39 GEORGIANVIEW SPRING 2022
ALUMNI DONOR
Roxann Whittingham (class of 2020) has always
considered herself an agent of change. Whenever she
sees a problem, she feels compelled to do something to
help. When she was a student at the Orillia Campus in the
Child and Youth Care program, two events that shook the
world took place that increased her desire to help others.
"The George Floyd incident had just taken place,
COVID-19 had just hit us as a reality, and many of us
had time to reflect on how to make positive change. My
inspiration and desire increased with these two situations
facing us 'as a people,'" she notes.
At the same time, she noticed a lack of Black
representation in the student body at the Orillia Campus.
Knowing many Black families struggle to send their
children to postsecondary education, she started thinking
about how she could make a difference. That was the
catalyst for the Black Education Empowerment Fund
(B.E.E.F) scholarship.
"There is one quote that stuck with me from my
grandmother's favourite saying, and she took this from the
bible: 'To whom much is given, much is expected.' I have
been fortunate to have people in my life who saw the
need to give me a helping hand and I believe in passing it
on," she says.
Roxann funds the scholarships through proceeds from
her Ms. Hotty Hotty Jerk Marinade business, as well as
her published books, Johnny Lightening and The Magic
Yellow Yam, and Seasons of Love. They can be purchased
on Amazon.com.
Each year, the scholarship, valued at $1,000, is presented
to a full-time student studying at the Orillia Campus. The
student will self-identify as Black, have a minimum grade
point average of 70 per cent, and demonstrate financial
need.
There has already been one recipient of the scholarship
with more to come. Knowing she is helping Black students
fulfill their dreams has fulfilled a dream of her own.
"I am in the business of touching lives and impacting the
world around me," says Roxann. "I can't do it on a grand
stage like others, but I will scatter my rose petals, one at
a time. I don't know any of the recipients, but you cannot
imagine how good it feels to give! No feeling can surpass
that."
Georgian has other awards and scholarships for Black
students. If you are interested in setting up your own
award or scholarship, like Roxann did, please get in
touch by emailing Georgian's advancement team at
advancement@georgiancollege.ca.
Alumna's fund
for Black students
welcomes first
recipient
|
Roxann started the Black Education Empowerment Fund scholarship at Georgian.
