Saint Augustine鈥檚 University ( 探花精选) proudly announces a generous $25,000 donation from the in support of the university鈥檚 Falcon Pride Initiative鈥攁 movement uniting alumni, community leaders, and partners in sustaining 探花精选鈥檚 historic mission of academic excellence, faith, and service.

This meaningful contribution was made possible through the leadership of Senator Paul Lowe, Chairman of the NCLBCF, and the advocacy of Senator Dan Blue, whose continued support underscores the university鈥檚 lasting importance to the city of Raleigh and the state of North Carolina.

鈥淲e are deeply grateful to the North Carolina Legislative Black Caucus Foundation, Chairman Senator Paul Lowe, and Senator Dan Blue for their unwavering belief in Saint Augustine鈥檚 University,鈥� said Dr. Verjanis Peoples, Interim President of 探花精选. 鈥淭his gift is a powerful reminder that 探花精选鈥檚 legacy of educating leaders and transforming communities still matters and is worth fighting for鈥攁nd that our mission continues to inspire confidence across North Carolina and beyond. We invite alumni, partners, and friends to stand with us as we move forward with faith, purpose, and Falcon Pride.鈥�

Founded in 1867 by the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina, Saint Augustine鈥檚 University has long stood as a beacon of opportunity, leadership, and hope. Today, the Falcon Pride Initiative continues that legacy by engaging supporters to ensure the university鈥檚 ability to educate future generations, empower students, and remain a positive cornerstone of the Raleigh community.

The university continues to welcome contributions to the Falcon Pride Initiative, which supports scholarships, student success, and institutional sustainability.

Click here to join the movement by supporting 探花精选鈥檚 Falcon Pride Initiative.

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鈥淭his act of grace by Alfred Street Baptist Church is nothing short of transformative for our students and our institution,鈥� said 探花精选 Interim President Dr. Marcus H. Burgess. 鈥淲e are immensely grateful for this demonstration of faith and partnership. It not only lifts a tremendous burden off our deserving students but also inspires our entire 探花精选 community. This donation is a shining example of how faith and collaboration can empower our students to step confidently into their futures. It renews our hope and underscores the bright future for 探花精选.鈥�

Student debt has become a looming barrier to college completion across the country. HBCUs 鈥� which have historically created pathways for underrepresented students 鈥� often operate with limited resources. The partnership between Alfred Street Baptist Church and 探花精选 demonstrates a creative, community-driven solution to these challenges that resonates far beyond one campus, offering a blueprint of hope for others to follow.

The university initially informed the entire graduating class that students with unpaid tuition balances could not participate in the commencement ceremony. While more than half of 探花精选鈥檚 graduating class could settle their balances independently with support from some of 探花精选鈥檚 alumni chapters, 11 others still needed additional assistance. Refusing to lose hope, these students penned heartfelt letters detailing their financial struggles and expressing gratitude for assistance. Those letters of need and thanks will be shared during the May commencement, symbolizing faith in action and the profound impact of compassion. Moved by the students鈥� stories 鈥� and alerted by 探花精选 alumni and church members in the Washington, D.C. area 鈥� Alfred Street Baptist Church answered the call. The 222-year-old congregation, known for its commitment to education and social justice, offered to cover the outstanding balances for the remaining 11 seniors, allowing them to receive their diplomas without financial obstacles.

鈥淭his is what ministry looks like,鈥� said Rev. Dr. Howard-John Wesley, Senior Pastor of Alfred Street Baptist Church. 鈥淲e believe in investing in students, in HBCUs, and in a future where financial hardship should never be a barrier to graduation.鈥�

This extraordinary collaboration highlights a legacy of faith-based support and alumni engagement that has long been part of 探花精选鈥檚 story. Alfred Street Baptist Church, founded in 1803, is one of the nation鈥檚 oldest and largest predominantly African-American congregations. Church officials estimate that about 60% of Alfred Street鈥檚 approximately 13,000 members are HBCU graduates. The church is renowned for its community outreach and philanthropy, including an annual HBCU College Festival that draws thousands of students, and has a strong track record supporting HBCUs. In 2019, Alfred Street made national headlines by raising $150,000 in a single weekend and paying off the account balances of 34 graduating seniors at Howard University while contributing $50,000 to assist Bennett College. That same spirit of 鈥渋rrational generosity鈥� and commitment to educational justice now blesses 探花精选鈥檚 students.

