Giving Back to students at DSU

Giving Back and Paying it Forward at HBCUs: Fireside Chat Speaker Series Peer+ Leadership Program at Delaware State University

Giving Back and Paying it Forward to the Next Generation

By now most of you have probably heard about Billionaire Robert F. Smith’s gift to the graduating class of 2019 at Morehouse University.

His gift of paying off the student loan debts for over 400 graduating students totaled more than $40 million dollars.

​​​​​​​This gift is unimaginable for many, however, just because you are not a Billionaire like Mr. Robert F. Smith doesn’t mean that you can’t give back to those coming up behind you.

Last month I had an opportunity to be part of the Fireside Chat Speaker Series Peer+ Leadership Program at Delaware State University. This program was created as a way for alumni of DSU to connect with and give back to the current students on campus.

Antionette Blake, alum of Delaware State College giving back
Build Your Brand with a Podcast

I was contacted by Duane Day, President of the Greater New Jersey Alumni Chapter. Duane asked if I would be interested in being a part of the Fireside Chat Speaker Series Peer+ Leadership Program along with he and Ursula Harvey, Vice President of the Chapter and Deidra Carter. This volunteer mission was to learn, discuss and meet alumni who are willing to give back.


As a Social Media Marketer, I could lend my expertise in the area of social media so my presentation was on Podcasting Pointers. I spoke to the students on how they could brand themselves with a Podcast on Anchor FM. The topic was well received and I look forward to hearing a few new Podcasts coming from them as they create them over the summer.

Greater New Jersey Chapter alumni of Delaware State University giving back

Giving Back and Paying It Forward should be more than a cliche or empty phrases; Giving Back and Paying it Forward should become a part of our daily lives as we leave a legacy for those coming up behind us.

Thank You Mr. Robert F. Smith, let’s hope that you have lit a fire under the alumni at other HBCU’s and under those who may be in postions to give back to our future leaders with finances or knowledge!

Stay tuned for a post about our son’s graduation from Bowie State University on Friday, and his Commencement Speaker, Roland Martin.  No, Roland didn’t give them a monetary gift, however, he did leave them with wise words of wisdom which are priceless! #thisisyourtime

​​​​​​​Let’s Chat > How are you giving back?

2 thoughts on “Giving Back and Paying it Forward at HBCUs: Fireside Chat Speaker Series Peer+ Leadership Program at Delaware State University

  1. it’s amazing that you blogged something about college because I just put up a post about the “Donald Trump scholarship fund.” Great minds think alike! 🙂

  2. Yes, I must agree, however, student loan debt is a serious problem in this country and I hope the future for those leaving college today is brighter than being strapped with student loans debt for life!

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