Cheyney University News February 28, 2013 Clarence Schock Foundation Quarter Million Dollar Gift Signals Significant Growth for Cheyney University of Pennsylvania Representatives from the Clarence Schock Foundation travelled to Cheyney University of Pennsylvania's Carnegie Hall on Thursday, February 28, to present a $250,000 check for an endowed scholarship fund that will provide ongoing support to deserving Cheyney University students to further their education. Dr. Anthony Ceddia, Chairman of the Foundation Board and Harrison Diehl, Treasurer of the Clarence Schock Foundation announced the establishment of the Clarence Schock Foundation Endowment Scholarship Fund before a group of students, administrators and dignitaries. The Foundation has awarded Scholarships to Central Pennsylvania students attending five PA state colleges since the early 1950's. This year, 15 Cheyney University students are benefitting from the Foundation's scholarships, including senior Tresa Gray who receives full tuition for her entire senior year through The Clarence Schock Fellowship Program, now in its sixth year of operation. "It's a big honor to have been selected," Gray said. "It really meant a lot because I needed the money really bad, coming from an underpriveledged family in Lancaster, PA. It really took the pressure off of how to pay for college." The Foundation was established in 1941 by Pennsylvania businessman Clarence Schock who believed strongly that his corporation should give back to the community from which his company derived its profits. His goal was to reward deserving students who did not have the necessary financial resources to attend college. "Scholarships such as these are critical for our students during this economic downturn," Cheyney University President Dr. Michelle R. Howard-Vital told the group. Vital shared how she received a four-year scholarship when she was about to enter college, at a time when her family wondered how they were going to put her through school. "That was absolutely the turning point--the game-changer in my life," Vital admitted. She then thanked Ceddia, Diehl and the Foundation "for changing lives and for being game-changers." Vice President for University Advancement & External Relations Nancy L. Jones agreed. "Your support continues to play a critical role in helping our students achieve their goals of a college education," Jones told them. Today, the Foundation carries on Schock's legacy by promoting higher education, helping students achieve their highest potential, and encouraging them to succeed and, eventually, contribute back to their communities. "All we ask," Ceddia told the scholarship recipients, "is that when you succeed, when you achieve your life goals, you hold your hand out and help someone else out and pay homage to Clarence Schock's legacy. Only then," he advised, "will you be successful and fulfilled." Diehl shared that the Schock Foundation has given 325 Cheyney University students scholarships over the years, totallying more than one million dollars. Gray called the Endowment incredible. "I struggled with money," Gray said. "It's reassuring to know that students coming here after me will be okay." The following Cheyney University students are recipients of the Clarence Schock Foundation Scholarship: Sophomores Joshua Hughes and Aislynn Smith Juniors Keneisha Blackson, Monica Effi, Mikael Rahim-Nero, Christopher Stewart, and Oshakyi Thomas Seniors Ebosele Ayewoh, Ryan HoffmaIdris Lash, Dariana Vilorio, Tyler Wilkinson, Erica Williams, and Tresa Gray SANDRA M. PHOENIX Executive Director HBCU Library Alliance sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org> www.hbculibraries.org<http://www.hbculibraries.org/> 800-999-8558, ext. 4820 404-520-0593 Skype: sandra.phoenix1 1438 West Peachtree NW Suite 200 Atlanta,GA 30309 Toll Free: 1.800.999.8558 (LYRASIS) Fax: 404.892.7879 www.lyrasis.org<http://www.lyrasis.org/> Honor the ancestors, honor the children.