Closing the GAP for our future leaders

I recently had the opportunity to see Lowe's put its dollars into community action at WSSU's 2016 Homecoming. Lowe’s, in association with, Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) offers a gap scholarship for graduating college students with a minimum 2.5 GPA. The scholarship amount ranges from $500 to $3,100 (depending on account balance) and fills the gap to help a student graduate.

This year, Lowe's donated $500,000 to TMCF. Of that, I presented WSSU a $50,000 check just before the fourth quarter. While at the school, I met many of the students who benefit from these funds and I was surprisingly pleased with what I saw. Why was I surprised? Typically, at an HBCU homecoming, most students purchase the latest clothing trends to impress. However, the TMCF recipients had on two-piece suits, along with ties! These students are about business and letting companies, like Lowe's, know the fruit our their labor is not in vain.

At WSSU's homecoming, I couldn't help but think about my days on the campus of Virginia Union University. In fact, our homecoming was just a week prior. However, Hurricane Matthew decided to make his entrance and rain on our parade. So, the weather on this day at WSSU was picture perfect. I reminisced about cheering my Panthers to victory or spending time with my sorority sisters. I also remembered I was one of those students who dressed to impress at homecoming. But in class, I dressed for the job I wanted. At that time, it was working for the local tv station, WWBT-TV in Richmond, Virginia - which is where I ended up working right after school.

I guess, things have changed with students today. These WSSU students took full advantage of shaking hands with representatives, such as myself. I've always said, never meet a stranger and don't burn bridges. This small act of kindness Lowe's afforded me to participate in probably did more for me than it did the students. And knowing we are closing the gap, so the students don't have to worry let's me know, our future is in good hands.

Congrats to the students at WSSU, as well as, the remaining TMCF GAP Scholarship recipients.