South Carolina State University News February 28, 2017 Seeding a New Generation of Journalism Professors Armstrong Williams, chairman of Howard Stirk Holdings (HSH) Journalism Foundation, Inc. and SC State University have entered into a definitive gift agreement under which Howard Stirk Holdings Journalism Foundation will create the Armstrong Williams Broadcast Scholarship Program via a commitment of $250,000 to SC State's communications and journalism program. Howard Stirk Holdings Journalism Foundation, Inc., Scholarship Program provides an optimal platform for introducing college students from underserved backgrounds to careers in journalism and broadcast media, which has traditionally failed to expose a broad cross-section of America's young people to opportunities in the field. In its first year, the program will allow undergraduate students to receive scholarships in support of their education as they pursue a degree in communications. "South Carolina State University is pleased to partner with Armstrong Williams and the Howard Stirk Holdings Journalism Foundation in support of the next generation of journalists," said SC State President James E. Clark. "Investments such as Williams' contribution to SC State advance the academic stature of the university, further promoting its value proposition to other potential high net worth donors," continued Clark. As the largest black-owned television broadcaster in the United States, Williams is in a unique position to provide substantial opportunities for minorities in the media industry. The Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) approval of Howard Stirk Holdings (the stations' parent company) license applications in March 2015 paved the way for this historic partnership. Armstrong Williams HSH Scholarship program will help advance the FCC's goals of increasing minority ownership and viewpoint diversity in broadcast media. "This partnership with South Carolina State University represents a major commitment to strengthen and expand opportunities for young people that are so critical to our nation's future," said Armstrong Williams, CEO of Howard Stirk Holdings. "It will enable us to continue in the great tradition of South Carolina State Senator Clementa Pinkney, who used his position of influence to create countless opportunities for young people in our state. We want to pick up where he left off and do our part to cement a legacy of progress by creating opportunities for young people who have traditionally been excluded from the media industry." Williams earned a Bachelor of Science degree in political science from SC State. He has reached the pinnacle of success as an entrepreneur in the media industry and political commentator. By giving back to the university, his contribution demonstrates his appreciation for SC State and his commitment to making a difference through philanthropy. His donation to the university will help make possible opportunities to develop more leaders in media. "We are honored by Williams' commitment to the SC State University Foundation, and we appreciate this significant contribution to SC State," said Kenneth G. Claxton, '97, foundation board chair. "We are always excited to receive donations such as this, but we are more than thrilled when alumni demonstrate their Bulldog pride through such significant financial contributions," said A.L. Fleming, associate vice president for Institutional Advancement and executive director of the SC State University Foundation. "This gift is particularly noteworthy, as it is the largest individual alumni gift this year," Fleming further noted. HSH Journalism Foundation board of directors is compromised C. Boyden Gray, famed journalist Juan Williams, former NBA superstar and Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson, Benjamin Crump, Esquire and media lawyer Colby May. The scholarship will be awarded beginning fall 2017. For more information on the Armstrong Williams Broadcast Scholarship, contact the SC State University Foundation at (803) 536-7190. 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/