Continued robust community support helps enable this
annual recognition of some of the region’s
most dedicated and accomplished educators
Going strong at year 36
This year, we are delighted to celebrate the 36th anniversary of the St. Louis American’s Salute to Excellence in Education. The event began in 1988 as a small, community-focused banquet, honoring a miscellaneous group of individual achievers, with a few hundred attendees. We handed out some framed certificates to the awardees, had a few speeches, and donated the modest dollars from the net proceeds to varied community needs.
In 1994, we created the St. Louis American Foundation, a 501c3 organization, with a primary focus on education, equity and individual educators in particular. Fortunately, this initiative resonated with the St. Louis community, including public, private and non-profit sector organizations, along with some generous individual donors. They have strongly embraced our revised vision: celebrating outstanding individual educators, while providing much-needed funding to help deserving youth succeed.
Today, this ongoing support from the
Stellar Performer in Education
James T. Minor, PhD
Chancellor Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville
Stellar Performer in Education
Joycelyn Pugh-Walker, Ed.D
Executive Director of Federal Programs Ferguson-Florissant School District
community, in collaboration with multiple higher education institutions in particular, has enabled this program to evolve and grow into an established annual occasion. The event is one of the largest community benefits awards events in the entire St. Louis region –much, much more than just a “lovely evening.”
Since its inception (including proceeds from this year’s event), the Foundation and its huge support from education partners have made possible the granting of nearly $15 million for scholarships to high achieving students with financial needs, as well as community grants, including an astonishing $2.8 million total this year.
University, Goldfarb School of Nursing, Washington University, and the University of Missouri St. Louis, along with Anheuser-Busch Foundation. We appreciate and welcome our newest higher education partner, Lindenwood University, to our collaborative.
n The event is one of the largest community benefits awards events in the entire St. Louis region –much, much more than just a “lovely evening.”
We are grateful and appreciative to have substantial scholarships this year from Harris-Stowe State University, Missouri State University, Southeast Missouri State University, St. Louis Community College, University of Missouri-Columbia, Webster University, Maryville University, Fontbonne
We’re also appreciative for the Foundation’s collaboration with both the Deaconess Foundation and Scholarship Foundation of St. Louis that provides $125,000 worth of scholarships, each year, for students pursuing careers in nursing but lack the financial resources to continue their education.
As we ponder our 36th year of this important work, we are proud that we now produce more than just an entertaining evening. The Foundation expects to be here serving this community into the future, gaining new collaborative partnerships in the interest of greater equity in education outcomes that will provide more opportunities for our youth. This work helps to
highlight the value of the untapped potential of African-American youth. Their contributions play a major role in assuring a more successful future for the entire St. Louis region and the nation.
We want to congratulate and express our deep regard and respect for this year’s awardees who we hold in high esteem, as well as highlighting the ongoing need for more dedicated educators, and the hardworking scholarship recipients who are indispensable to the future well-being of this community.
I want to also emphasize the indispensable importance of our dedicated staff, Salute volunteers, as well as our generous sponsors who share our belief in the vital need to provide a quality education for all.
Finally, on behalf of my colleagues at the St. Louis American Foundation, I want to again thank everyone in the community whose constant support enables a community event whose purpose is to improve the life outcomes of more of our young people. This shared goal means a benefit for all.
Donald M. Suggs, President St. Louis American Foundation
The 2023 Salute to Excellence awardees
Special Award: Champion for Education
Kathy Osborn CEO Regional Business Council
2023 SEMO Counselor of the Year
Khadija Tejan
District College & Career Coordinator Riverview Gardens School District
John Carlos Armstead, Sr Assistant School Leader of Instruction
KIPP Inspire Academy
Dr. Shawn A. Baker
VP, Student Affairs & Enrollment Management
Harris-Stowe State University
Excellence in Education Awards
Brian C. Griffin
7th Grade Math Teacher
Ladue Middle School
Brandon Haynes, PH.D
8th Grade CoordinatorMathematics Faculty Whitfield School
Christopher C. Miller Dean of Students
Confluence Preparatory Academy
Briana Morales
English Language Arts Teacher
Gordon Bush
Alternative Center (E. St. Louis)
Charles Murphy Teacher Roosevelt High School (SLPS)
Kendra Vaughn Reading Specialist Brown Elementary (Hazelwood)
Thank you for your unwavering dedication to the city of St. Louis and its educational endeavors.
The RBC celebrates CEO Kathy Osborn as our esteemed Champion of Education!
Osborn Champion of Education
Kathy
John Carlos Armstead Sr. inspires students to ‘nerd out on science’ Excellence in Education Awardee
By Tavia Gilchrist
On his first day of work at Normandy High School years ago, teachers and students thought John Carlos Armstead Sr. was the new athletic coach.
He wasn’t. He was the new science teacher.
“Our world is used to seeing Black men entertain and do sports and play and that’s cool, but the real movers and shakers are the engineers who are creating medicines and finding treatments for diseases,” Armstead said. “I want my students to be known for their brilliant brains.”
At KIPP Inspire Academy in North St. Louis, Armstead also hopes to provide students a model of what their future can look like, no matter where they come from.
“The stigma that our students can’t access science and math content, that’s bull, they need that one teacher who turns them on to it,” he said.
At KIPP, Armstead’s students remind him of his own struggles with chemistry, until he grew to love it. “I strategically chose this middle school because I directly teach students who live where I grew up,” Armstead said. “I tell them, ‘I’m literally where you’re from.’”
He reads off his street credentials like a resume. “I was raised on Thekla and Davison in Walnut Park, and I’m a proud graduate of Sumner High School, class of 1996,” he regularly says. Armstead attended Lane College, a historically Black college in Jackson, Tenn., where he received a bachelor’s degree in chemistry.
He joined KIPP’s staff in 2012 as an eighth-grade science teacher. Since then, he’s taken on instructional and leadership roles in the school. Currently, he’s the assistant school leader for instruction. And his philosophy is to “pour into your students,” build on their strengths and aim for progress, not perfection.
“He builds super strong relationships with kids and families and the teachers he coaches,” said Jessica Pachak, school leader of KIPP Inspire.
“He’s had close to 100 percent retention on his team over the last four years and when I think about the ways he’s grown and developed as a leader, he’s made tremendous growth in his longterm planning and his ability to set forth goals for his team and drive toward them. He’s the heart of our team.”
Armstead’s visibility as a Black professional teacher providing instruction in an urban setting can’t be overstated. “It’s important for kids to see people who look like them guiding and leading the way,” said Christopher Crumble, a friend and current principal at Yeatman-Liddell Preparatory Middle School in North St.
Louis.
“He’s a science teacher and he’s showing young Black boys and girls what it means to excel in science and give them a passion for science, and he’s translated that to his instructional leadership as well.”
Longtime friends say that Armstead’s zeal for science and education started early on, instilled by many of the role models in his community. “We were raised in the Nation of Islam together, where we had an abundance of Black role models that we could pick and choose from,” said Dr. Ian Buchanan, an education consultant and former assistant principal in the Ferguson-Florissant School District who received a Salute to Excellence in Education award in 2000.
“The way we were raised, we saw
the dimensions of what it means to be responsible Black men, the commitment to community, self-determination, discipline and self-agency, those were the pieces of our foundation growing up. And John just took the baton and ran with it.”
After 18 years as an educator, Armstead said he still lives for the moments when he can see “Black and Brown students nerd out on science.”
“I just had a student who is now in her 30s reach out to me saying that she studied engineering and now she’s a project manager in construction. She’s crushing it and dismantling all the barriers about women and Black people in engineering.
That’s literally one example of the impact you can make on students.”
Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American
/ 70% of Students Qualify for Scholarships
/ $0 Tuition and General Fees with Will To Do Award
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/ Named a U.S. News Best Public School
/ Graduation Rate 43% Above the National Average
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grads employed or furthering education six months after graduation
semo.edu/scholarships
Excellence in Education Awardee
Dr. Shawn A. Baker helps Harris-Stowe students overcome barriers
By Tavia Gilchrist
Looking back at his college days, Dr. Shawn A. Baker remembers there was one person who took a chance on him and changed his life.
He arrived on campus at Central Methodist University (CMU) in Fayette, Mo., with four permanent gold teeth and dreadlocks that fell to his waist.
“They asked me what are you doing here, and I said I wanted a work study job, a guaranteed job. They took me to the admissions office and one of the personnel hired me. I had to look intimidating but he took a chance on me.”
Baker remembers that experience as he guides Harris-Stowe State University (HSSU) students through the maze of financial aid paperwork, on-campus housing logistics, and searches for opportunities to aid their college experience.
“Seventy-five percent of our students are first-generation college students and they don’t know the nuances of higher education, so you have to take an interest in them, help them find their way around, and make sure they cross the stage in four-to-five years,” he said.
When Brice Dean was told he wouldn’t have housing his freshman year, his mother called student affairs, and Baker answered the phone—and made sure Dean had a room. “My mom loved his level of professionalism and welcoming spirit,” said Dean, a Chicago native who graduated from HSSU in May with a bachelor’s in finance.
“He was someone who helped me smooth over the bumps in the road as I transitioned to college. He was probably the most pivotal person in my college experience.”
HSSU recruited Baker from CMU’s residential life program to join the HSSU staff as assistant dean of students and residential life. Initially Baker
turned down the job, but a meeting with Dr. Henry Givens Jr., president emeritus, convinced him to join the staff.
“[Dr. Givens] said you will give more to these students at Harris-Stowe than you will [at CMU]. He understood the students we served at Harris-Stowe, and he had done his research on me, and he knew where my heart was.”
