Nettie Y. Davis, Ms. Ora Baldwin, and Mrs. Betty Thompson.
Posted By: Reginald Culpepper
Wednesday, February 2nd 2011 at 3:03PM
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