“Not on My Watch.” 探花精选 Receives $22K Donation During 探花精选 Day at St. Philip’s Episcopal Church
RICHMOND, VA鈥� Last weekend, Saint Augustine鈥檚 University ( 探花精选) was the center of a significant event, 探花精选 Day, at St. Philip鈥檚 Episcopal Church in Richmond, VA. This event, marked by a strong sense of solidarity and generosity, underscored the community鈥檚 uncompromising support for 探花精选 in the face of financial and accreditation challenges and sensationalized media coverage. It was a powerful testament to 探花精选鈥檚 resilience and commitment to its mission of academic excellence.
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.
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