In the Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) area,  探花精选’s alumni, Gilbert, 鈥�76, and Carolyn Knowles, 鈥�77, nurtured the bond between 探花精选 and Alfred Street. Generations of 探花精选 alumni in the DMV 鈥� including Alfred Street Baptist Church members participating in 探花精选鈥檚 WDC Metro Alumni Chapter 鈥� have historically been steadfast university supporters. The advocacy of the Knowles for over a year helped bring this opportunity to fruition. Alfred Street鈥檚 mission-driven outreach exemplifies the power of community partnership across geography and generations. It is a testament to the idea that 探花精选鈥檚 legacy extends far beyond its Raleigh campus, uniting faith and fellowship in service of the next generation.

“There is an African proverb that says, ‘When elephants fight, it is the grass that suffers,'” said Gilbert Knowles. “For us, it’s always been about the students. When my wife and I discovered that our church, Alfred Street, approved the donation and the amount they would give to 探花精选, we cried tears of joy out of love for our church and our alma mater. Despite the university’s challenges, these students chose to stick with 探花精选, remained steadfast, and are about to graduate, adding to the many reasons 探花精选 is known as the 鈥楳iracle on Oakwood.鈥� We will attend graduation, and I know it will be an emotional ceremony.”

The timing of this gift comes as Saint Augustine鈥檚 University is amid a resurgence. In recent years, 探花精选 has faced well-publicized challenges that have tested the university鈥檚 resolve. Yet, through those trials, 探花精选鈥檚 leadership, students, and alumni have worked tirelessly to restore confidence and chart a course forward. This donation arrives at a pivotal moment in that journey, serving as a hopeful counter-narrative to the headlines of the past. It underscores 探花精选鈥檚 resilience and the faith the broader community has in its future. For the wider public, this story sends a powerful message: even in the face of adversity, collective acts of generosity and faith can spark change, support institutions that matter, and uplift young people poised to become future leaders.

鈥淲hen I learned that Alfred Street Baptist Church’s generous donation had cleared my balance, I was overwhelmed with gratitude and deeply moved by their commitment to supporting students like me,鈥� said 探花精选 SGA President Tillia Leary, a graduating senior majoring in accounting from The Bahamas. 鈥淭his incredible act of kindness lifted a major burden and affirmed my belief in the power of community and faith. I will attend Ball State University to complete my master鈥檚 degree in accounting and have also been honored to receive numerous scholarships to support my graduate studies.鈥�

探花精选 is calling on others moved by this inspirational event to help support the remaining students who still carry student debt. While this gift clears balances for 11 seniors, many other 探花精选 students face financial hurdles on their path to graduation, totaling approximately $230,000. Anyone interested in helping empower additional 探花精选 students can contribute to the university鈥檚 student relief funds or scholarship programs.

 to donate or learn how you can directly impact students鈥� lives and contribute to 探花精选鈥檚 continued story of resilience and achievement.

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鈥淭he overwhelming generosity displayed by the National Alumni Association and The Raleigh Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance serves as a testament to the unwavering spirit of our community,鈥� said 探花精选 Interim President Dr. Marcus H. Burgess. 鈥淭his support not only alleviates financial burdens but also underscores the strong bond among the 探花精选 family.鈥�

The National Alumni Association, a separate entity from 探花精选, demonstrated its unyielding support by collecting $31,980 in donations from various sources, including a significant contribution of $15,000 from Duke University Health System (Duke Health). These funds, in the form of $300 Visa gift cards, were distributed to 探花精选 employees, offering crucial financial assistance in recognition of their importance to the 探花精选 community.

