The Four Wilson Sisters Are #BSU4LIFE!
Family Legacy of Giving to Touch Students for Generations
MEDIA CONTACT: David Thompson, dlthompson@bowiestate.edu, 301-860-4311
(BOWIE, Md.) – What does it mean to be #BSU4LIFE? The hashtag started as a motto on social media to promote a culture of philanthropy at Bowie State University. It is a call to action for BSU alumni to give back to their alma mater with their time, talent and treasure. More importantly however, #BSU4LIFE is a reminder to all alumni, students, faculty, staff, supporters and other BSU constituents that their connections to Bowie State University is a lifelong relationship.
An excellent example of that lifelong commitment is the Wilson Sisters: Norma (’55), Diane (’61 & ’71), B. Yvonne (’66) and Barbara (’83 & ’86). This family is a shining example of what it means to be #BSU4LIFE. The older sisters – Norma, Diane and B. Yvonne – were determined to become teachers, and the younger sister, Barbara, pursued a degree in public administration.
The sisters were raised “to help others besides their family members,” and in 2018, they committed to a multiyear pledge to fund and establish the Wilson Sisters Legacy Endowment at Bowie State University to provide scholarships for students training to become teachers and for those who wish to pursue a career in public administration.
To even their own surprise, they raised $100,000 in two years! At the end of fiscal year 2021, the fund principal balance was $100,343.
“We felt it was our obligation to give back to our alma mater,” said Diane Wilson-Bragg. “By establishing an endowment at Bowie State, we hope to assist potential and future BSU students with the financial assistance they need in achieving their lifetime goals.”
Giving back to their alma mater provides the Wilson Sisters a “sense of pride, fulfillment and gratitude to be in a position to establish and contribute to their own endowment.” That is the transformational impact of #BSU4LIFE!
###
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 bowiestate.edu.