Cincinnati STAR Alumni Chapter pledges $30,000 in minutes to support student scholarships

Posted Apr 30 2024
a young African American man stands with his mother and grandparents during the central state university cincinnati star alumni chapter's annual scholarship luncheon

Above: Scholarship recipient Joshua Jasper (left) is pictured with his mother, stepfather, and family friend, CSU alumna Carey Caldwell, during the Cincinnati STAR Alumni Chapter's 14th annual Jazz Brunch.

Central State University Cincinnati STAR Alumni Chapter members came together to pledge $30,000 for student scholarships during their 14th annual Jazz Brunch. 

a large group of people stands in front of maroon and gold balloons
Members of the Lodge of CSU, a group founded in 1974 following the tornado, gathered for the brunch. Pictured are (front row, from left) Juan Bailey, Cincinnati STAR Alumni Chapter president, and Anthony Shows; (back row) Angie Shaw, Claudette Campbell, Peter Frakes, Clyde McCormick, Tyrone Ushry, Tammie Alexander, Eddie Taylor, Terri Gist, and Marna Williams. 

The STAR Society Scholarship Program awarded over $10,000 in scholarships to current Central State students from the Cincinnati area. The scholarships were sponsored by generous donors with their own criteria for the scholarship, which included high GPA, community service, and essays or business plans. 

Chapter president Juan Bailey said over $10,000 in scholarships were awarded to the following students:  

  • Jaden Irvin, “Started from the Bottom Now I’m Here Scholarship,” sponsored by Juan and Kimberly Bailey. 

  • Antanaja Johnson, “Black Business Scholarship,” sponsored by Phil and Monica Black. 

  • Joshua Jasper, “Generation Hope Childcare Scholarship,” sponsored by Warren and Vickie Johnson. 

  • Brandon Leahr, “Kelly and Bowden Athletic Scholarship,” sponsored by Larry Kelly and Gillis Bowden. 

The chapter has donated over $15,000 over the past two years, and the $30,000 pledged in the latest Jazz Brunch will be awarded over the next 12 months. Approximately 350 alumni, family, and friends attended the brunch, Bailey said. 

Cincinnati area alumni are invited to become active members by providing new ideas, energy, and assistance in carrying out the chapter’s purpose.

cincinnati alumni committee members
Chapter leaders include (from left) Dennis McNeal, financial secretary; April Barker Casey, executive assistant; Bailey; Summers; and Alia Williams-Tolbert, treasurer.

  

“I understand we all have an awesome responsibility to reach back and give back,” Bailey said. “Because if it had not been for CSU, I am not sure where I would be today. I love our young people and young Black boys are my calling. However, I am only one of many who gave that day.”  

The chapter is comprised of about 50 paid members and 40 lifetime CSU National Alumni Association members. If you want to become an active member and give back, the chapter invites you to be a part of this noble cause.

Connect with the Cincinnati STAR Alumni Chapter by visiting its website at www.csucincyalumni.com.  

STARS of Central State University

two people sit in a packed room during the cincinnati star alumni chapter annual scholarship brunch
two central state university alumni wearing their maroon and gold

Chapter Vice President Mykish Summers and member Latoya Turner. 

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