That “research” included a hard-scrabble life growing up in Texas, with a mother who was addicted to drugs. “My mother had been locked up and I was an introvert,” Baker said. He moved to St. Louis with his father and enrolled at Parkway Central High School, where he played basketball. A track scholarship led him to CMU.
Baker arrived at HSSU in 2007, just as the school was expanding its residential life program. The traditional commuter campus transformed into a student-centered hub, with dining services, student meal plans and social events for students. “It had been survival of the fittest, and I decreased student incidents with dining services and late-nite breakfasts,” Baker said.
St. Louis native Reid Dunn, a 2023 graduate, remembers Baker as the go-to administrator whenever students need help. “He’s a servant leader first, he will help anyone he can by putting himself out or going out of his way to show someone he cares. He has a way of helping people discover that they have more
potential than they realize.”
In 2019, Baker was promoted to vice president of student affairs and enrollment management and oversees financial aid, admissions, student engagement and conduct, dining services, and athletics for the university.
After 16 years in administration at HSSU, Baker said his focus is still the same, helping students overcome barriers to stay in school and graduate. “The number one thing that keeps me here is the students we serve. At the end of the day, I know I’ve touched lives and provided access and opportunities for students and I’ve left them with tools to use in the future.”
Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American
BUILDIN G BOLD L E ADER S
Congratulations to the Maryville University Suggs Scholarship recipients! Thank you for your commitment to diversity and inclusion and for being a part of the access and opportunity revolution.
M A RYVILL E . ED U
MACHA’I DAUGHRITY
ATHENA HOUSELY
KYLON MC COTTRELL MICAIAH JOHNSON
Brian Griffin: ‘Math coach’ has game plan for student success Excellence in Education Awardee
By Ashley Winters St. Louis American
Brian Griffin’s numbers add up to his being an acclaimed teacher.
The 25-year veteran math teacher is entering his fifth year of teaching 7th-grade math at Ladue Middle School, after being a student in the Ladue School District.
He began his career at St. Paul Cathedral School in Birmingham, Alabama, then he returned home to teach for the Hazelwood School District for 14 years.
Griffin volunteers at church and is always seeking further chances to immerse himself within his school and neighborhood communities to help facilitate the growth of young people in the community.
“I was inspired to enter the field of education because of the dedicated educators at my elementary school, Farragut Elementary. These teachers took the time to work with each of us and were dedicated to the profession,” said Griffin.
Griffin’s former teacher Mrs. Bascom made sure her students had the structure and tools needed to be successful in middle school and beyond. He said, “These educators spent time with us outside of school which showed that the village of education is truly an idea that was rooted in the 70’s and 80’s.”
“If we work together as a learning community, we can carry the weight together which would make the lifting lighter for all of us.”
That inspiration from Mrs. Bascom encouraged him to go further in the education field; he received his master’s degree in education from the University of Notre Dame in 2000.
And now Griffin is taking those skills he learned from Mrs. Bascom and applying them in his classroom.
“When I teach, I see myself as a math
coach. Encouraging students to share their ideas and take a risk so that they build confidence, perseverance, and resiliency in math”
He tries to present the material to his students that makes a connection to them by making his students the center of his lesson plans instead of making math the center of attention.
A few things Griffin uses to help his middle school students become more comfortable with math is to have them believe math is therapeutic and not as anxiety-inducing as they might think.
“I do this by connecting the real world to math, so they see that things they do outside of school are related to what happens in the math classroom,” said Griffin.
Another strategy he uses is incorporating songs that have mnemonic devices that he hopes they will memorize throughout
their time in middle school.
“Overall, I try to make math related to something that they have already bought into such as sports and encourage them to practice math outside of school to improve and sharpen their skills. Just as they would practice their particular sport more than just during the mandated practice times,” said the veteran teacher.
But Griffin isn’t the only one doing the inspiring in his classroom, the 25-year- educator says his students inspire and encourage him more than they know. One instance is a former student who sought out Griffin for tutoring, the high school student was in Griffin’s class three years prior and needed help with precalculus concepts.
“I was amazed that he thought so highly of me that he returned to seek my guidance and advice. He inspired me due
to the fact he spent a Friday afternoon trying to better his understanding of a challenging math concept and he even taught me a few things that I had not seen in years,” said Griffin.
The math teacher gives his all to help prepare his students for eighth grade and beyond. He wants them to understand that being a well-rounded person who is giving and caring for others is a critical part of their development as they grow older.
“Becoming a better student is always the focus but becoming an even better person is what I hope for them to accept and use in life beyond the classroom,” said the teacher.
Ashley Winters is a Report for America reporter for the St. Louis American.
Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American
Webster University is proud to once again support The St. Louis American Foundation’s Annual Salute to Excellence in Education Scholarship & Awards Gala and to show our appreciation to all of this year’s outstanding educators. We would especially like to recognize our 2023 Dr. Donald M. Suggs Scholars for their ongoing commitment to individual excellence and global citizenship.
Halima Abdi | Jennifer Dinh | Abby Nguyen | Fatema Salem | Lauren Walther | Tara Wang | Tyrus Williams
Dr. Brandon Haynes raises the bar of excellence Excellence in Education Awardee
By Tavia Gilchrist
For the past five years, Dr. Brandon Haynes’ walk to work included passing a wall of white faces, the photos of educators at Whitfield School who had won the esteemed Outstanding Teacher of the Year Award.
“I wanted to be up there too,” said Dr. Haynes, who teaches eighth grade math at the school. “You want to feel like this is where you’re supposed to be, or at least have some kind of representation.”
This year, Dr. Haynes was honored to be chosen as the George A. Newton Outstanding Teacher Award at Whitfield, a prestigious private school in Creve Coeur. Students and teachers have rallied around Dr. Haynes, the first Black faculty member in the school’s 71-year history to receive the award.
“He has made an impact as a teacher who demands excellence from students and works hard to help them achieve those goals,” said Dr. Miller Boyd, who teaches African American history at Whitfield.
“He’s extraordinarily caring and interested in the whole child, not just their grades and good marks but really making sure they are ready for life and balanced and moral.”
For Dr. Haynes, the accolades from within his school and the larger community is validation of the long journey he’s taken to find his place in the classroom.
He spent years working in city government in Kansas City and earned a master’s degree in public administration from the Truman School of Government and Public Affairs at the University of Missouri. After a move to Atlanta to work in the city’s administration, Dr. Haynes earned an MBA from Kennesaw State, with the goal of managing his own business.
A native of New Orleans, Dr. Haynes also earned a doctorate degree in urban studies from the University of New Orleans, motivated by an interest in studying how his hometown could recover after Hurricane Katrina. But after
meeting his wife, who works in administration at Washington University in St. Louis, Dr. Haynes decided to put down roots in the city.
The move to St. Louis also put him a step closer to his destiny in the classroom.
“Ironically, I was working at Deaconess Foundation when I realized I wanted to work with the students we were actually helping,” said Dr. Haynes, a former director of community engagement at the local foundation.
Alex J. Stallings, a former colleague at Deaconess, wasn’t surprised when Dr. Haynes announced he would transition to work in education. “We funded child wellbeing and advocacy organiza-
tions and in those spaces, a part of him seemed to light up about the work with families and kids,” said Stallings, who is now senior director of early learning at Nine PBS.
After leaving Deaconess, Dr. Haynes taught math at KIPP Triumph Academy in North St. Louis for several years before moving on to Whitfield School in 2018. The bucolic suburban school is predominately white and wealthy; students of color make up 38 percent of its student body.
“There’s a growing number of African American and minority students from all income levels,” said Dr. Haynes, who coaches the esports program and is the faculty co-sponsor for the Black
Student Union. “The environment we’re trying to create is very inclusive, to make sure the whole child is taken care of.”
Among the faculty, Dr. Haynes is one of two Black classroom teachers (the other is Dr. Boyd). There are two Black physical education teachers, and Black staff in admissions and college counseling.
“The other day, I passed a Black student. I didn’t even know him, but he gave me the nod and said “it’s about time we’re up there,” said Dr. Haynes of his picture on the awardees wall.
“To be seen by the faculty was important but to be seen by the kids is everything I’ve wanted from the profession, to know that I’m here for them.”
Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American
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SALUTE TO EDUCATION
Christopher Miller builds the ‘village’ around his students Excellence in Education Awardee
By Tavia Gilchrist
Christopher Miller will always remember his mother’s influential words: Pay it forward.
That was Mildred Miller-Clark’s mantra to her son, a guiding principle to remember the village that raised him. He needed to remember the teachers, the counselors, and the people in his Walnut Park neighborhood.
“When you get into education, you have to build a rapport with students and families and get inside their hearts, find out what they need and help them use their voices to empower themselves,” said Miller-Clark, a retired parent specialist with St. Louis Public Schools. She told him “everybody needs help, and you’ve been blessed, so you have to pay it forward.”
Miller understood the assignment. But the last thing he wanted to be was a teacher.
“Education found me, maybe it was by accident, coincidence or divine intervention,” Miller said.
“I think what got me is that once I realized that support and development was important and intentional around how we grow as individuals, it made sense for me to go into education.”
As the dean of students at Confluence Preparatory Academy, Miller sees a teenage version of himself in many of his students—young and growing up in rough city neighborhoods. His chief role is to manage student behavior and provide disciplinary support.
Under his two-year leadership, disciplinary incidents have decreased at the school. Attendance has increased. And students who had trouble finding their footing at the high school are now finding ways to contribute to their community.
