Shayla Brown  2007/2008
I will be starting my junior year at the University of Dayton this year. This past school year was a great one, one of the many reasons that made it so was the opportunity to be a scholarship recipient. Today many people think that three thousand dollars is not a large sum of money, but to me it is. As a recipient last year I was able to focus my efforts on school and not on my financial aid. My major is education and I mentor and tutor at an inner-city school throughout the week. In doing so, I have learned that being a teacher is a strong passion of mine and being able to give back to the community is important to me. This upcoming year, I will continue tutoring and mentoring students. I will also take more of an active role in organizations on campus, with a main focus on an education club and a community service club that I am in.

 

 

 

Justin Ford  2007/2008
My junior year at Clemson University was an amazingly great year.  I am in the Professional Golf Management (PGM) program and am required to do 16 to 17 months worth of internship credit.  In the summer of 2007, I was able to intern at the world known golf resort, Bandon Dunes in Oregon.  I interned there for three months where I worked in one of their three golf shops and was a caddie supervisor in one of the largest caddie programs worldwide.  In addition, I interned at the Sea Pines Resort in Hilton Head Island (home to Harbour Town Golf Links and the Verizon Heritage) for my fall semester of 2007.  Throughout the fall and summer of 2007, I played five top 100 golf courses in the United States, drove from coast to coast, and did not spend one penny for a hotel room! When I returned to campus in the spring, I completed the semester with a 3.6 GPA making my cumulative GPA a 3.43.  Throughout the semester, I participated in numerous PGM tournaments in preparation for the PGA National Minority Collegiate Championship where I finished T-7th in the Men’s Independent Division. Receiving this scholarship has meant a lot to me.  It made all of the above possible for me and will help make my future even brighter.  I sincerely want to say thank-you to the entire Michael J. Berkeley scholarship committee and staff, volunteers, and all sponsors and donors for making this opportunity possible.  I look forward to one day giving back to this foundation and helping a kid just like me.  I cannot wait to see what you have planned for the future of this scholarship.

 

 

 

Marcus Lomax  2007

My 2007 academic year was a year of progress - both for my character and academic achievement. Thanks to the Michael J. Berkeley Foundation scholarship, I was able to relieve my parents financially from college expenses.  I did not expect to be so richly blessed -- being awarded the scholarship and also receiving the crystal scholarship plaque by Tiffany's!  Because of the scholarship, I did not have to over-exert myself contending with work and school. I was able to raise my GPA to a 3.6 from a 3.4 during the 2007 academic year.  I cannot thank the Michael J. Berkeley Foundation enough for its contribution to my college education.  I am most gracious to the Foundation for making an investment in me.  I truly admire Michael J. Berkeley's legacy and aspire to emulate such life-fulfilling qualities.

Thanks again!

.

 

 

 

Theo Garrett 2007 / 2008
I, Theodore R. Garrett, III, would like to once again thank the Michael J.  Berkeley Foundation for their generosity. I am so grateful for your support and for the much needed scholarship award. I would like to thank the Michael J.  Berkeley Foundation scholarship committee for their dedication and service to the legacy of Mr. Berkeley. I will use the award to supplement my band scholarship for tuition at Hampton University where I am a sophomore. Wow, a sophomore! My freshman year went by so fast. My first year had its ups and downs with the passing of my grandfather, to getting through a grueling time in band camp, missing playing on the golf team to making the dean’s list. I found out a lot about myself this past year. I realized while I love being a part of the “Marching Force” and Symphonic Winds at Hampton, I did not want to be a music major.  I changed my major to Psychology Education. I want to be a high school counselor and I still have my dream of someday having my own school with emphasis on classical music and of course golf will be a focus. One of the highlights of my year was participating in the James Hall Pageant where the proceeds helped a low income family and provided scholarships. I won a book award for second place overall in the pageant and won first place for raising the most money. This experience allowed me to pay my blessings like Mr. Berkeley did. In all things give thanks… God bless you all and wish me well as I tryout for the golf team and assume the chairmanship for this year’s James Hall pageant!

