Seventeen students sat with great anticipation and excitement in the Vivian Watts DeShields Great Hall of Teachers (located in the Ralph David Abernathy Hall) on Nov. 6, thanks to scholarship providers such as the McNeil Family Foundation from Old Town Alexandria, Virginia, Alumnus Bobby J. Player, Sr. and Family from Silver Spring, Maryland, and the American Federation of Government Employees from Washington, D.C. Each student received a scholarship ranging from $1,000 to $2,000.

In recognition of their hard work, perseverance and commitment to their dreams, The Friends of Howard Watkins celebrated each student’s journey during a ceremony, bringing together families, mentors and supporters who believed in the power of education to transform lives.

The ceremony was the culmination of alumnus Howard Watkins’ vision to give back to the university community by providing financial support and guidance for young minds. Driven by the impact teachers, friends and mentors had on his own life, Watkins founded the Friends of Howard Watkins Scholarship Fund to help students achieve their educational dreams.

“I planned to invest in the development of young minds and provide financial support to help young people realize their educational dreams,” Watkins said, describing his inspiration for establishing the scholarship fund, along with a pre-college development program. He wants students to benefit from the same quality of education, mentorship and support he experienced, a foundation that led him to a bachelor’s degree, a commission as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force and a successful career.

Watkins emphasized the importance of scholarships in easing students’ financial burdens.

“Scholarships help reduce the financial burden of the rising costs of education by allowing students to find more time and energy to focus on studies rather than part-time work,” he said. “A scholarship may help a student cover the cost-of-living expenses while they are in school. It can include things like rent, food and books. A scholarship can also help a student graduate from the university debt-free.”

President Quinton T. Ross Jr., Ed.D., also spoke at the ceremony, recognizing both Watkins and the scholarship recipients.

“Today we are here for a very special occasion,” Ross said. “We are here to honor our scholars on campus. And I want to thank our alumnus, Howard Watkins, and those who help to provide scholarships and necessary resources to our scholars on this campus.

Ross encouraged students to apply diligence to all aspects of their lives.

“Sometimes it’s doing what’s required of you that will get you a whole lot,” he said. “Take that with you in life, take that with you into the workplace. Someone may ask you to do something simple so that you can receive something great.”

The 17 scholarship recipients were introduced by Ja’Mais Watkins, one of the recipients and the nephew of Howard Watkins. Each received a certificate along with their scholarship award. Below are the scholarship recipients and some of the reflections that they expressed after receiving the scholarships.

Kyla Bolton, a freshman biology major from Sharpsburg, Georgia, and recipient of the McNeil Family Foundation Scholarship. Bolton said, “Receiving the scholarship made me feel like I finally did something that paid off at my university.”

Joi Eubanks, a senior from Baltimore, Maryland, psychology major, and McNeil Family Foundation Scholarship recipient, said, “I was filled with joy! It was a surprise to me, I did not see it coming. Especially since it wasn’t a serious process for me to apply for the scholarship … It just shows that the work I’m doing is enough and is noticed.”

Jadean I. Fatu, a freshman from Pensacola, Florida, ad business management major, received the American Federation of Government Employees Scholarship, said, “You know I felt good. Who doesn’t feel good when they receive some money? The scholarship will help me.”

Justin Freeman, a sophomore from Atlanta, Georgia, and computer science major, received the McNeil Family Foundation Scholarship, said, “I’m honored to receive this scholarship and glad to know that my work does not go unnoticed.”

Layla Hatten, a freshman from Birmingham, Alabama, forensic biology major, also received the McNeil Family Foundation Scholarship, stating, “I’ve been worried about my finances … It feels amazing to receive this scholarship. It gives me a sense of relief and faith.”

Davian Jones, a freshman business management major from Opelika, Alabama, received an American Federation of Government Employees Scholarship. He said, “This scholarship was very helpful to me. I’m honored to be selected.”

MeKaylah Massey, a freshman from Sharpsburg, Georgia, biology pre-med major, received an American Federation of Government Employees Scholarship, saying, “It felt good to be recognized today. It’s helping me pay off my remaining balance, so of course I’m happy about that.”

Van A. Vinson Jr., a freshman from Montgomery, Alabama, computer science major, also received the American Federation of Government Employees

Scholarship. He said, “It was very surprising … It felt like you had to be chosen to get the scholarship, so I’m thrilled and grateful for the opportunity.”

Ja’Mais Watkins, a freshman from Pensacola, Florida, marketing major, and the nephew of Mr. Watkins, also received an American Federation of Government Employees Scholarship. He said, “I felt so great! It was nice that my uncle gave us all a scholarship, and I’m sure it’ll help us all in the future.”

Other students who received scholarships included:

Andrew Body, a senior from Corpus Christi, Texas, member of the ASU Football Team, multi-interdisciplinary studies major, received a scholarship from the American Federation of Government Employees.

Joseph Wiley Carson, a freshman from Kissimmee, Florida, majoring in mechanical engineering, also received the McNeil Family Foundation Scholarship.

Bryson N. Dotie, a freshman from Rowlett, Texas, music major and member of the ASU Might Marching Hornets Band, was awarded the Bobby J. Player, Sr. Family Scholarship.

Deqavious Micah Hairston, a freshman from Atlanta, Georgia, computer science major, was awarded the McNeil Family Foundation Scholarship.

Anthony “TJ” Madlock, a senior from Memphis Tennessee, and member of the ASU Basketball Team, majoring in marketing, received the McNeil Family Foundation Scholarship.

Caleb Daniel Martin, a sophomore business marketing major, received the Bobby J. Player, Sr. Family Scholarship.

Shuron McGee, a sophomore from Dallas, Texas, majoring in business management was also awarded the American Federation of Government Employees Scholarship.

Justin Heideman, a senior from Montgomery, Alabama, a music major, and first non-African American head drum major of the ASU Might Marching Hornets Marching Band, received special recognition for passion for music, talent, leadership, decision making, and serving as a role model for diversity, students, and ASU. Justin received the Bobby J. Player, Sr. Family Scholarship. Alumnus Player is a graduate of the class of 1962, and a member of the ASU Band, and currently lives in Silver Springs, Maryland.