“He’s built solid relationships and disciplined students in a way that acknowledged what was wrong and gave them options to see what they could have done
differently,” said Dr. Leslie Muhammad, director of student services and parent involvement at Confluence Preparatory Academy.
“He’s helped them become citizens in our school, the very ones that many would say are not successful, he helped them socially, emotionally and academically.”
Robert Hughes has known Miller for 15 years—the two are fraternity brothers in Alpha Phi Alpha, Inc. Early on, he noticed Miller’s knack for engaging students. He encouraged him to volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri, where Hughes is director of development.
“A kid will walk by and Chris will know every kid’s GPA and where they
are from and where they are in their academic journey. He figures out where the opportunity is and how he can assist and what resources he can provide internally or outside the institution to set the child up for success.”
Miller’s holistic approach to helping students includes analyzing their home life and support system, finding the gaps and filling them in.
His mother used to do the same thing in Walnut Park.
Growing up, Miller watched his mother make connections with parents. She rewarded students at Mark Twain Elementary with a pair of Nike socks if they came to school every day—and attendance increased. Miller-Clark also worked at Northwest High School, and
she often paid for students to attend homecoming if their parents couldn’t afford it.
She provided crates of sheets, comforters and personal care items for students that went to college, and she replenished the crates every summer for the ones who stayed in school. When she sees one of her “babies,” as she called her students, at the grocery store, they still call her “Granny.”
“Back in the old days, we knew every family and everyone was connected. I was able to see how you could accomplish so much in a sense of togetherness and community,” Miller said.
“That’s my version of education, that’s what it should look like.”
Photo courtesy of Confluence Preparatory Academy
Briana Morales: Illinois Teacher of Year uses poetry as teaching tool Excellence in Education Awardee
By Alvin A. Reid St. Louis American
The school’s students and staff, and members of the Illinois Board of Education, sprung great news on teacher Briana Morales on April 17 at Gordon Bush Alternative Center in East St. Louis School.
State Superintendent Tony Sanders and Darnell Spencer, Bush principal, announced in person before cheering students that Morales was named the 2023 Illinois Teacher of the Year.
“They faked me out; I thought I was coming down here for a meeting,” Morales told the St. Louis American.
“I think that the work we do is amazing. There are so many amazing things that are going on and I just knew we had such a great story to tell here. The kids have an amazing story tell.”
Morales is noted for using poetry and other forms of expressive writing to help her students, many of whom have experienced poverty, gun violence, and personal tragedy.
It helped her personally, and now is an essential tool for helping her students deal with trouble in their lives.
“In seventh grade, I was struggling with complex life changes at home, and I experienced a lot of trauma as a child,” she explained in a Chalkbeat article.
“My teacher at the time tried to equip me with the skills to battle everything that I was going through. She taught me how to write poetry as a way to cope.
Morales said she wrote her first poetry book in that class “and I never stopped writing.”
Her dedication to students less fortunate than many in Illinois is part of her overall philosophy of teaching.
“We have a moral responsibility to ensure that every child has access to equitable experiences that allow them to be their authentic selves, especially in alternative education,” she said.
“I think alternative education is representative of the underdog in all of us
“They are the kids that you’re rooting for to turn the tide and be who they want to be with the right resources. These are kids who may have unmet needs and lagging skills, but one caring adult can break the chains for so many children.”
Morales was in her sixth year in the classroom in the ESL District 189 school, and recognition is not new to her.
In addition to be being the Illinois Teacher of the Year, Morales was named an Early Career Educator of Color by the National Council for Teachers of English in 2021.
She has served as a policy fellow, senior fellow, and now a national senior research fellow with Teach Plus, where she has worked on advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion for students across the state through culturally responsive initiatives.
Morales also serves on the school
Briana Morales was caught completely by surprise when news came to Gordon Bush Elementary School that she was named 2023 Illinois Teacher of the year. State Superintendent Tony Sanders (left) joined Morales and Principal Darnell Spencer at the school on April 17, 2023.
board for the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice, School District 428.
She earned her bachelor’s degree in Secondary English Education from St. Ambrose University in Devenport, Iowa in 2017, and her master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from American College of Education in Indianapolis.
Her pursuit of education also continues, with her working toward a PhD in education policy, organization, and leadership at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. She is scheduled to graduate in spring 2024
Morales’ research interests include investigations of teacher and student perceptions regarding alternative education; asset-based approaches in nontraditional forms of teaching, learning, and assessment; and linguistic justice in English Language Arts curriculum for Black and brown students.
She has been an affinity group facil-
itator with Teach Plus Illinois, which creates affirming and supportive spaces, rooted in an asset-based understanding of diversity, which support educators in navigating and improving their school environments and are connected to a larger network to build alliances and address systemic issues
Morales has also collaborated with teachers throughout Illinois to increase diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) legislation for school districts, particularly around mandated implicit bias training
Poetry is not her lone interest in writing. She has authored op-ed articles to advocate for the Illinois Culturally Responsive Teaching and Leading Standards.
When she received the Teacher of the Year award, Morales said words that she often uses with her students immediately came to mind:
“You really, really outdid yourself with this one!”
Photo courtesy of the Illinois State Board of Education
ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
Charles ‘Babatu’ Murphy: An educator of Black-African heritage Excellence in Education Awardee
By Sylvester Brown Jr. St. Louis American
After 55 years of service, Charles “Babatu” Murphy is retiring. The African origin of his middle name, “Babatu,” relates to “peacemaker, leader, ruler or king.” It’s safe to say that, as an educator, activist, and musician Murphy, 79, has lived up to the moniker.
Born in 1944, Murphy was the oldest of his siblings, four sets of twins. His parents, William and Verna Murphy raised their children in the Carondelet area of south side of St. Louis. Cooper said his father, who was a self-taught musician and singer, influenced his interest in music. The Murphy Family were Catholics, so Murphy attended Saints Mary and Joseph Grade School, St. Mary’s High School.
In 1963, Murphy joined the Society of Mary, which emphasized careers in education and the need for
male, Black teachers. The lessons stayed with him as he reached adulthood. His dream was to educate youth while providing life-skills along the way.
After high school, Murphy enrolled at St Mary’s University in San Antonio, TX. There, he was quickly immersed in the world of music when he asked to learn to play the bass in one week. Murphy also learned to play the guitar, piano, keyboards and started composing his own music. He later joined a college band called “The Soul Brothers” and performed throughout his college years.
Throughout those years, Murphy never lost sight of his mission to teach. After graduating in 1967, he was hired at Vianney High School in Kirkwood in Kirkwood. He then moved to Pueblo, Colorado to teach at Roncalli High School. Two years later, he was back in St. Louis where he spent the rest of his career teaching at Beaumont, McKinley and Roosevelt High schools which was his longest tenure.
As an educator, Murphy taught history, chemistry, math, science and served as a gymnastics coach, technology teacher and piloted the St. Louis Public Schools’ television station lights & sounds program and spearheaded Roosevelt High School’s Media Technology Course.
In 2001, Murphy married his longtime sweetheart, Debbie Thompson Woolfolk Murphy and together, the couple have five children. Outside of education, Murphy
jointly founded the Organization for Black Struggle and joined two bands, the Uhuru Ensemble, and the Infrared Rockers. He stepped away from public education for a bit to perform around the world and, in the process, won an Emmy for one of his musical collaborations.
On Friday, September 29, 2023, Murphy was officially recognized by Gov. Mike Parson for his “humanitarian” work in the community and his valiant efforts to “educate and mentor youth” throughout his 55 years of service.
Murphy said he still plans to work with and educate children.
“When asked about his recent recognitions, Murphy replied proudly and humbly:
“It means a lot. When people see these (awards) they’ll know that I am still proud to be an educator of Black African-Heritage who’s going to keep fighting and teaching.
“These awards let me know that somebody cares about what I’ve done. It inspires me.”
Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American
…stays with you for the rest of your life. With over 100 degree programs, 50+ clubs and organizations, small class sizes for more personalized learning, and a diverse student population represented by all 50 states and over 75 countries — you’re going to want to tell everyone about it.
SALUTE TO EDUCATION
Kendra Vaughn: Reading puts students on flights to future success Excellence in Education Awardee
By Alvin A. Reid St. Louis American
Kendra Vaughn, the reading specialist at Brown Elementary School has soared to new heights as a teacher with more than 20 years dedicated to serving students in the Hazelwood School District.
Brown has a hawk as a mascot, and Vaughn helped students create a newspaper called The Soaring News. The Newspaper Club was recognized by the Hazelwood School District’s Board of Education.
It is all part of her concentrated effort to help students improve reading skills and open new worlds for themselves through what they learn through written publications.
“Reading actually allows students to break free,” she said.
“They can build a knowledge base. When they have the power from the literature they read, they can then use that to empower others.”
While working with the school’s kindergarten through 5th grade population, Vaugh says “I get the best of both worlds.”
“I have the opportunity to service the teachers, and teach the kids,” she said.
Vaughn has been a presenter on professional development days at the school and district level to help teachers strengthen their instructional practices. She also helped to write Hazelwood’s English Language Arts curriculum.
Vaughn also finds unique ways to bring resources into her school, including being a volunteer for KidSmart, an organization that provides school resources for students and teachers. She has also established relationships with Books for STL.org (which provides books for students in need) and Saint Louis Crisis Nursery (an organization that focuses on caring for and providing resources for children facing a family crisis).
