South Carolina State University News April 6, 2017 2017 SC State University Foundation Shining Stars On March 5, the SC State University Foundation honored four deserving students as Shining Stars for their exceptional academic performance and commitment to service at its annual Scholarship Gala and Tribute held on campus that evening. The gala is the signature fundraising event for the university and the foundation. Donations are used to provide essential financial assistance to SC State University students. The Shining Star distinction is awarded to students who maintain a high grade point average in their academic college, demonstrate a commitment to serving others and possess strong leadership skills. The award recipients for 2017 are: senior, Endia Green; junior, Tyree Clyburn and sophomores, Imani Bell and Abrianna Williams. Endia Green, a senior mathematics and computer science major, is a Plainfield, New Jersey native. She believes that what makes her a Shining Star is her desire to always gain more knowledge, as well as her work ethic and love for her field of study. Green chose to attend SC State after hearing about her brother's pleasant experiences on campus, along with the challenges he was able to overcome with the help of his Bulldog family. She is grateful that she has received that same support at SC State, and that her own experiences have enabled her to 'break out of her shell.' Green stated, "I was such a shy person when I came to SC State. After joining different organizations on campus, my leadership skills have blossomed and now I understand the importance of building relationships with other people." Green is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., the SC State Honors College, Golden Key International Honor Society and Minorities in Agriculture and Natural Resources Related Sciences (MANRRS). She is also a student orientation leader, senior class senator and research assistant with the We Can Too! tutoring and mentoring program. After graduation, Green plans to pursue a career in software engineering or information technology security. She desires to work for a company that strives to resolve social issues and benefit society through technological and philanthropic works. One of her biggest dreams is to begin a scholarship fund for young black women in computer science. She is thankful to be named a shining star and is ecstatic that her hard work has paid off. Green said, "This reward confirms that students, who remain focused and try to do their very best, will, in some way, be recognized for their effort. Your hard work does matter." Junior business economics major, Tyree Clyburn Jr., is a first-generation college student from his immediate household. The Charlotte, North Carolina native believes his determination and perseverance contribute to his academic success. Despite being involved in many campus organizations, Clyburn makes certain his studies are priority. He wholeheartedly believes that attending SC State was the best decision he made after graduating from Harding University High School in Charlotte. After attending open house on SC State's campus, he knew he had made a step in the right direction towards earning a college degree. Along with being an active student on campus, he is involved in the community as well. Clyburn was invited to join the SC State Honors College. He is a member of the Marching 101 Band, the National Association of Black Accountants and Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity. He is also one of the founders of the 2017 freshmen male mentorship program within the Marching 101. Additionally, Clyburn has more than five years of retail sales experience. He was able to put those skills to use on campus, serving as an assistant manager for SC State's Belcher Café, located in the School of Business. The café is a student-led initiative designed to give business students an opportunity to apply their skills in marketing, accounting and management. Upon graduation, he plans to obtain an internship in human resources or finance. He also plans to apply for graduate school to pursue a master's in business administration. Currently undecided about where he will complete his graduate studies, Clyburn is researching graduate programs that would possibly be a good fit for his desired path. He is honored to be selected as one of the South Carolina State University Foundation Shining Stars and believes that with perseverance, focus and faith, he can accomplish all of his goals. Imani Bell is a sophomore, physical education major from Manning, South Carolina. Bell could not pass up the opportunity to attend SC State since her parents, Thomas and Stacy Bell are alumni. She is following in her parent's footsteps, as both are educators. Since being on the campus of SC State, Bell has connected with many people and her social skills have improved tremendously, she says. She admires most, the friendly atmosphere that this institution has to offer. Bell is a devoted member of SC State's Honors College, a student orientation leader and vice president of the Health and Physical Education Club. Upon completing her undergraduate studies, she plans to return to her hometown and begin her career as an educator. Abrianna Williams, from Branchville, South Carolina, is a sophomore majoring in elementary education. Williams maintains that her academic success is due to self-discipline and commitment toward achievement. She says balance is the key to her academic success. Williams chose to attend SC State because doing so is deeply rooted within her family's history. She aspired to sustain her family's tradition, as her parents, aunts, uncles and cousins are alumni of SC State. As a child, Williams attended Felton Laboratory School, which is located on the university's campus. Her mother, Andrea Williams, has been a SC State employee since she was two years-old. She declares that being a student at SC State has been an amazing experience so far, as she enjoys the environment, the strong school spirit and the smiling faces she encounters on a regular basis. To Williams, the close-knit ambiance at SC State is reminiscent of one big family. Williams commits her time and talent to organizations on and off campus. She is a member of the Honors College at SC State, and a member of Canaan Baptist Church in her hometown. There, she sings soprano on the mass choir. After graduation, Williams aspires to become a second grade teacher and complete a master's in elementary education. She also plans to pursue a doctorate in education. In recognition of their accomplishments, each Shining Star received a plaque and a $1000 scholarship, awarded by the SC State University Foundation. SANDRA M. PHOENIX HBCU Library Alliance Executive Director Atlanta University Center Robert W. Woodruff Library 111 James P. Brawley Drive SW Atlanta, GA 30314 404-978-2118 (office) 404-702-5854 (cell) http://www.hbculibraries.org/ sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org%3cmailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org>> Honor the ancestors, honor the children. Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hbculibraryalliance1/ and Twitter https://twitter.com/HBCULibAlliance Check out "PULSE!" The HBCU Library Alliance's News Source! - https://hbculibraryalliance.wordpress.com/