Student Success Service Leadership Scholarship

"I wouldn't trade my experience at The University of Maryland for the world. The sisterhood I built via UMD's Black and athletic community is my main inspiration to give back. I wouldn't be who I am today without the relationships I formed at UMD, and I owe a lot of my success to my UMD sisters! I hope this fund enables young Black students to accomplish their goals and dreams, with hopes they have an experience that makes them want to give back too."

- Chloe Pavlech, UMD '15

"I'm incredibly proud to support the launch of the University of Maryland's Student Success Student Service Leadership Scholarship. As a UMD alumna and former out-of-state student, I know first hand how challenges related to affording my education negatively impacted my university experience. I'm thrilled this scholarship will tangibly and directly benefit some of the brightest and most talented Black student leaders at the university."

- Alexandra Givan, UMD '16

"Matriculating to The University of Maryland (UMD) changed my life. Financial woes never plagued my time at UMD, and for this I am blessed. I won over 50 scholarships. After a time, I realized that winning one made it easier to win the next. But as I conquered this system to success, I watched classmates and fraternity brothers unable to return for the next semester; and in some cases, never find the monetary resources to come back at all. I remember an instance where a $2,000 bill ended a friend's dream at higher education.

Knowing these people personally and wishing I had been able to more readily share my own resources and success is what prompted me to work with Dr. Randall and Dr. Kelley. We've worked on programming to address this very unfortunate and yet very common circumstance. Since 2010, the leadership has strengthened and grown the village to ensure that more Black Students make it to the finish line. 

With that, I am proud to be a champion of a fund that all Black Terps can support."

- M. Nick, UMD '12

"It brings me so much joy that I'm, able to give back to the Student Success Initiatives, including the Student Success Service Leadership Scholarship. One of the most valuable parts of my experience at UMD was having the opportunity to build relationships with fellow Black Terps. These relationships both inspired me and challenged me to be a more effective and compassionate leader. After graduating, I value these relationships even more. It's my hope that this scholarship will enable current and future Terps to succeed academically, pursue leadership opportunities, and build invaluable relationships without the stress of tuition affordability."

- K. Edwards, UMD '18

"Giving back through higher education will always be a passion of mine. To help create opportunities for students is a contagious act of kindness that will eventually mold our future into something great, and bright. Students of today are the leaders of tomorrow - which is what I personally think SSLC is all about."

- A. Pyant, UMD '17

"It's an honor to give back to a community that did so much for me! Higher education is the great equalizer when it comes to socioeconomic mobility. This scholarship will help alleviate some of the financial burden faced by fellow Terps, which in turn will enhance their ability to embrace all UMD has to offer. As a village, it's our responsibility to ensure future generations have the foundation necessary to achieve. This scholarship contribution is a small semblance of my eternal gratitude to the UMD community."

- L. Brooks, UMD '15

"The Black Community is the reason I was able to find my home away from home at The University of Maryland. One thing I know to be true is that without the Banneker/Key Scholarship, I wouldn't have been able to participate in all the activities and organizations that made my UMD experience whole. Through this scholarship, I hope to provide others with the opportunity to capitalize on their UMD experience, with one less financial worry! I charge my fellow Black Terps to continue to give back and support current students as they navigate a different world. It wasn't easy back then, and it surely isn't now!"

- Jazmyn White, UMD '15

"I hope to be the type of person who not only leaves a footprint on the hearts and minds of people that I know personally, but also on my community as a whole." 

- Cassie Duah, UMD '05

"Giving back to support members of UMD's Black community should be a priority for all Black UMD alums. There is no greater demonstration of commitment than support for the successful retention of Black students to evolve the institutions and traditions we established in the 70s, 80s and later. I am grateful for the opportunity to give the Student Success Service Leadership Fund and look forward to it becoming a fundraising rallying point for all Black Terps."

- George P. Braxton, J.D., C.D.E., UMD '87

"Being a first-generation college graduate, I know that education is the great equalizer that can positively change the trajectory of an entire family. My UMD education was that equalizer."

- Julie Thompson Fitzpatrick, UMD '93

"My volunteer efforts with the University of Maryland Black Alumni have afforded me opportunities to work with students on mentoring programs, volunteer projects, career events and fundraising efforts. I also have maintained relationships with some of the alumni I met when they were students. What we have in common is that we all are University of Maryland success stories. This scholarship is one step towards ensuring that future success stories are determined by dreams, efforts and boundless potential of our Black students, not by their economic circumstances." 

- Bert Williams, UMD '96

"Education unlocks the power of possibility. It allows for discovery, exploration, and experiences that create a stamp of lifelong significance. With it possibilities are endless!"

- Traci Jack, UMD '97

"Growing up, the University of Maryland was my dream school and a huge part of the reason why was the strength of the black community. Black UMD was the foundation I needed to really excel at this university. Through it I found friends, sorority sisters and business partners. What makes Black UMD so special is how we continue to show up and show out even after we graduate! It is now our duty as alumni to give back to the community that made us who we are today!"

- Sydney Parker, UMD '18

"It is undeniable the positive impact that scholarships have on students and the community by creating opportunities and access to higher education. I am honored to join my fellow Terps in supporting this important initiative to help future generations attain their academic goals and reach their full potential as servant leaders. Scholarships make a difference."

- Cydonii Fairfax, UMD '94

"As a first-generation college and out-of-state student, my journey was very challenging. However, several key moments made the experience worth all the struggles I overcame to earn my degree. Along with a world-class education, the University of Maryland's location, community, network, and resources were all part of my life-changing college experience. Therefore, I am delighted to support the Student Success Service Leadership Scholarship. SSSLS will allow future Black students who need financial support to focus on their education, building their network and professional foundation. GO TERPS!"

- Timi Jordan, UMD '91