To support her school’s character edu-
cation programs, she has connected with the Kurt Werner Foundation, a multitude of local businesses, Springboard for Learning, and Duo Dogs.
“The partnering with community leaders and sponsors has been a huge benefit to student growth and overall academic performance,” she said.
Vaughn earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education and a Master of Arts Degree in Education with an Emphasis in Reading/Literacy [FROM]
She is a two-time Teacher of the Year, and twice received the Emerson Excellence in Teaching Award.
Vaughn has served as chair of the district’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee, Family and Community Involvement Committee, Student Achievement Committee, and other academic clubs.
She has also served on the HSD
Reading Committee, Cultural Competence Committee, the Accountability and Accreditation Committee, and the Extended Literacy Task Force Committee.
She was a participant in the English Language Arts Cohort through University Missouri St. Louis and is currently a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Solutions Group participant. She is a mentor in the Hazelwood Mentor/Mentee Program which provides support to teachers and tutors students.
She has been a presenter on professional development days at the school and district level to help teachers strengthen their instructional practices. She also helped to write Hazelwood’s English Language Arts Curriculum.
Her dedication takes her professional workshops outside of those required by her district, including the Bureau
of Education and Research “How to Guide Reading and Literacy Centers to Strengthen Your Students’ Reading Skills,” and “Practical Strategies for Meeting the Rigorous Common Core State Standards for Reading, Differentiating Instruction in a WholeGroup Setting and Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder.”
She is a member of the NEA (National Teacher Association) and PTA (Parent/Teacher Association).
With all she does, Vaughn says her teaching philosophy really comes down to the one-on-one relationships she builds with students to help them succeed.
“I enjoy witnessing the moment a student’s potential is unlocked due to conquering their fears and knocking down all challenges using their multitude of talents and strengths,” she explains.
Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American
Past Excellence in Education Awardees
Looking back at all the awardees from the past 35 years
Salute Class of 2023
John Carlos Armstead, Sr.
Dr. Shawn A. Baker
Brian C. Griffin
Brandon Haynes, Ph.D.
Christopher C. Miller
Briana Morales
Charles Murphy
Kendra Vaughn
Salute Class of 2021
Howard E. Fields III, Ph.D.
Brian M. Gant
Lynn R. Hinton
Jonathan Strong
Ronda Wallace
Salute Class of 2020
LaShanda R. Boone
Shantana Goodwin-Payne
Karen I. Hall, Ed.D
Romona Miller
Sheryl Denise Rogers
Rhonda Stovall
John E. Thomas
Craig A. Waddell, Ph.D
Salute Class of 2019
Petra Baker
Monica D. Diggs, Ed.D
Victoria A. Harris
Kimberly Patrice Long
Duane McGowan
Tina Clark-Scott
Lawerence Shields
Tanesia L. Simmons
Salute Class of 2018
Dr. Chauncey Granger
Kim I. Haywood
Bernard Long Jr.
Dorthea B. Nevils. ED.S.
Raymond K. Robinson, M.DIV
Dr. Leslie Thomas Washington
Dr. Tamara D. Wells
Rhea M. Wells
Salute Class of 2017
Alan Byrd, Jr.
Anya Gray Franklin
Dr. Crystal Gale
Shanise N. Johnson
Angela Keys
Dr. Kevin M. Martin
Dr. Raghib Muhammad
Dr. LaTisha A. Smith
Salute Class of 2016
Kimberly D. Berry
Dr. Sarah Briscoe
Cori Cloyd
Kathleen Foster
Dr. Stacy Hollins
Dr. Kacy Seals
Dr. Gladys Smith
Cynthia D. Warren, Ph.D., Ed.D.
Salute Class of 2015
Russell Arms
Dr. Erica L. Bumpers
Dr. Ingrid Clark Jackson
Alicia G. Davis
Veronica Hildreth
Dr. Ashley R. McGhaw
Bessie Bennett Peabody
Dr. Tiffany L. Taylor-Johnson
Salute Class of 2014
Wesley J.C. Bell
Nicole Binion
Nina D. Caldwell, Ed.D.
Edward M. Johnson, Ed.D.
James Paine, II, Ph.D.
Germaine Stewart
Jim Triplett
Martha Warren
Salute Class of 2013
Clara Collins Coleman
Tiffamy C.E. Fane, M.A.
Vanessa Howard, Ed.S.
Wanda P. LeFlore, Ed.D.
Nathalie Means Henderson, Ed.S.
Wilma L. Slaughter, MS
Jody J. Squires, Ph.D.
Deitre J. Terrell
Salute Class of 2012
Jason Brown
Earnestine Carr
LaChrisa Crenshaw
Duane M. Foster
Andrea N. Hayes
Jaqueline Storman Turnage
Doretta A. Walker
LaRhonda L. Wilson
Salute Class of 2011
Carolyn Blair
Nikki Doughty
Latasha M. McClelland
Michelle L. McClure
Art J. McCoy, II
Marsha Yvonne Merry
Natissia Small
Darnell P. Young
Salute Class of 2010
Dr. Celeste A. Adams
Michael Blackshear
Sheandra P. Brown
Florida M. Cowley
Bruce Green
Carole Johnson
Matthew McCallum
Sybil Selfe
Salute Class of 2009
Kelly Ballard
H. Eric Clark
Niyi Coker, Jr.
Natasha Mosley
Rona Roginson-Hill
Michelle A. Pendleton
Dr. Alice F. Roach
Margaret Williams
Salute Class of 2008
Julia Robinson Burke
Mama Lisa Gage
Terry J. Houston, Sr.
Eric D. Johnson, Sr.
RaShawn Johnson
Marilyn Mims
Darlene Morgan
Simone Williams
Salute Class of 2007
Luella Atkins
Haliday Douglas
Sonja P. Little
Romona Miller
Tyrone Jeffrey
Darlene Norfleet
Victor Poindexter
Brian Rogers
Salute Class of 2006
Jowanda Bozeman
Dr. Harvey Fields, Jr.
Kathryn Garrett
Clarice Hall
Crystal Herron
Howard Rambsy
Kathy Walker Steele
Zella Williams
Salute Class of 2005
Charles Ransom
Betty Robinson
Gwendolyn Shannon
Makeda Reid-Vales
Shirley Washington-Cobb
Chelsea Watson
Brian Weaver
Dr. Brenda Youngblood
Salute Class of 2004
Travis Brown, Sr.
Patrick Jackson
Pat Johnson
Vernon Mitchell
Terri Moore
Joan Barnes-Parham
Monette Gooch-Smith
Dr. Ann Chism-Williams
Salute Class of 2003
Vera Atkinson
Dr. Stephanie Carter
Rose Coleman
Dr. Vern Moore
Juanester Russell
Frank Smith
Dr. Linda Lou Smith
Dr. Gwen Turner
Salute Class of 2002
Cynthia Boone
Thomas Edwards
Terrance Freeman
Flossie Henderson
Billie Mayo
Edna Pipes
Salute Class of 2001
Dr. Edwin F. Bailey, Jr.
Terrence Curry
Juliette Hite
Dr. Larona Morris
Annie House Russell
Hattie K. Weaver
Salute Class of 2000
Prof. Bennie A. Adams
Ian P. Buchanan
Mabel Thomas Edmonds
Michael T. Railey, M.D.
Linda Riekes
Cynthia J. Sutton
Salute Class of 1999
Michael R. DeBaun, M.D.
Roland Nichols
Eugene B. Redmond
Althea Taylor
Kerry M. Woodberry, M.D.
Salute Class of 1998
Alexander Harris, O.D.
Louis M. Marion
Dr. Patricia Nichols
Dr. Savannah Miller-Young
Louis Zitzmann
Salute Class of 1997
Alice M. Aldridge
Marion Bosley-Evans
Cynthia L. Cosby
Ivory Johnson
Andrea Walker
Salute Class of 1996
Carol Barnes
Nino Fennoy
Dr. Charlene Jones
Bettye Reed
Chanuncey Trawick
Salute Class of 1995
Victoria Cothran
Dr. Charles Harris
Dr. Ernest Jones
Michelle Lowery
Viola Murphy
Salute Class of 1994
Dean James McCleod
Dr. Arvarh Stickland
Rudolph Wilson
Barbara Woods
Dr. Edith Mae Young.
Note: The specific category of “Excellence in Education” Awards commenced in 1994.
Past Merit Awardees:
Salute Class of 1993
Dr. Edna Allen
Dr. Frances J. Gooden
Elizabeth Hutcherson
Addie Bryan Jackson
Fontroy Todd
Salute Class of 1992
Dr. Harvest Collier
Dr. Lincoln I. Diuguid
Alicia Ivory-House
Sandra Murdock
Dr. Wilfred Sorrell
Salute Class of 1991
Dr. Nettie S. Armmer
Leon Burke, Jr.
Dr. Queen Fowler
Yvonne Howze
Louise Mitchell
Bessie L. Reid
Beatrice Strong
Betty Porter Walls
Louise T. Wilkerson
Salute Class of 1990
Lt. Col. Leroy Adkins
Stephen Banks
Marguerite Ross-Barnett
Lynn Beckwith, Jr.
