April 17, 2019
Hundreds Support BSU Scholarships at Founders Day Gala
Gala Celebrates Student Achievement & Community Leaders
(BOWIE, Md.) – With a touch of class and elegance, the Bowie State University community and friends came together to celebrate the 154th anniversary of the university’s founding and raise funds toward student scholarships last week at the BSU Foundation’s annual Founders Day Scholarship Gala. View photos from the event.
Elected officials, including U.S. Congressman Steny Hoyer and U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen, joined the BSU community in toasting student achievement and honoring university supporters at the foundation’s signature black-tie fundraiser, with dinner, dancing and live entertainment. As part of the celebration, former Bowie State President Samuel L. Myers received special recognition of his 100th birthday this year.
As an example of student excellence, senior Shanell Powell addressed how BSU Foundation support helped her to achieve her dreams of earning a degree. "During my time at Bowie, I know that I have found a deeper meaning to life than than myself... [At Bowie State] I found a second family that saw my potential and challenged me day in and day out. I have found a support system that I know I can rely on, and I've found some amazing friends, mentors and sponsors that advise me and motivate me day after day," said Powell, who is set to graduate in May with bachelor's degrees communications and business administration.
Honoring Community Leadership
Former Prince George’s County Executive Rushern Baker III was one of the evening's three honorees. In addition to his service to the county and the state of Maryland, BSU President Aminta H. Breaux also acknowledged his new role as a BSU professor teaching a politics seminar for Honors Program students. In accepting his award, Baker described a recent field trip to the Maryland State House where his class met with Senate President Mike Miller and Democratic National Committee Chair Tom Perez for an informal discussion. “I have never been so proud of individuals… I marveled at their insight,” he said.
Baker’s BSU teaching experience gave him a new appreciation for the university’s impact on the larger community. “This is a great university. The things that you are achieving will change not only Prince George’s County, not only the state, but the nation. I am pleased to be a part of it today.”
Community leaders and longtime BSU supporters Glenn and Debra Mahone also received honors. They expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to support Bowie State as volunteer fundraisers over the years.
The audience got a treat near the end of the evening when singer/songwriter Stephan Marcellus (’12), former NBC’s “The Voice” contestant, sang an original selection, “Renegade,” with the BSU Community Jazz Ensemble, which also performed throughout the evening. The event host was radio veteran Guy Lambert from WPGC 95.5 FM, one of the most recognized voices in Washington, DC radio.
The annual Founders Day Scholarship Gala not only celebrates the university’s founding, but it also provides the BSU community and friends with many meaningful opportunities to support student scholarships and celebrate student success.
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About Bowie State University
Bowie State University (BSU) is an important higher education access portal for qualified persons from diverse academic and socioeconomic backgrounds, seeking a high-quality and affordable public comprehensive university. The university places special emphasis on the science, technology, cybersecurity, teacher education, business, and nursing disciplines within the context of a liberal arts education. For more information about BSU, visit www.bowiestate.edu.