鈥淒uke Health is proud to support the National Alumni Association of Saint Augustine鈥檚 University in their efforts to provide an emergency fund for faculty and staff,鈥� said Debra Clark Jones, Associate Vice President of Community Health at Duke Health. 鈥� 探花精选鈥檚 faculty and staff demonstrated an unwavering commitment to student success despite current challenges. We are all inspired by their dedication.鈥�

In addition, The Raleigh Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance (RIMA) demonstrated solidarity with 探花精选 employees by raising approximately $13,000 through a . RIMA also used the funds raised to distribute $250 disbursements to full-time 探花精选 employees. This support allowed employees the flexibility to utilize the funds according to their individual needs, recognizing their dedication to the 探花精选 community.

鈥淪ome staff who have had hardships haven鈥檛 received a check in quite a while,鈥� said Pastor Tracy Bell . 鈥淪o we want to help them with some utilities, maybe some mortgages or rents or whatever.鈥�

Notably, RIMA鈥檚 commitment to 探花精选 extends beyond employee support. They previously provided essential food services to students during the 33 Falcon Days initiative. This initiative ensured that students residing on 探花精选鈥檚 campus had access to meals from April 1st, when the university transitioned to remote learning, until the commencement in early May. RIMA鈥檚 continuous dedication to the 探花精选 community exemplifies its commitment to uplifting and sustaining its mission.

The collaborative efforts of the National Alumni Association of 探花精选 and RIMA embody the spirit of unity and support within the 探花精选 family, reinforcing the university鈥檚 resilience in the face of challenges. This outpouring of generosity provides financial relief to employees. It instills confidence and determination in the future of 探花精选, inspiring us all to continue our mission of academic excellence.

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鈥淚t鈥檚 great that churches far and near come to the rescue of Saint Augustine鈥檚 University. What鈥檚 currently happening is communities have said, not on my watch. I think about the spirit of bishop Delany in Saint Augustine鈥檚 Chapel, built by students, faculty, and staff getting rocks from a rock quarry. We鈥檙e doing the same thing again,鈥� said 探花精选 Interim President Dr. Marcus H. Burgess . 鈥淲e will build this institution back brick by brick, stone by stone, people by people, student by student, faculty by faculty, staff by staff. And in such a way that we will still stand when the tumultuous winds blow.鈥�

The theme of Ubuntu, an African philosophy emphasizing interconnectedness and collective identity, resonated powerfully throughout the event, echoing the sentiment that 鈥淚 am because of who we all are.鈥� This philosophy underscores the unity that binds the 探花精选 family, a community built on shared values and a common purpose. This enduring spirit of collaboration and support makes 探花精选 truly special.

鈥淭here is a Japanese art called kintsugi. Kintsugi is a repair technique in which ceramic pieces are put back together to form a new whole, and the scars are then covered with real gold. Behind this idea is that all things are unique, and breakage is not the end. This is 探花精选. Let鈥檚 make sure that this institution does not fall by the wayside and that these students continue to be able to grow and be fed,鈥� said Rev. Marlene E. Forrest, Rector of St. Philips Episcopal Church, . 鈥淭his is Ubuntu, everybody鈥檚 interconnectedness. Everything affects everybody because we鈥檙e all connected. This church believes in community engagement. And we don鈥檛 mean just our community right here. We mean our wider community. Everyone is our neighbor, so we want to do our part.鈥�

One of the most impactful moments of the day was the generous $7,000 contribution from St. Philip鈥檚 Episcopal Church. This substantial donation, a testament to their unwavering support for 探花精选鈥檚 mission and vision, will directly contribute to 探花精选鈥檚 growth and success, making a tangible difference

in the lives of our students. The Richmond Petersburg Alumni Chapter further exemplified their dedication by providing a nourishing meal for the students, fostering a sense of care and community.