Evail Boyd
Jerry L. Bryant
Lois Harris
Edward Hightower
Kermit Hill
Floyd Irons
Rev. Dr. Buck Jones
Jerome B. Jones
Betty Jean Kerr
Shirley LeFlore
Kathryn Nelson
Hershel J. Walker
Rochelle Walker
Wilma Wells
Edna J. Whitfield
Gaye S. Wilson
Dorrie K. Wise
Salute Class of 1989
Sarah Short-Austin
Ron Carter
Rose Davis
Mathew Foggy
Rev. C. Garnett Henning, Sr. Hulas King
Andre Jackson
Oval Miller
Eugene Redmond
Ollie Steward
Eric Vickers
Salute Class of 1988
George Elliott
Jonathan Ford
Dr. George Hyram
Carolyn Kingcade
Richard Martin
Judge Theodore McMillan
Jamie Rivers
Irene F. Schell
Norman Seay
Willie Mae Ford-Smith
H. Phillip Venable, M.D.
Dannette Connor-Ward
Bill Wilkerson
SALUTE TO EDUCATION
2023 Donald M. Suggs Scholarship Recipients
Derrick Barnett, Jr. Harris-Stowe State University
Derrick Barnett, Jr. is a freshman finance major at Harris-Stowe State University. He hails from the west side of Chicago, Illinois, and graduated from Collins Academy High School. A scholar, Derrick graduated from high school as the class valedictorian. He was also a member of the track team, National Honor Society, and National Beta Club. At Harris-Stowe, Derrick has participated in the Hornet Summer Bridge Academy, track and field team, Black Male Initiative and is a Presidential Scholar. He aspires to one day become the chief financial officer of a large corporation.
Michael Jones Lindenwood University
Michael Jones was raised in Walnut Park and was one of eight children in his household. He has always dreamed of working in a hospital and helping others. In college. He plans to major in nursing with the hopes of becoming a Registered Nurse.
Athena Housley Maryville University
Athena Housley is a first-year Multicultural Scholar at Maryville University. Before coming to Maryville University,
Athena attended Pattonville High School in Maryland Heights, MO. Athena is majoring in nursing with a minor in business administration and hopes to pursue a career in health care, eventually starting her own business. As a Suggs scholar and in the Multicultural Scholars Program, diversity and inclusion mean creating a space where people from all walks of life feel not only comfortable but welcome and are judged by their skill rather than their social identities.
Kylon McCottrell
Maryville University
Kylon McCottrell is a first year Multicultural Scholar at Maryville University. Before coming to Maryville University, Kylon attended Life Academy in St. Louis. It’s a small private school founded by the church Kylon attends. The church is called Way of Life in downtown Soulard. Kylon is currently majoring in cybersecurity with a career interest in ethical hacking. As a Suggs scholar and in the Multicultural Scholars Program, diversity and inclusion means creating an inclusive environment for all kinds of people everywhere, no matter what. No one is too different or unique that can’t be included. We are all human.
MacHa’I Daughrity
Maryville University
Machai is a first-year Multicultural
Scholar at Maryville University. Before attending Maryville University, Machai attended Riverview Gardens High School in Saint Louis, Missouri. Machai is currently majoring in computer science with a career interest in artificial intelligence, specifically in the medical field. As a Suggs scholar and in the Multicultural Scholars Program, diversity and inclusion mean to me for everyone, no matter who you are, to have the same equal opportunity as everyone else and to feel comfortable in your own skin no matter the setting. Incorporating diversity and inclusion in the artificial intelligence medical field is crucial to correctly pinpoint particular possibilities and outcomes that would be harder to identify without artificial intelligence due to diseases having different effects depending on the person.
Micaiah Johnson
Maryville University
Micaiah Johnson is a first year Multicultural Scholar at Maryville University. During Micaiah’s Highschool years she attended Gateway Legacy Christian Acadamy. Micaiah is from St. Louis Missouri specifically the Hazelwood district. Micaiah is currently majoring in psychology with a career interest in starting her own private practice in the mental health field. As well as an interest in owning her own recovery center for people who struggle with substance abuse. As
a Suggs scholar and in the Multicultural Scholars Program, diversity and inclusion means creating a space where everyone feels included and valued while also creating equal opportunities for everyone. In Micaiah’s career, she plans to keep working to make mental health treatment accessible to everyone.
Frankie Rhodes University of Missouri-Columbia
Frankie Rhodes is an enby from St. Louis, Missouri and graduated from John Burroughs School. Their interests include visual arts, creative writing, and making music. They plan to double major in fine arts and graphic design. Upon graduation, Frankie intends to begin their career in art by focusing on getting their work displayed in various galleries with a goal of getting to the level of being able to have a solo show. However Frankie doesn’t plan to stop there because their dream is to one day own and operate their own studio!
Taneyia Ingram Southeast Missouri State University
Taneyia Ingram, an interior design major, possesses an unwavering passion for residential design and real estate. Her high school years were marked by her commitment to supporting her school family and helping conduct and organize the “Family Undivided” event hosted two weeks after the tragic
school shooting at Central Visual Performing Arts High School in Saint Louis, Missouri on October 24th, 2022. Through all this, she still managed to excel academically, graduating with a flawless 4.0 GPA. Taneyia’s versatility was demonstrated through her participation in volleyball, basketball, and cheerleading, showcasing her athletic prowess. Furthermore, she demonstrated her artistic side as an advanced dancer and student dance teacher.
Taneyia’s ultimate goal is to bring warmth and support to everyone she encounters. With a heart dedicated to lighting up lives, she’s on a mission to make a positive impact in every interaction. As she continues her journey in interior design, Taneyia remains dedicated to her mission, using her creative talents to transform spaces and uplift spirits.
Priscilla Wangunyu
Saint Louis University
Priscilla Wangunyu is a senior at Saint Louis University from St. Louis, MO. She is majoring in psychology. Priscilla attended Hazelwood West High School. Priscilla is the VP of finance in the African Student Association and Minority Association of PreHealth Students. She volunteers at Labre and Dream team. Priscilla is a research assistant in the Collaborative Undergraduate Billiken Behavior Lab. She plans to pursue medical school for her career aspiration of being a psychiatrist.
Grace Lin
Saint Louis University
Grace was born in New York but grew up most of her life in St. Louis, Missouri. She attended Lafayette Senior High School in Wildwood. She is a Computer Science major with a Mathematics minor hoping to
SALUTE TO EDUCATION
go into the Technical Program Management career field. Her hobbies are Latin dancing (salsa and bachata), pole dancing, video games, and traveling.
Pari Entezari
St. Louis Community College
Pari Entezari is an adult student currently enrolled in the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program at St. Louis Community College – Forest Park. She is working to advance her medical career, by becoming a vascular sonographer. Pari was born and raised in Herat, Afghanistan, where she grew up wanting to become a doctor. In 1988 she graduated first in her class with honors from Kabul University, where she obtained a master’s in medicine.
After graduation she went on to work as a surgeon for several years.
Pari left Afghanistan and moved to the United States in 2000. Six years later she obtained her American citizenship. Since moving to the United States, she has worked as a patient care technician, a Certified Nursing Assistant and, most recently, a Certified Medication Technician, obtaining each certification while balancing studies and work.
Trinity
Atkins
University of Missouri-St. Louis
Born and raised in Alton, Illinois, Trinity Atkins moved to St. Louis as a teenager and attended McCluer North High School. She was very active in many activities throughout her high school years, including presenting the morning announcements and participating in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. Additionally, Trinity was a scholar athlete, taking part in year-round sports playing soccer, running track and serving as captain of the basketball and volleyball teams. She
graduated with a 4.0 GPA and was prom queen. When she is not studying or busy with extra-curriculars, Trinity enjoys dancing, painting and reading mystery novels. Today, she attends the University of Missouri-St. Louis and is pursuing her psychology degree while enrolled in the UMSL Honors College. Her outgoing, open-minded and creative personality plays a major role in her pursuit of this degree and ultimately her future career as a psychiatrist. This admirable goal stems from a desire to “help people of color be more comfortable going to therapy so they can see therapists who resemble themselves.” Trinity plans to improve and learn from others in order to build a successful and beneficial future for herself and others.
Shantavia Fuller
University of Missouri-St. Louis
Chanel Harris
University of Missouri-St. Louis
St. Louis has been Shantavia Fuller’s home since she was born. While attending McCluer Senior High School, she enrolled in classes at North Technical High School and participated on the cheerleading team and National Honor Society. Shantavia’s hard work and determination earned her a cosmetology license- while in high school- as well as credit hours to advance her college career. Now a student at the University of Missouri-St. Louis (UMSL), Shantavia has declared a major in chemistry- with the goal of becoming a cosmetic chemist. When asked about how this career interest developed, Shantavia recalls a special moment with her mother. As they were watching the movie “Why Did I Get Married”, Shantavia found the protagonist’s position as a salon owner so interesting and thought, “I want to do that.” Shantavia is aiming even higher with the intention to not only own her own company, but to also create specialty makeup products and hair care essentials that can help cancer survivors rejuvenate and improve their hair regrowth. Shantavia is committed to building her career and skills through hand-on interactive and collaborative work, with the goal of one day starting her own business.
Chanel Harris grew up in St. Louis City and attended the historic Sumner High School. She is a dedicated and hard-working student who has navigated the most difficult of circumstances with perseverance and professionalism. Her strong communication skills and personal drive to obtain her goals allowed her to gain leadership skills while serving on the Student Council. As a volunteer with various community organizations, Chanel gladly works to support her community. She also made time to participate on the basketball and volleyball team throughout high school. Chanel has consistently demonstrated a commitment to her academic future and the ability to engage in deep critical thinking exercises that promote growth. These admirable characteristics led to Chanel organizing a Peace March that encouraged students at her high school and community members to stand up for their rights, and to denounce violence in their neighborhoods. As a current student at the University of Missouri-St. Louis, Chanel is pursuing her dream of becoming a nurse so she can continue to serve her community.