 

 

 

Deztany Jackson   2005 / 2006 / 2007 / 2008

As a 3rd time Michael J. Berkeley (MJB) Foundation Scholarship recipient I am very grateful to have completed my junior year at Old Dominion University (ODU). As I continue to grow as a woman, student and athlete I thank God  for the joys, pains, and his unwavering grace. I was able to serve my community by tutoring, volunteering with the Red Cross blood drive, helping the homeless during the holidays and mentoring local youth. I was also able to make a "joyful noise" to the Lord on several occasions singing with my college church choir.  Through God's grace I was able to grind out the semester to maintain over a 3.3 cumulative grade point average. I competed in a total of seven tournaments during the fall and spring athletic seasons. I also competed in the 2008 PGA National Minority Collegiate Golf Championship. There, I reunited with fellow MJB scholars and friends I met from previous tournaments.  I was selected to represent ODU during the 2008 NCAA National Student-Athlete Leadership Development Conference. During the conference, students-athletes from various colleges communed together to openly discuss and problem solve issues affecting their campuses and communities. This conference developed my leadership and social skills tremendously. Because of the support of the Michael J. Berkeley Foundation, Bill Dickey Scholarship Association and The Jackie Robinson Foundation I am able to participate in a lot of rare opportunities. These foundations do not just give money to "college kids". They are ultimately passing the baton of responsibility in the race of elite character, service and leadership. In an essay I wrote for the Michael J. Berkeley Foundation I stated " I am very excited about the day when I will be able to re-visit the website (www.mikebfoundation.org) and click the "Make a Donation Link" with the intent of actually making a donation. Not only will I be investing into a foundation, but also investing into a legacy that is alive in me." Again, I thank the Michael J. Berkeley Foundation for passing the baton and trusting me to run the "race".

 

 

Sarah Jones   2007 / 2008

I am Sarah Jones, a rising junior at Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia.   I share the belief in wanting to make a difference in my community and desire to pursue  a professional career that will allow me to work in a capacity  to assist those who lack resources to fulfill their goals and dreams. This past semester I made A & B honors by raising my GPA. Once I graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Environmental Science, I plan to pursue a dual degree in law and a Ph. D. in Environmental Studies.  I have begun researching those universities that have such dual degree programs.   I am passionate about working for the needs of people, particularly those of color who are or have been victims of environmental injustice within their own communities. An organization that I am mainly involved with at Spelman is the Environmental Task Force. As a webmaster and historian for this organization, I am part of a grassroots’ student-run organization that is established to raise the awareness of the Spelman College community on  environmental issues.  We provide a greater student voice in planning for conservation at the college and promoting environmental education as a top priority. Our organization started the first functioning recycling program at Spelman College. Furthermore, my goal is to not only raise public awareness about environmental victimization, but to engage in projects designed to improve the health and living conditions of the African American community and global communities of color. Presently, I received an internship this summer with an agency whose main objective is to provide the education and resources for energy conservation plans in African American communities.  This opportunity causes me to envision how communities who are hit hardest can prepare for global warming consequences, as well as prepare for economic challenges with gas and energy consumption.  In addition to my personal and educational aspirations, I am also a lover of the game of golf.   I was introduced to the game early at the age of nine by my godfather, who is also a neighbor. Recently this past Spring I received the “Coach’s Award of the Year” by Spelman Athletics. This commitment to golf  is very important to me because my life has been profoundly enriched with the following:  professional networks and travel across America competing in tournaments, academic scholarships, and other growth and development opportunities, such as the volunteer work done at Spelman with elementary children and the coaching I have done with my teammates.   One of the most unforgettable experiences in golf occurred last year when I attended the Berkeley Foundation’s Awards Banquet and other activities.  First, being selected to come and receive the award was such an honor.  It was my first trip to New York, and I was ecstatic.    Second, Mrs. Berkeley received all of the invitees so graciously; we shared every moment of that weekend with relatives and friends.  Spelman college was so elated over my selection and highlighted me on their website that weekend before the tournament and awards banquet.  In addition, meeting some of the most prominent men and women entrepreneurs was so enjoyable and inspiring.   It influenced me to strive even harder to achieve my goals.  It also made me aware of the work and sacrifices people have made to make that weekend so enjoyable for the awardees.  I will always be grateful.   This past winter I was able to accompany other Spelman scholars and traveled to France and Italy for global experiences that have helped to shape my perspective on the needs and values of diverse global communities.  In addition, the example of Mr. Michael J. Berkeley will always remain with me because of the achievements and contributions he made in golf and the larger community.  My experiences and opportunities have increased my awareness of  the needs and values of the diverse communities I have encountered.  As Mr. Berkeley exemplified with his life, I can determine the contributions I wish to make to improve the lives of people and their environments, as well as participate in community development and strive for excellence.