Voorhees College in Denmark, S.C. hosted recently its 2019 Presidential Scholarship Gala, “Voorhees College: Begin. Believe. Become,” which was the most successful to date, raising a record $200,000.
Ten presidential scholars were recognized for their continuous scholastic achievements. All proceeds from the institution’s premier fundraising event will support student scholarships.
During the event, David Miller, president of the Voorhees College National Alumni Association, member of the Voorhees Board of Trustees, and the gala’s 2018 and 2019 emcee, was presented with the Voorhees College Keeper of the Flame award.
The Keeper of the Flame award was inspired by Voorhees founder Elizabeth Evelyn Wright, who was motivated by a humanitarian vision and quest that developed a genuine concern and love of knowledge and scholarship not only for herself but also for others. This award is given to individuals who have been the embodiment of Wright’s flame to advance the institution in numerous ways, and in essence, are “keepers of the flame.”
Miller is co-owner of the Our Weekly group of publications in Los Angeles. Since its inception in 2004, he continues to develop sales strategies and marketing plans for the popular weekly periodicals. In addition to Our Weekly Los Angeles, there is an Antelope Valley edition of the weekly newspaper and two magazines: Healthier You, a bi-monthly healthcare magazine dedicated to the African-American community, and Careers and Education, an informational publication.
Miller has a bachelor’s degree in humanities from Voorhees College and a master’s degree in journalism and mass communication from Iowa State University. Miller is the founder of the David G. Miller Journalism and Mass Communication Scholarship at Voorhees, where a mass communication student with a grade point average of 3.0 or higher can apply for $1,000.
At the conclusion of the event, Dr. Teesa Brunson, development officer for major and planned gifts, did a check presentation. She said the opportunity to present such a big check at the event was a huge milestone for the institution.
“Voorhees could not have asked for a more passionate and loyal group of donors. They each share our passion for higher education and our efforts to help every student achieve academic success,” Brunson said.
Dr. Gwynth Nelson, vice president for the Division of Institutional Advancement and Development, said this gala would not have been as successful without contributions from Voorhees supporters.
“Because we exceeded our fundraising goal, we can extend our financial assistance to deserving students,” Nelson said.
For more information, contact the Office of Communications, at (803) 780-1191 or at communications@voorhees.edu.
