The theme, “Forward to New Horizons,” symbolizes the institution’s plans to take the university to the next level under new leadership, including new degree programs, an aggressive recruitment and retention effort and more academic collaborations with other universities.
“Even during times of economic uncertainty, universities must still partner with corporate entities to assist in fundraising and be able to continue offering superior educational opportunities,” said President Albert Walker, Ed.D. “Our students deserve the very best in academic programs and services, and I’m confident with the support that we have had in the past, that we can reach our goal and move forward.”
The kick off, which was held at BlackFinn American Grille in the St. Louis Galleria, attracted private donors, as well as representatives from Edward Jones, Morgan Stanley and First Bank, in addition to alumni and current students, all of whom spoke about their love for Harris-Stowe and why they chose HSSU to meet their higher education needs. Entertainment was provided by Angela Sutherlin, an HSSU junior majoring in Education, who had been seen on last season’s “American Idol.”
“It was our goal to showcase our best and brightest students,” said Assistant Vice President for Communications, Marketing, Alumni Affairs & Development Courtney McCall. “Our latest fundraising effort centers on our students and providing them the financial resources needed to help them realize their dreams. The thought of being able to do that is extremely exciting.”
The highlight of the evening was a presentation of $100,000 from Fresh Ideas, the university’s campus dining service. Its area manager, Darryl Sevier encouraged other donors to follow in his company’s footsteps and do their part in supporting an educational landmark that has served as the scholastic foundation for so many first-generation college students.
Harris-Stowe State University, located in midtown St. Louis, is a four-year institution that offers 14 degree programs in the areas of Accounting, Business Administration, Biology, Criminal Justice, Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Health Care Management, Hospitality and Tourism Management, Information Sciences and Computer Technology, Mathematics, Middle School Education, Professional Interdisciplinary Studies, Secondary Education and Urban Affairs. Ranked byU.S. News as one of America’s Best Colleges in the Midwest, the university, which has been in existence for more than 150 years, offers the most affordable bachelor’s degree in the state of Missouri.
Source: Courtney McCall, mccallc@hssu.edu