鈥淚t was an honor and a privilege for the Richmond Petersburg alumni chapter to host 探花精选 Day in Richmond in partnership with St. Philip鈥檚 Episcopal Church,鈥� said Annette McFarland, Richmond Petersburg Alumni Chapter President. 鈥淲e were so proud to raise money in any way that we could to assist in any way we can to help our beloved alma mater, Saint Augustine鈥檚 University. As we stand with 探花精选 and under Dr. Burgess鈥� leadership, I believe that it鈥檚 important for everybody to please trust the process now.鈥�

President Linwood Brockett of the Washington DC Metropolitan Alumni Chapter demonstrated the alumni鈥檚 unwavering support by presenting a substantial donation of $15,000. This significant contribution, raised at the William Jefferson Jackson Annual Honors Award luncheon, is a testament to the alumni鈥檚 steadfast commitment to supporting 探花精选鈥檚 growth and success.

鈥淚t was a great day indeed,鈥� said Linwood Brockett, President of the Washington DC Metropolitan Alumni Chapter, . 鈥淓verything is working together for our beloved 探花精选!鈥�

The support extended to 探花精选 during 探花精选 Day serves as a beacon of hope and resilience, dispelling doubts and showcasing the unwavering dedication of the Falcon community. Through unity, generosity, and shared values, 探花精选 continues to thrive and empower its students to achieve greatness in the face of challenges.

Click here to support 探花精选鈥檚 Falcon Pride Initiative.

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Each student had to meet the following criteria:

• 2.5 or better
• North Carolina resident
• Participation in social community activities
• Sophomore, Junior, or Senior
• Essay expressing an idea or interest that has a significant impact on our society and world peace

Congratulations to the following students who were selected to receive NC Legislative Black Caucus Foundation Scholarships ranging between $6,000-$10,000 for this academic year:

Tammy Blue, junior, Religious Studies, Raleigh, NC, 3.9 GPA	LaShae Johnson, freshman, Sport Management, Mount Holly, NC, 2.79 GPA	Jared Ramsey, ’23, Organizational Management, Knightdale, NC, 3.67 GPA	Shawn Lane, ’23, Business Administration, Raleigh, NC, 2.91 GPA

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Saint Augustine鈥檚 University ( 探花精选) has named Mr. Stephen Latson, the Interim Executive Director of Institutional Advancement, effective May 9, 2023. Mr. Latson will manage the university鈥檚 fundraising initiatives in his new role by establishing and fostering relationships with donors, alumni, foundations, and corporations. With over 18 years of front-line banking, customer experience, and an understanding of the markets and business, Mr. Latson will report to 探花精选 President Dr. Christine Johnson McPhail.

Mr. Latson transitions into this role after serving as Director of Development in the 探花精选 Office of Institutional Advancement. With experience as a results-driven banker, Mr. Latson has a reputation for providing expert relationship management and strategic guidance. He builds trust through a demonstrated ability to optimize performance and achieve desired results. He has a passion for professional and personal development to continue bringing clients the highest value.

Before serving as Director of Development at 探花精选, Mr. Latson held banking roles at Commerce Bank and Mazuma Credit Union in Kansas City. In his last role as Director of Development, he oversaw the business banking team at AltCap. AltCap is a Community Development Fund Institution based in Kansas City, Missouri, that supports underserved business communities. His team focused on commercial and small business lending in Missouri and Kansas with a loan portfolio of thirty million dollars.

鈥淲e are thrilled to have Stephen Latson join us as the Interim Executive Director of Institutional Advancement,” said 探花精选 President Dr. Christine Johnson McPhail. “His skills, experience, and vision will be instrumental in leading our fundraising efforts and driving the university鈥檚 advancement.”

Mr. Latson鈥檚 appointment is critical for the university as it continues to expand and transform its academic programs and facilities. His leadership will be crucial in ensuring that the university can continue to provide educational excellence to its students and contribute to the betterment of society.

