First Generation Ozzie Newsome Scholars Connect with Benefactors During Campus Visit

On the afternoon of March 5, representatives from The Stephen & Renee Bisciotti Foundation and the CollegeBound Foundation visited Bowie State’s Student Center to connect with Ozzie Newsome Scholars and encourage them to finish the academic year strong.

The first cohort of scholars will graduate in May. The program was established five years ago when Baltimore Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti and his wife, Renee, donated $4 million to Maryland HBCUs to create scholarships for 80 graduates of Baltimore City Public Schools. The scholarship program is named for longtime Ravens executive Ozzie Newsome, the first Black general manager in NFL history.

This month’s informal gathering at BSU gave students an opportunity to speak with benefactors and share what it means to be an Ozzie Newsome Scholar.

Senior D’Amini Cheatham, a psychology major in the College of Professional Studies, said, “It has truly been an honor to be part of the first group of scholars to receive the Ozzie Newsome Scholarship. Over the past four years, this opportunity has meant more to me than I can express. It allowed me to live my undergraduate experience debt-free, full time and fully focused from start to finish. Not having to worry about the financial strain of housing or meal plans made all the difference in my journey.”

While at Bowie State, Cheatham gained hands-on experience as a mental health worker at Sheppard Pratt Health System while completing a dual-enrollment program to earn her registered behavior technician certification.

“Being an Ozzie Newsome Scholar means I’m part of a program that values academic excellence, leadership and personal growth,” said fellow psychology major Keyon Williams ‘27.

“It’s helped me stay focused on my educational goals by providing both financial support and motivation to continue striving for success. I’m grateful for the opportunity to be part of a program that invests in us and encourages us to reach our full potential.”

Taniyah Hughes ‘29, a business administration major in the College of Business, also shared her perspective.

“To be an Ozzie Newsome Scholar means that you're willing to learn, explore and face new experiences every day through leadership, knowledge and community. Being part of the program has helped me learn new skills that have helped me succeed in different events in my life. I've learned how to speak in professional settings and become a better leader and student.”

Bowie State currently has 18 Ozzie Newsome Scholars. Dr. Karmalita Contee, BSU’s director of private scholarships and grants, organized the event and attended the gathering.

“These are amazing student scholars, and we celebrate their excellence.”