Thanh Lung Washington University in St. Louis
Thanh Lung graduated as valedictorian from Bayless Senior High School in St. Louis, Mo, where he was on the honor roll and won first place in the Missouri School Board Association 2021 Student Video Contest. Additionally, he served on Student Council for four years, holding a variety of offices eventually serving as president in his senior year. He was also a 4-year member of the soccer team, serving as team captain in his senior year.
Participation in National Honor Society, Future Business Leaders of America, and volleyball rounded out his schedule. Thanh hopes to be a mechanical engineer and earn a degree from the McKelvey School of Engineering at WashU.
Marye’ Jones Washington University in St. Louis
Marye’ Jones graduated as valedictorian of Clyde C. Miller Career Academy in St. Louis, Mo, where she was on the sports medicine and patient assisting health sciences career pathway. She was a member of the varsity tennis team and she worked parttime at the St. Louis Zoo helping visitors with the attractions. Marye’s school counselor described her as impressive with a ‘dedication to her academic high school career, work ethic, and her drive to exceed all expectations.” Marye’ is ambitious and plans to major in neuroscience on the Pre-medicine track. She hopes to become a gynecologist with a specialty in trauma surgery so she can save lives and make her community a better place.
Halima Abdi Webster University
Halima Abdi (she/her/hers) is a proud first-generation college student and honored to attend Webster University as a Dr. Donald M. Suggs Scholar. She was born in Bradenton, Florida but was raised in St. Louis, Missouri. She attended Riverview Gardens High School and maintained Honor Roll status throughout her entire high school career. Abdi’s major is undecided, but she will be exploring the business administration and education courses. In her free time, she enjoys reading, journaling and going on walks. She recently has taken up a new interest in crocheting.
SALUTE TO EDUCATION
Jennifer Dinh Webster University
Jennifer Dinh (she/her/hers) was born in St. Louis and attended Collegiate School of Medicine & Bioscience High School. Her classes mainly consisted of art, science, and math. Piano and chemistry classes and art competitions were her most memorable. Jennifer was also enrolled in Early College Academy for her junior and senior years of high school, and was enrolled in classes that fulfilled highschool credits and credits for an Associate’s degree. Prior to enrolling at Webster University, Jennifer was conflicted on a major, but she realized that she most enjoys her science and math classes. Upon enrolling at Webster University, Jennifer selected computer science as a major. She loves the problem-solving aspect of computer science. She takes pride in being a Webster University Dr. Donald M. Suggs Scholar and has felt welcomed at the University. She has a wide variety of interests. She teaches Vietnamese and spends most of her free time painting.
Abby Nguyen Webster University
Abby Nguyen, (they/she/he), an aspiring artist from St. Louis, Missouri is a proud freshman and Dr. Donald M. Suggs Scholar at Webster University. They graduated summa cum laude from Parkway South High School and as 2023 Artist of the Year. Nguyen participated in a multitude of extracurricular activities that revolved around serving the community and building empathy through acts of service. Throughout their 4 years at Parkway South, Abby was a volunteer for Green Club, Glamour Gals, National Honors Society, Art Club, and was president and secretary of the National Art Honors Society. While the future remains undetermined, they
intend to major in Illustration and inspire to use their art to communicate awareness for the global stigmatism surrounding those with illness (chronic, mental, physical, etc.) and create a space encouraging empathy. They find people and life, in general, to be one of the most inspiring, beautiful subjects to capture in art.
Fatema Salem Webster University
Fatema Salem (they/them/their) is from Peoria, Illinois. They attended and graduated from Richwoods High School. Fatema enjoys reading, writing, drawing, and learning. They have a deep love for hedgehogs and storytelling. At Webster University, they are majoring in animation. They hope to have a successful career reaching and appealing to others by spreading love through storytelling.
Lauren Walther Webster University
Lauren Walther (she/her/hers) was born in Kunming Yunnan, China but grew up in O’Fallon, Missouri with her adoptive parents. She attended Fort Zumwalt South High School where she was a member of the National Honor Society, Diversity Club, and Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA). As a Dr. Donald M. Suggs Scholar at Webster University, Walther is studying psychology with an emphasis in mental health and is working to get her master’s in counseling. She enjoys traveling around the world with her family, and she has been to 11 countries. Lauren listens to a lot of music in her downtime while being creative by drawing or working with Adobe products. She also enjoys watching movies and hanging out with her new friends at Webster.
Tara Wang Webster University
Tara Wang (she/her/hers) is an incredibly passionate woman. She has a special interest in social justice and diversity, evident through her work in founding the Asian Cultural Club at Pattonville High School, her alma mater. Wang strives to uniquely showcase her beliefs and her commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion through her strengths in art. This was underscored when she won the St. Louis County “I Voted” sticker contest by representing diversity, which encouraged those who lack representation to vote.
As a Dr. Donald M. Suggs Scholar, Wang currently is enrolled at Webster University where she is pursuing an Animation major. She hopes her artistic background, like being president of her school’s National Art Honors Society will support her goals.
Tyrus Williams, Jr. Washington University in St. Louis
Tyrus Williams Jr., (he/him/his) was born in St. Louis, Missouri but lived in Minnesota and Florida until the age of seven. At that time, he and his family relocated to St. Louis, where he graduated from KIPP St. Louis High School. Throughout his middle and high school career, he was an honor roll student and graduated KIPP with a 3.48 GPA. He is a proud Dr. Donald M. Suggs Scholar at Webster University, where he is a political science major. He aspires to pursue an influential career in public policy analysis, political consulting, urban planning and/or community development. Tyrus also leads an organization called Discipline, Respect, Empowerment, Achievement and Mission (D.R.E.A.M). It’s purpose is to mentor young Black boys into disciplined, and empowered young men.
2022
Previous Salute major awardees
Holly Cousins (Lifetime Achiever)
Dr. Latonia Collins Smith (Stellar Performer)
2021
Arthur R. Culver (Lifetime Achiever)
Gwendolyn Diggs (Stellar Performer)
2020
Doris A. Graham, Ph.D (Lifetime Achiever)
Sharonica L. Hardin-Bartley, Ph.D (Stellar Performer)
2019
Charles and Shirley Brown (Lifetime Achievers)
Valerie Bell (Stellar Performer)
2018
Johnetta R. Haley (Lifetime Achiever)
Michael P. McMillan (Stellar Performer)
2017
Michael A. Middleton (Lifetime Achiever) Dr. Kelvin Adams (Stellar Performer)
2016
Dr. Charlene Lofton Jones (Lifetime Achiever)
Deborah Patterson (Education Advocate)
2015
Alice Faye Roach, Ed.D. (Lifetime Achiever)
Tiffany Anderson (Stellar Performer)
2014
Katie Harper Wright, Ed.D. (Lifetime Achiever)
TRI TEC
Terrence L. Freeman, Ph.D. (Stellar Performer)
2013
Lynn Beckwith, Jr., Ed.D. (Lifetime Achiever)
Art J. McCoy, Ph.D. (Stellar Performer)
2012
Gerald Early (Lifetime Achiever)
Judge Jimmie Edwards (Stellar Performer)
2011
Joyce M. Roberts (Lifetime Achiever)
Anthony ‘Tony’ Thompson (Stellar Performer)
2010 2010
Dr. Zelema Harris (Lifetime Achiever)
Dr. Stanton Lawrence (Stellar Performer)
2009
Eugene B. Redmond (Lifetime Achiever)
Diane Miller (Stellar Performer)
2008
James E. McLeod, Ph.D. (Lifetime Achiever)
Donna Patton (Stellar Performer)
2007
Dr. Henry Shannon (Lifetime Achiever)
Don Danforth III (Stellar Performe
2006
Dr. John Wright (Lifetime Achiever)
Dr. Cheryle Dyle-Palmer (Stellar Performer)
2005
Dr. Queen Fowler (Lifetime Achiever)
Darlynn Bosley (Stellar Performer)
2004
Dr. Henry Givens (Lifetime Achiever)
Joyce Roberts (Stellar Performer)
2003
Martin Mathews (Lifetime Achiever)
Audrey Ferguson (Stellar Performer)
2002
Dr. George H. Hyram (Lifetime Achiever)
Vickie & Howard Denson (Stellar Performers)
2001
John E. Jacob (Lifetime Achiever)
Victoria Nelson (Stellar Performer)
2000
Rev. William G. Gillespie (Lifetime Achiever)
Carolyn D. Seward (Stellar Performer)
1999
Dr. James M. Whittico (Lifetime Achiever)
Gloria L. Taylor (Stellar Performer)
1998
Gloria Waters -White (Lifetime Achiever)
Steven N. Cousins (Stellar Performer)
1997
Judge Theodore McMillan (Lifetime Achiever)
Gwendolyn Packnett (Stellar Performer)
1996
Dr. Helen Nash (Lifetime Achiever)
Fr. Maurice Nutt (Stellar Performer)
1995
Kathryn E. Nelson (Lifetime Achiever)
Khatib Waheed (Stellar Performer)
1994
Bob Shannon (Lifetime Achiever)
Dr. Doris Wilson (Stellar Performer)
1993
Al Johnson (Lifetime Achiever)
Carol E. Jackson (Stellar Performer)
1992
Frankie M. Freeman (Lifetime Achiever)
Drs. Victor & Vincent Rodgers (Stellar Performers)
1991
Jesse Hill (Lifetime Achiever)
Dr. John H. Gladney (Stellar Performer)
1990
Fred H. Black (Gold Medallion Awardee)
1989
Bertha Gilkey (Gold Medallion Awardee)
1988
Vincent E. Reed (Gold Medallion Awardee)
SEMO COUNSELOR OF THE YEAR
WashU is proud to support the important work of the
St. Louis American Foundation
Khadija Tejan keeps students’ futures at forefront
Counselor of the Year
By Alvin A. Reid St. Louis American
Khadija Tejan could be considered a skilled laborer because she helps pave paths to success for the 5,700 students in the Riverview Gardens School District.