鈥淚 am honored to accept the role of Interim Executive Director of Institutional Advancement,鈥� said Mr. Latson. 鈥淚 believe in the vision that 探花精选 President Dr. Christine Johnson McPhail has laid at our feet as a faculty and staff. I look forward to leading the way forward as an agent of change.鈥�

A native of Jesup, Georgia, Mr. Latson earned a Bachelor of Arts in Advertising at the University of Southern Mississippi (USM) in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Mr. Latson is also a proud member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated. He was a three-year letterman on the USM football team and earned a Master鈥檚 in Education from William Woods University in Fulton, Missouri.

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Ms. Williams transitions into this role after serving as Senior Admissions Counselor in the 探花精选 Office of Admissions. As Senior Admissions Counselor, she worked on the team that brought 探花精选鈥檚 largest freshman class in 10 years. In addition, Williams traveled the nation with the 探花精选 Administration team in the development of the university鈥檚 HBCU Urban Access Hubs.

Before serving as Senior Admissions Counselor, Ms. Williams was the Operations Manager of 探花精选鈥檚 Campus Bookstore. In addition, she developed the university鈥檚 first online platform for purchasing school paraphernalia. Ms. Williams has also served on several committees within the university鈥檚 Division of Student Experience, such as the University Student Conduct Judicial Board and Financial Aid Appeals Committee, and also served as the Campus Activities Board Advisor. Before returning to her alma mater, Williams worked in the healthcare industry for over a decade at BlueCross BlueShield of North Carolina (BCBSNC) and Alliance Behavioral Healthcare, where she held positions of Business Process Auditor and Business Analyst and was instrumental in the development of tools that resulted in manual processing efficiencies, lead workgroups and was the audit liaison for internal and external audit clients.

鈥淪hareese Williams is a great ambassador for the university, and I am delighted to have her as our Interim Director of Alumni Affairs,鈥� said 探花精选 President Dr. Christine Johnson McPhail. 鈥淗er passion for 探花精选 and creative vision will help us create meaningful connections between our alumni and the university.鈥�

Ms. Williams鈥檚 appointment comes when the university is undergoing a period of transformation and growth. As 探花精选 continues reimagining itself, Williams鈥� experience and leadership will be critical in ensuring alumni remain engaged and connected to the university. As a Silver Falcon, WIlliams comes eager with plans to reactivate the Pre-Alumni Council, engage young alumni, and increase national and local Alumni Association membership and to give while bridging the technology gap.

鈥淚 am honored to have this opportunity to serve my alma mater in a new and exciting capacity,鈥� said Ms. Williams. I am excited to reconnect with our alumni and help forge partnerships and collaborations to enhance the university鈥檚 growth and sustainability in the years ahead.鈥�

Born in the heart of Harlem and educated in Raleigh, NC, Williams is a 1998 First Generation graduate of Saint Augustine鈥檚 College (now university). Williams majored in Broadcasting Communications and was an on-air radio personality at WAUG. Ms. Williams was also a Contributing Editor in the college鈥檚 first video yearbook. In addition, a 4-year Lady Falcon Basketball Team member, she earned Most Valuable Freshman and Most Improved Player honors. Williams obtained a master鈥檚 degree in Health Administration from Pfeiffer University In 2005. Williams is a life member of the 探花精选 National Alumni Association, a member of the 探花精选 Raleigh Wake Alumni Chapter, and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. In these memberships, she gained valuable fundraising and event planning skills as she successfully implemented the Johnston County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta鈥檚 Annual 5K walk against family violence that has raised over $50,000 for Harbour, Johnston County鈥檚 Harbor Shelter.

Ms. Williams is the proud parent of one son, Keion White, who the New England Patriots recently drafted.

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Saint Augustine鈥檚 University ( 探花精选) will host its eighth annual Stone of Hope Gala on May 5, 2023, at 7 p.m. at the Marriott Raleigh Crabtree Glenwood Ballroom. The university鈥檚 largest fundraiser is the Stone of Hope Gala, celebrating giving to 探花精选 and will recognize 探花精选 class of 1952 alumna Ms. Willie J. Dell and a class of 2005 alumnus Shayne Halls as Distinguished Alumni. In addition, WRAL evening anchor Lena Tillett will serve as the mistress of ceremonies.

