Impact

IMPACT OF THE FRIENDS OF HOWARD WATKIN FOUNDATION SUPPORT

Alabama State University

First, a memo from me to a colleague several years ago:

As usual, it was great speaking to my former boss and friend, graduate of Howard University, Eli Williams: It was great speaking to you the other day. Most importantly, I’ve been moved and touched by your kind words and generosity, volunteering to donate to assist with the work I do recruiting and keeping students in college. Over the last several years, this has become a full-time job for me. Each day, I wake up, pray, and thank God for giving me this awesome challenge. I worry about young people like Terrence Rozier – 2016 graduate of Calvin Coolidge High School, Washington, DC, who I work so hard to get into ASU. Terrence may not return to ASU because he doesn’t have a 3.0 GPA, family support, and funds to keep him at the University. I could have been Terrence. As a youth growing up in the south my life was mountains and valleys. As I look back over my life, I now realize how blessed I was to have many fathers, mothers, and teachers who believed, loved, and supported me; otherwise, I would not have graduated and made it to Alabama State University. My life has and continues to be enriched by people like each of you which give me hope that the Lord will make a way somehow. May God continue to bless you and your family.

Sincerely,
Howard Watkins

Tue, Nov 1, 2022 at 3:57 PM
Howard Watkins wrote:

We are glad to support and encourage our students. Additionally, I’m also committed to $1,000 to support the faculty visit to Ellington School of the Arts.

On Nov 1, 2022, at 4:03 PM,
Carly Johnson wrote:

Hello Mr. Watkins,

How generous! Thank you so much! I’m sure that the students will appreciate the awards. I’ll alert David Campbell, our campus photographer, so that he can take photos during the presentation.

Thanks so much for your support from our students! Please do give my best to Mr. French! I will work on a write-up acknowledging the Friends of Howard Watkins for their generous support. I believe that the Choir may be making a stop in DC on the way up to NYC in May, to do a school visit and a concert to connect with and to thank the alumni – this will be around May 8-10. As I get more details from the admin, I will let you know – they’re still in the preliminary stages of putting the travel itinerary together.

A few other big events this spring are the HBCU Culture Battle of the Bands in Atlanta at Mercedes-Benz stadium on February 4th, and the Honda Battle of the Bands being hosted in the ASU Stadium on the weekend of February 18th.

Take care!
Dr. Johnson
Chairperson, Department of Music, Alabama State University

Andrew’s Journey

Andrew started his journey at ASU and graduated with honors today from UMES. He is going to work for Republic Airlines and takes his commercial pilot’s exam in June.

Howard, you have done and continue to do so many things that change the lives of so many. Andrew was blessed to be one of the students whose life you and your work touched. ASU was the place where he became a student who could confidentially pursue his academic dreams and life’s passion.

Jenifer Lapoint, Alumnae
Spelman College, and Mother of ASU Alum, Christopher LaPoint ‘15

May 2023