National
University Offers Scholarships to Children of Slain Emanuel AME Parishioner
By Zenitha Prince
Special to the NNPA from the Afro-American Newspaper
The recent massacre of nine congregants in an African-American church in Charleston, S.C., by a self-proclaimed White supremacist has been marked by stories, not so much of hate, but of touching tales of forgiveness, graciousness and an outpouring of love.
In another of those inspiring stories, Southern Wesleyan University (SWU) this week announced it is offering full tuition scholarships to the four children of DePayne Middleton-Doctor, a university employee and one of nine victims killed in the tragic Emanuel AME Church shooting June 17.
“Right now, more than anything, we want DePayne’s children to know we love them,” said University President Todd Voss in a statement. “We want to honor DePayne’s service to SWU and her belief in Christian higher education as an important element in Gracyn, Kaylin, Hali and Czana’s future success.”
A 1994 alumna of Southern Wesleyan, Middleton-Doctor was employed at the institution’s Charleston learning center as an admissions coordinator. Former colleagues praised her for her embodiment of Christ-like principles, including her demonstration of love and service to family, students and co-workers.
“DePayne was a wonderful woman and co-worker who embodied the best of what we do here at SWU,” said Dean Grile, senior director of recruitment services and director of the university’s Charleston learning center. “She enjoyed reaching out to working adults to give them a second chance or a first opportunity to improve their lives and their family’s lives through education.”
The scholarships will cover each child’s tuition for their entire enrollment, if they choose to attend Southern Wesleyan, according to Chad Peters, vice president for enrollment management. The awards are the university’s way of honoring a beloved employee, who often boasted of her children’s accomplishments to co-workers.
“As a community we are deeply saddened by the loss of a valued employee who faithfully served and ministered to adult and graduate students in Charleston,” Peters said. “We realize the scholarships won’t ease the pain of loss that the children are dealing with now and in the future; however, it is our desire as a community for each of them to know we care about them.”
Middleton-Doctor was among several people killed when alleged assailant, 21-year-old Dylann Storm Roof, opened fire on the group that had gathered for Bible study in a racially motivated attack.
Hundreds of mourners, including President Barack Obama and a congressional delegation, attended funeral services for the victims.
Activism
Oakland Post: Week of May 1 – 7, 2024
The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of May 1 – 7, 2024
To enlarge your view of this issue, use the slider, magnifying glass icon or full page icon in the lower right corner of the browser window.
Activism
Oakland Post: Week of April 24 – 30, 2024
The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of April 24 – 30, 2024
To enlarge your view of this issue, use the slider, magnifying glass icon or full page icon in the lower right corner of the browser window.
#NNPA BlackPress
LIVE! — ASK ALMA — TUES. 5.30.23 7PM EST
This week, guest host Leah Farmer King and her panel share tips and advice to reader mail. Leah and the panel, along with the …
The post LIVE! — ASK ALMA — TUES. 5.30.23 7PM EST first appeared on BlackPressUSA.
This week, guest host Leah Farmer King and her panel share tips and advice to reader mail. Leah and the panel, along with the …
The post LIVE! — ASK ALMA — TUES. 5.30.23 7PM EST first appeared on BlackPressUSA.
-
Community3 weeks ago
Financial Assistance Bill for Descendants of Enslaved Persons to Help Them Purchase, Own, or Maintain a Home
-
Business3 weeks ago
V.P. Kamala Harris: Americans With Criminal Records Will Soon Be Eligible for SBA Loans
-
City Government4 days ago
Court Throws Out Law That Allowed Californians to Build Duplexes, Triplexes and RDUs on Their Properties
-
Activism4 weeks ago
Oakland Post: Week of April 10 – 16, 2024
-
Activism2 weeks ago
Oakland Post: Week of April 24 – 30, 2024
-
Community3 weeks ago
AG Bonta Says Oakland School Leaders Should Comply with State Laws to Avoid ‘Disparate Harm’ When Closing or Merging Schools
-
Community3 weeks ago
Richmond Nonprofit Helps Ex-Felons Get Back on Their Feet
-
Community3 weeks ago
Oakland WNBA Player to be Inducted Into Hall of Fame