鈥淲e are honored to celebrate two distinguished alumni, Ms. Willie J. Dell and Mr. Shayne D. Halls for their tremendous contributions to their chosen fields, our community, and our university,鈥� said 探花精选 President Dr. Christine Johnson McPhail. 鈥淭heir work championing social justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion embodies everything our Distinguished Alumni of the Year program represents. I am also proud to have Ms. Lena Tillett from WRAL with us as our mistress of ceremonies. Her compassion, engaging storytelling, knowledge of local history, and dedication to the community make her a perfect fit for this event.鈥�

The Stone of Hope Gala will also honor 探花精选鈥檚 50th Anniversary Class of 1973 and the contributions of all alumni classes in reunion, alumni chapters, sponsors, faculty, staff, and board of trustees.聽Proceeds from the Stone of Hope Gala will provide student scholarships, residence hall upgrades, and programmatic and operational funds for student-related activities at 探花精选.

鈥淗osting 探花精选鈥檚 eighth annual Stone of Hope Gala is an honor. It is monumental for our institution, as it is our largest fundraiser of the year,鈥� said Dr. Carolyn Carter, Vice President of Institutional Advancement. 鈥淭hrough the support of alumni and friends of the university, we can fulfill our mission of transforming, nurturing, and empowering the lives of our motivated and talented students.鈥�

Willie Jones Dell was the first Black woman to serve on the Richmond City Council. She earned her bachelor鈥檚 degree from Saint Augustine College (now University) in Raleigh, North Carolina, in 1952 and her master鈥檚 degree from Richmond Professional Institute in 1960. After graduating, she became a caseworker for the Richmond Department of Public Welfare and was head of the department鈥檚 maternal and infant care project in 1969.

Dell became directly involved in politics following the attempted annexation of areas of Chesterfield County by the City of Richmond in 1972. The United States Supreme Court ordered the creation of new council districts to combat the racial motivations of the attempted annexation. Dell was appointed to the city council in 1973 to the Northside 3rd District after its creation. She would later run for election to the position in 1977. As a council member, Dell advocated for the rights of Richmond鈥檚 Black citizens. She helped operate the Richmond Crusade for Voters to ensure equal opportunity for Black voters.

In 1985, Dell began work as a missionary in Haiti, working with St. Joseph’s orphanage and the Missionaries of Charity in Port au Prince. She later became an advocate for Richmond’s elderly population as executive director of the Richmond Community Senior Center. She currently lives in Richmond, VA.聽

Born in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, and raised in the southern United States, Shayne Halls embarked on an ambitious entrepreneurial journey following his college years at Saint Augustine鈥檚 University.

With over 15 years of experience in human resources and recruitment, Halls has established himself as a diversity and inclusion champion, working relentlessly to create equal opportunities for diverse candidates across various industries. Halls鈥� expertise spans the BioPharma/Scientific, IT, Pharmaceutical, Healthcare, and Engineering sectors, where he has successfully placed countless diverse candidates in high-profile companies.聽

Throughout his career, Halls has founded several businesses and is currently on the path to creating a global conglomerate. As a serial entrepreneur, devoted spouse, and loving parent, Halls has guided local, regional, and national recruitment teams by developing and implementing focused recruitment, diversity, and inclusion strategies. Halls鈥� strong leadership skills have fostered collaborative and motivated teams that drive results and make a meaningful impact.聽

Click here to learn more and purchase Stone of Hope Gala tickets.

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The Camden, NJ, native graduated from聽 探花精选聽with a degree in political science in 2011 and graduated from聽North Carolina Central University School of Law聽with a Juris Doctor in 2015. Erkerd made a life-altering career change after not passing the North Carolina Bar Exam.