As the district’s College and Career Counselor, she cares deeply for the postsecondary outcomes of all students, making sure they are aware of various college, career, and military pathways.
“My hope is to empower them to make informed decisions about their future,” she explains.
She organizes college tours, career workshops and military recruitment events to provide students with opportunities to explore different options and gain insight into potential paths they may not have considered before.
She strives to ensure that every student in the district has access to the resources and support they need “to pursue their dreams beyond high school.”
For her dedication to students’ futures, Tejan is recipient of the 2023 Southeast Missouri State University Counselor of the Year award.
Tejan does more than expose students to their diverse options. She endeavors to land scholarship dollars for her scholars and takes on biases that often black paths to success – this includes testing and
GPA requirements for Missouri Merit Scholarships.
“It starts off great, right? You come to school, get good grades, make sure you give back to others in terms of service,” she told the St. Louis American in 2021.
“Those are the components. And what shuts the door are those other pieces, namely, the testing requirements. Those start to filter people out. But all our students know that if they work hard, they do the work, they have this opportunity.”
While serving both SLPS and Riverview Gardens, most of the students Tejan helps prepare for life after high school are African American. Her being a Black counselor has its benefits, according to a recent Education Week article.
“School counselors of color have an
advantage in being able to recognize cultural assets students of color can bring to school and how they can leverage assets such as the value of collectivity, the importance of paying your debts to your ancestors and the value of oral history, said Lisa Andrews, a counselor educator, former school counselor, and director of user support and training at the California College Guidance Initiative.
For instance, counselors of color can frame academic achievement as a win not just for the student but for their family as they may value collective success over the individual.”
Outside of work, Khadija is an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Sorority, Incorporated-Omicron Eta Omega Chapter, where she previously served as the Co-Chair of the Black College
Bus Tour, a program aimed at exposing Saint Louis-area high school students to Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
he serves as a scholarship reviewer for the St. Louis Cardinals Redbird Rookies Scholarship and attends Central Baptist Church, where you will see her smiling face greeting you at the door.
She strongly believes that the best way to build strong communities is through meaningful connections and active engagement.
Tejan received a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Missouri – Columbia in 2010 and a master’s degree in education – Educational Leadership and Administration from the University of Illinois – Champaign 2013.
Chanel
Stellar Award in Education
Dr. James T. Minor: SIU-E chancellor cherishes college educations
By Alvin A. Reid and Sophie Hurwitz St. Louis American
James T. Minor became the 10th chancellor at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) in March 2022, leaving behind his position as California State University assistant vice chancellor and senior strategist.
While at CSU, the school posted the highest graduation rates in its history. Minor successfully advocated for hundreds of millions of dollars in support of graduation initiatives and served as principal investigator for $7.5 million in funded programs and research.
Upon accepting the position at SIU-E, Minor said, “It is a tremendous season to go forward in public higher education, and I am excited about SIUE being at the forefront.”
“We will go boldly forward as an institution that realizes human potential; amplifies access for all individuals with a critical focus on equity; and defines the region by our intellectual, social and economic impact.”
Minor has had an immediate positive impact on his university.
In July, the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Foundation announced it raised over $11.1 million during the year, the most ever raised by private philanthropy in the university’s history.
“Under the leadership of Chancellor Minor, the entire university sees that philanthropy can greatly support our dynamic programs, world class faculty, and provide more resources to students,” said Seth Walker, vice chancellor for University Advancement and CEO of the SIUE Foundation.
“We appreciate the alumni and donors who have made major commitments this year and look forward to working with even more donors next year to fulfill their philanthropic intentions.”
Following his hiring, and before he was seated as chancellor, Minor went on a “listening tour” on campus – and
it included hearing thoughts on his new school’s relationship with surrounding communities.
“I really would like the benefit of hearing the voices of the SIUE community to ensure that I fully understand where we have been, how people articulate challenges and opportunities, and how we collectively come to see the future of the institution,” Minor said.
“I very much would like the institutional priorities to be co-constructed with the university community. And for me, that begins with a lot of listening.”
One of his first stops on the listening tour was the East St. Louis campus, due to concerns that have been expressed by its staff about feeling disconnected from the Edwardsville campus.
“I heard the very same concerns
during my visit,” Minor said.
“And so, it is very important to me to work as hard as we possibly can to change the narrative that describes the relationship between the East St. Louis and Edwardsville campus.”
Before taking on his roles at CSU, Minor served as deputy assistant secretary in the Office of Postsecondary Education at the U.S. Department of Education.
He was appointed by the Obama administration to provide overall leadership and administration for federal programs designed to expand access to higher education, strengthen institutional capacity and to promote postsecondary innovation.
“Getting a call from the White House isn’t something that happens every day,” Minor recently told a Wisconsin
University alumni publication.
“I think going to college is the single most transformative thing that can happen to a young person. When my feet hit the ground every morning, I’m clear about my personal and my professional mission, which is to ensure a greater number of students have the opportunity to earn a college degree.”
His goals have not changed since seeing a few graduation classes receive diplomas.
“The primary purpose and mission of the institution is to enroll diverse students and get them across a commencement stage four or five or even six years later and I never want to lose sight of that,” he said.
“I think that the challenge of our lifetime… won’t be to figure out how to graduate more students at selective private institutions or selective flagship publics. The challenge is going to be expanding the number of individuals who are earning degrees.”
Born and raised in Detroit, Minor earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Jackson State University, a master’s from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and a Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in Educational Policy Analysis and Leadership.
Minor’s decision to transfer to the SIU-E chancellorship also meant saying goodbye to Long Beach, Calif.
“A lot of people wondered during the interview process, why would this guy ever give up sunshine, palm trees and the beach to go back to the middle of the country?” Minor told the St. Louis American.
“But my roots are Midwestern. In many respects, I feel a lot more at home than I do on the West Coast, and my family is excited to have me back in the area.”
Minor said his family split time between Detroit, St. Louis, and Chicago, and still holds annual reunions in one of those three cities.
Higher purpose. Greater good.
FOR MORE THAN 200 YEARS, SAINT LOUIS UNIVERSITY has been part of the rich fabric of St. Louis. As the city’s namesake university, SLU is committed to world-class academics, life-changing research and leading-edge health care for the region and beyond.
Working with many visionaries and partners from diverse backgrounds, Saint Louis University has played a prominent role in the future of this great city we call home. The Division of Diversity and Innovative Community Engagement and the entire SLU community congratulate the awardees.
Stellar Award in Education
Dr. Joycelyn Pugh-Walker: ‘Make every day your masterpiece’
By Alvin A. Reid St. Louis American
Stellar awardee Dr. Joycelyn Pugh-Walker has been recognized as a “hero” for her work in the Ferguson-Florissant School District.
She serves as the district’s executive director of federal programs, making her responsible for financial planning and managing public and non-public school federal funds for nearly 11,000 students.
She says she is “absolutely a teacher first,” and makes sure she is in a district school at least once a week.
“I began as a teacher, and I did not run from it,” she said.
While visiting schools she learns how her office can further assist teachers, learns how the district educational strategies are working, and the impact they are having.
“It keeps it relevant,” she said.
Pugh-Walker’s willingness to help students learn and grow has earned her several recognitions.
She received the 2019 Jerry Paul Youth Advocacy award during the Unleashing Potential St. Louis’ Awards Ceremony, and participated on a Missouri AfterSchool Network panel to discuss the importance of investing in children to keep them safe after school.
She received a cape for being an “Afterschool Superhero” during the Show Me Afterschool Community Conversation.
She has served as an elementary educator, mentor, instructional coach, and data facilitator in Maplewood-Richmond Heights and the Riverview Gardens School Districts.
As she walks in her office each day, she is greeted by a sign that captures her educational philosophy.
“Make each day your masterpiece,” she said.
“Own what you can own, and do your best everyday to support our teachers, our students, and our families.’
A native St Louisan from North Coun-
ty, Pugh-Walker earned a bachelor’s degree in special education, a master’s degree in elementary education with an emphasis in reading, and a doctorate in education policy and leadership from the University of Missouri-St. Louis. She completed a master’s degree in school administration from Lindenwood University.
She collaborates with community partners to advocate for out-of-school time support and facilitated the first North County Camp Fair to provide students and families with information about summer camp opportunities.
As an advocate for child safety prevention, Pugh-Walker attained an Urban Afterschool Gun Violence Prevention
grant to provide safety mechanisms and programming to educate students on gun violence prevention and trauma experienced in the Ferguson-Florissant community.
“Each and every year, our needs assessment changes. We let the data drive our decisions,” she said.
“While they are a small part of our population, we now have a larger population of homeless students. We have a larger population of students with English as a second language. It’s important we meet people where they are and provide for their needs.”
The Ferguson-Florissant District recently received a national honor for its service to its school’s respective communities.
The district’s school board was presented with the 2023 Award for Urban School Excellence from the National School Boards Association Council of Urban Boards of Education (CUBE). Boards are reviewed on School Board Performance; Academic Improvement; Educational Equity; and Community Engagement.
