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

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. 

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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.

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“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.