John Johnson, president of Shaw Hall Black caucus, said the Tomi-Terre Hollingshed Memorial Scholarship gives remembrance to a woman who touched many lives.
“It really keeps Tomi’s spirit alive and it gives us time to reflect on her life and everything for Shaw Black Caucus,” the advertising junior said.
The $1,000 scholarship, named for an MSU student who was murdered in Detroit in 1997, will be presented for the third year at 4 p.m. Sunday in the Union Ballroom.
Each year, black female students apply for the award by submitting essays answering a topic pertaining to black women in society.
This year’s topic asked, “How does the media’s image of Black Women affect their success and what can you do as a dedicated member of the black community?”
Lisa Turner, this year’s scholarship winner, said the topic was one reason why she applied.
“It’s one of many issues that society is dealing with,” the marketing junior said. “It’s not in the forefront, but it is a problem that needs to be dealt with. This seemed like a good way to express my thoughts and ideas about something that I feel is important.”
Renee Jackson, the caucus’ vice president, said several factors made Turner’s essay stand out from the group of about 14 applicants.
“She answered the question very well and she offered a lot of solutions to help the situation,” the interdisciplinary studies in health studies sophomore said. “Plus, she’s already involved in organizations that work toward the betterment of women.”
Turner is a member of Glory Phi God Campus Ministries and Ladies of Virtue and Excellence, a Christian organization geared toward college women.
When Turner learned she would receive the scholarship two weeks ago, she said it was welcome news to her, although she chooses to remain humble about winning the award.
Turner will present her essay at Sunday’s dinner when she receives her award. Also scheduled to attend are the MSU Gospel Chorale and members of the Black Poets Society.
Political science senior LaKesha Rawls, president of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., will also receive the first-ever Tomi-Terre Hollingshed Woman of Excellence award Sunday for leadership and academics.
Sunday’s dinner costs $5 and is open to the public. For more information, contact Jackson at 355-8933 or Theresa Bass at 355-8866.
