Twenty-five students of Jamaican heritage attending Howard University were recently awarded scholarships totaling US$102,000 by the Jamaica Howard University Affinity Network (JHUAN). Each student received US$4,000 to help cover tuition costs.
Among the recipients, Gabrielle Clarke and Bleyne Montaque were honored with the inaugural Bancroft S. Gordon Scholarship Award, which recognizes excellence in athletics, academics, leadership, and community service. The award is named in memory of Bancroft Gordon, a Howard alumnus and former football player.
The scholarship presentations were made by Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United States, Her Excellency Audrey Marks, and JHUAN Chairman Don Christian at the organization’s 6th HUes of Blue fundraising event.
Ambassador Marks praised JHUAN’s impact, describing the scholarship program as “a beacon of hope and a pillar of pride” for the students. Since its inception in 2018, JHUAN has awarded 80 scholarships valued at US$356,000. Marks also emphasized the organization’s broader mission, which includes mentorship, life coaching, and career development. She urged the scholarship recipients to give back to JHUAN in the future, once they have achieved success.
JHUAN Chairman and Howard University Board Member Donald Christian expressed his pride in supporting Jamaican students, noting, “I am honored to be a part of a community that supports Jamaican students who have navigated challenges to pursue their studies.”
Fundraising for the scholarship program continues through the end of the year, with donations being accepted at JHUAN’s website.
Howard University President Dr. Ben Vinson III highlighted the strong connection between Howard and Jamaica, stating, “The ties between Howard University and Jamaica remain remarkably strong. Once again, Jamaica is one of the top sources of international students in this year’s entering undergraduate class and is the leader for students from the Caribbean.”
The HUes of Blue event also recognized outstanding Howard alumni with the JHUAN IMPACT Award. Jamaican architect Isiaa Madden, a graduate of Howard’s School of Architecture, was honored for her distinguished career in innovative design. Entrepreneurs and philanthropists Heather and Kevin Reid were also awarded for their contributions through the Blue Lagoon Foundation.
The fundraiser generated US$60,000 for the scholarship fund, including a US$15,000 donation from Ambassador Marks through her Jamaica’s Promise Foundation, and US$25,000 from a former Howard University president in honor of Isiaa Madden’s IMPACT Award recognition.