Ferguson Florissant’s accomplishments include the highest growth in mathematics in the St. Louis region on state assessments; a 93.6% four-year graduation rate, including a 94% four-year graduation rate for Black boys; 92% of incoming STEAM Academy ninth-graders scoring at proficient or advanced on the eighthgrade state math assessment; and STEAM Academy at McCluer South-Berkeley High School being named as one of the best high schools in America by U.S. News and World Report.
It’s a vital job, and her office’s success is proven daily. Pugh-Walker is not taking any bows, though.
“I just want to leave a place better than when I came,” she explained.
It all comes back to the classroom.
“A good education can change anyone. A good teacher can change everything,” she said.
Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American
ATSU salutes excellence in education
A.T. Still University’s (ATSU) Dreamline Pathways program supports youth exploring health professions careers through comprehensive, community-based collaborations with school districts and organizations that introduce K-12 students to ATSU’s graduate programs in medicine, dentistry, and additional health professions.
Dreamline Pathways offers students experiential learning opportunities and encourages young minds to explore career opportunities in healthcare through in-person, residential, and virtual immersion learning activities. A seven-year recipient of INSIGHT Into Diversity’s Higher Education Excellence in Diversity Awards, ATSU understands the need for health professions to reflect the populations served and believes excellence in education requires understanding, affirming, and valuing human differences.
Established in 1892, ATSU is the founding institution of osteopathic medicine and a leading health sciences university comprised of seven prestigious schools.
Learn more at atsu.edu/salute-education, or contact Stephanie McGrew, MHA, assistant director of diversity & inclusion, at diversity@atsu.edu or 660.626.2210.
7Consecut veHonors
Dr. Joycelyn Pugh-Walker Executive Director of Federal Programs
St. Louis American Foundation Stellar Award Honoree
CATALYST FELLOWSHIP Scan
INNOVATIVE SCHOOLS FELLOWSHIP
INSTRUCTIONAL LEADERS FELLOWSHIP
SCHOOL BOARD FELLOWSHIP
2023 Champion of Education
Kathy Osborn: A ‘Champion of Education for ALL’
By Alvin A. Reid St. Louis American
When the St. Louis Regional Business Council was founded in 2000, CEO Kathy Osborn ensured that K-12 education be one of its foundational priorities.
While 23 years have passed and the RBC has grown from 50 to 100 business leaders representing the region’s largest mid-cap companies, Osborn’s organization continues its outstanding support for educators, students, and staffs at public and charter schools.
The RBC website states it “works to invest advance opportunities for learning and academic excellence for every child in the region, especially disadvantaged youth.”
“We aim to ensure all students have access to an excellent education by developing strong leaders for every classroom and school, promoting high performing school districts and fostering quality governance at local and state levels.”
For her dedication to education and stewarding RBC’s exemplary history of educational support of St. Louis Public Schools and districts throughout the region, Osborn will be honored as the 2023 Champion of Education. This is the first time The St. Louis American is presenting this prestigious award.
Tony Thompson, chair and CEO of The Kwame Building Group and a RBC founding member, praised Osborn for being “a consistent champion for education, especially public schools and specifically St. Louis Public Schools.”
“She has a steadfast, laser focus in support of public education, including charter schools.’
Thompson said Osborn and he were part of the selection committee that recommended hiring Kelvin Adams as SLPS superintendent 15 years ago.
“He helped put SLPS back on track,” said Thompson.
“Kathy worked closely with Kelvin and the district to stabilize the situation. She had RBC members participate in helping
with behind-the-scenes matters like financial stabilization.”
“I think everything that Kathy and the RBC have invested in when it comes to education has panned out.”
Adams retired from his role as SLPS superintendent at the close of 2022, and
now serves as St. Louis Community Foundation president and CEO.
“Kathy has proven to be one of our community’s strongest champions of public education. During my tenure as Superintendent for the Saint Louis Public School District, I considered her a partner
Kathy Osborn presenting a Young Leader award to Midwest BankCentre’s Reggie Grant, Jr. at The St. Louis American Foundation’s recent Salute to Young Leaders Networking & Awards Reception.
in resource alignment and advocating for students,” Adams said.
“Kathy took on the unique and nuanced challenge of keeping our local business community engaged in issues related to
Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American
Osborn
Continued from 37
education. Her thoughtful leadership in this area brought real resources to the table.
“Kathy is a fierce advocate for education on the local, state, and even national level – she is a true force to be reckoned with and is very deserving of this award and recognition.”
Osborn’s support for education did not begin with her RBC endeavor.
She received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education from UMSL and went on to serve as the vice chancellor of university relations. Osborn also lead the establishment of the Des Lee Collaboration Vision which brought together key educational, cultural, governmental and social service institutions to establish programs and share resources that benefit the St. Louis community.
Osborn is very active within the St. Louis community and serves on a variety of business and civic boards, including the following: BJC Healthcare Community Benefit Committee, the St. Louis Sports Commission, the St. Louis Police Foundation, the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, the United Way of Greater St. Louis, Concordance Academy, and the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis. In addition, she is a member of the St. Louis Lambert International Airport Commission and is a Board Member Emeritus of Forever Park Forever.
Citing her ardent support of the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, “Kathy Osborn has spent her entire life trying to uplift those who need assistance with education, jobs, public safety, and overall quality of life issues,” said Michael McMillan, Urban League president and CEO.
“She has been an exceptionally supportive partner, friend, mentor, and ally to me and to the Urban League movement in St. Louis by giving her personal time, counsel, and advice. [Also] her professional resources and those of the RBC to help African Americans and people of all races live their best lives in their community.
“Kathy is an iconic figure in the civic, charitable, and corporate communities as the great uniter for our region championing progress and prosperity for St. Louis. She understands that for our community to be great, we must have an educated, highly skilled workforce.”
Among Osborn’s many awards and accolades, she was chosen as the Citizen
of the Year in 2018. Osborn is only the third woman to be chosen for the award which was incepted in 1955. The other two are Blanche Touhill, former UMSL Chancellor, and the late Atty. Frankie Muse Freeman.
Some of Kathy Osborn’s awards for service
• St. Louis Citizen of the Year Award – 2018
• KIPP: St. Louis Public Schools –Champion for Education Award – 2018
• NAACP’s Frankie Muse Freeman/ Norman R. Seay Commitment to Regionalism Award – 2016
• National Conference for Community & Justice Brotherhood Sisterhood Award – 2013
• United Way of Greater St. Louis Freeman-Kortkamp Award – 2018
• Urban League Chairman’s Award –2016
• Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Person of the Year – 2012
• Missouri State Teachers Foundation
William T. Lucky Award – 2011
• University of Missouri-St. Louis Woman Trailblazer Award – 1997
• University of Missouri-St. Louis School of Education Distinguished Alumna Award – 1998
Kwame Building Group Chair & CEO Tony Thompson chats with Kathy Osborn. Tony, a founding member of RBC, has been a longtime member of its Education Committee.
Kathy Osborn with Urban League CEO Michael McMillan and recent Jobs for America graduates.
The St. Louis American Foundation Statement of Mission and Purpose
The St. Louis American Foundation, a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization established in 1994, is dedicated to enabling the African-American community to increase its access to careers in Journalism, the Sciences, and the Humanities. The Foundation has defined a unique mission. This mission combines a primary interest in promoting educational opportunity with critical support for activities that enable individuals to be able to focus and assume personal responsibility for pursuing constructive futures.
2023 St. Louis American Foundation Scholarships
2023 Salute to Excellence in Education Community Grants:
and Community Grants
2023 Salute to Excellence in Education Scholarships:
Total 2023 Foundation Scholarship Awards..............................................................................................................
2023 Donald M. Suggs Scholarships:
Harris-Stowe State University Donald M. Suggs Scholarship Funds Awarded by Harris-State State University.........................................................................................
Southeast Missouri State University Donald M. Suggs Scholarship Funds Awarded by Southeast Missouri State University...........................................................................
St. Louis Community College Donald M. Suggs Scholarship Funds Awarded by St. Louis Community College...................................................................................
University of Missouri-Columbia Donald M. Suggs Scholarship Funds Awarded by University of Missouri........................................................................................
University of Missouri–Columbia Donald M. Suggs Dissertation Fellowship (2) Funds Awarded by University of Missouri........................................................................................ $3,000
Saint Louis University Donald M. Suggs Scholarships (2) Funds Awarded by Saint Louis University........................................................................................ $80,000
Webster University Donald M. Suggs Scholarships Funds Awarded by Webster University............................................................................................
Maryville University Donald M. Suggs Scholarships Funds Awarded by Maryville University..........................................................................................
University of Missouri-St. Louis Donald M. Suggs Scholarship
Lindenwood University Donald M. Suggs Scholarship
Washington University Donald M. Suggs Wash U. Pledge
Total 2023 Donald M. Suggs Scholarships.................................................................................................................
Deaconess Nursing Scholarships Funds provided by Deaconess Foundation.........................................................................................
$48,000
$30,000
$560,000
Grand Total 2023 Scholarships and Community Grants ............................................ $2,814,000
The St. Louis American Foundation is fortunate to have an opportunity to collaborate with generous individuals and organizations in the region who share our view that education is a critical priority for African Americans to provide more opportunites for them to elevate themselves. That results in their contributing to more community progress and the well being for all. The St. Louis American Foundation and its donors and collaborative partners have awarded nearly $17 million in scholarships, education and community grants since its inception in 1994.
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J i m m y W i l l i a m s , V i c e C h a i r
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