Bridging Art, Education and Library Science

IT WAS RESEARCH that led

Debra D. Lemonds, an expert photo researcher, to support North Carolina Central University (NCCU).

A Southern California resident, Lemonds has spent her storied career gathering art and photography, primarily for books. Her credits include serving as photo editor and researcher for a series of 25 books on Olympics history. Currently, she works for an antiquarian bookseller.

“I wanted to contribute to a historically Black college or university,” Lemonds said. “I looked at NCCU’s website and called the university. It was a belated birthday gift to myself.”

“Over the years, we’ve taken a more holistic approach to caring for the student-athlete population of the university,” Stafford said. “We have defined five priorities and offerings for sports performance at NCCU and added to the offerings: nutrition, mental health, chiropractic care, physical therapy and athletic training. These are the same offerings that are found at Power 5 institutions.”

He is proud of the changes and how they impact student-athletes' health and wellness.

Stafford’s passion for enriching students’ lives has flourished over the years.

“It’s rewarding to see student athletes progress,” Stafford said. “Ultimately, we want to keep them from getting hurt.”

He adds, “We have brought nutrition, holistic care and mental health to other MEAC and CIAA (Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association) institutions, which will benefit all historically Black colleges and universities.”

The overall investment made by Stafford and his medical team over the years is incalculable, but likely totals millions of dollars, based on their investment of time, in-kind support and resources.

In August 2021, Lemonds was connected to the Division of Institutional Advancement.

“As our discussion developed, I asked which schools or colleges needed resources and funding. I decided to create an endowment to benefit the School of Education and the School of Library and Information Sciences.”

Both schools served Lemonds’ interests. “I thought ‘perfect.’ I so admire education [and educators],” she said. “Their skills, warmth, intuitiveness and inventiveness have a tremendous impact that continues for many generations.

Libraries are fabulous spaces and librarians are doing good, meaningful work.”

She adds, “I want to take the financial burden off those who may need assistance. I am lucky to be able to do so. Getting a good education helps a person’s analytical skills and information gathering capacity and leads to expanded horizons and life-long learning.”

Lemonds’ fund is appropriately named the Tall Sky Endowment because, as she said, “We are the Eagles.”