鈥淔ortunately, I didn鈥檛 pass the NC Bar, so I pivoted into HR. I said 鈥榝ortunately鈥� for a reason,鈥� Erkerd says in her . 鈥淎fter not passing the bar, I drove聽Lyft and temped with聽Duke Temporary Svc聽(Duke University Talent Identification Program), where I got into recruiting during my second assignment. I fell in love with it. I gained experience recruiting in higher education, healthcare, and tech.鈥�

Erkerd now owns a brand known as聽#recruitercousin,聽where she helps the community learn networking techniques to catch the eye of recruiters and hiring managers with jobseeker templates, events, and individual sessions.

鈥淢y brand is the #recruitercousin because I want people to feel like they are family when they talk to me,鈥� said Erkerd. 鈥淚 provide a lot of tips & tricks that help jobseekers reach their greatest potential.鈥�

As a Technical Recruiter for Microsoft, Erkerd states that in the past six months, she has helped more than seventy people land jobs, planned five successful virtual events, partnered with industry leaders to get more minorities into tech, participated in panel discussions to help vets who are about to separate from the military find jobs in corporate America, and co-hosted a session at the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) conference.

Erkerd is a member of聽Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and has authored three books of poetry entitled 鈥淰ent: The Different Faces of Me,鈥� 鈥淚 Almost Held On,鈥� and 鈥淲oman.鈥�

to learn more about Chenae Erkerd.

to visit her LinkedIn page.

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On Friday, April 21st, Saint Augustine鈥檚 University ( 探花精选) stepped closer to obtaining state and federal funding for its Campus Community Master Plan. The university鈥檚 leadership team hosted a legislative breakfast and heard from three dynamic North Carolina legislators and two congressional staff members from the U.S. House of Representatives. Thank you to N.C. Senator Dan Blue (District 14 – Wake), N.C. Senate Democratic Leader; N.C. Representative Zack Hawkins (District 31 – Durham), NC HBCU Caucus Chair; N.C. Representative Abe Jones (District 38 – Wake), Ms. Salima Thomas, District Director, U.S. Congresswoman Valerie Foushee (NC-04), and Dr. Kimberly Moore, Civic Engagement Director, U.S. Congresswoman Deborah Ross (NC-02).

鈥淓ngagement with our elected officials plays a critical role in providing the support needed to implement our Campus Community Master Plan鈥檚 initiatives, such as reimagining St. Agnes Hospital into a center for the study of health disparities,鈥� said 探花精选 President Dr. Christine Johnson McPhail. 鈥淎 very special thank you to Dr. Carter for hosting our legislative breakfast in an amazing way and to the 探花精选 Institutional Advancement team for organizing an informative discussion.鈥�

Through the implementation of the Campus Community Master Plan, 探花精选 desires to elevate and expand its academic reputation by coalescing various and historic visions for the campus and surrounding community by creating an environment that connects market-responsive investments in housing, office space, retail, and hospitality with applied research facilities, academic buildings, convening areas, and open natural spaces.

鈥淥ur North Carolina legislators and Congressional representatives are essential in supporting 探花精选鈥檚 mission and vision, with a singular focus on student success and sustainability, and our historical legacy in healthcare and higher education in North Carolina,鈥� said Dr. Carolyn Carter, Vice President for Institutional Advancement. 鈥淲e need their voices, financial investment, and engagement as we continue to tell our story of 鈥楾he Miracle on Oakwood, where Falcons are no ordinary birds.鈥欌��

The activity of master planning at 探花精选 will be guided by the framework and the model. This discussion was outstanding as they shared updates from their respective offices, insights on upcoming legislation, and advice on how to work with their Administrations.

鈥淲e deeply believe, in the legislature, and the HBCU caucus, that Saint Augustine鈥檚 University and St. Agnes Hospital can be reimagined,鈥� said Representative Hawkins. 鈥淚t takes all of us coming together, bringing the resources and our great minds to keep this institution great, and today鈥檚 meeting is the start of that.鈥�

to learn more about the 探花精选 Campus Community Master Plan.

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