The Delores W. DeShields Endowed Scholarship: A Legacy and Love for Education

In 2007, the DeShields Family established the?Delores W. DeShields Endowed Scholarship at Temple University’s School of Sport, Tourism and Hospitality Management (STHM) , the most significant contribution to the school at the time. Established in 1998, STHM has a distinguished tradition of preparing sports, recreation, tourism, and hospitality leaders. Furthermore, Temple University is dedicated to building a diverse, vibrant educational community grounded in an appreciation for others, open-mindedness, and respect.

Delores' "A Legacy and Love for Education" continues transforming lives 17 years after her passing.

The 2022 Delores W. Deshields Endowed Scholarship recipient, Victoria Brown, is a testament to the scholarship's transformative power. Victoria, who recently graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree, has not only been able to pursue her dreams but has also significantly impacted her field, thanks to contributing support from the scholarship.?

Victoria served as Vice President & Secretary for the Beta Epsilon Chapter of Lambda Theta Alpha Sorority during her education and sat on the Fox School of Business African American Business Association board. She completed two incredible internships at the prestigious 5-star resort Salamander Middleburg and a Corporate Management Training program at the renowned Hyatt Regency Tysons Corner. Victoria's journey is a true reflection of the transformative power of this scholarship. We are proud of you, Victoria!

The Delores W. DeShields Endowed Scholarship is more than just financial aid. It is a beacon of hope for juniors or seniors enrolled in STHM who best exemplify the spirit and passion for travel and tourism that Delores DeShields, a woman of remarkable determination and resilience, displayed.

The recipients should be determined to achieve academic success, have dreams, and never give up through challenges and disappointments, just as Delores did. Victoria's journey is a testament to this mission.

As a family, we wanted to build a legacy for Delores and commit to Black Philanthropy. This commitment runs deep but needs to be noticed. Black Philanthropy, once considered an oxymoron, is now widely documented, if not fully embraced, as every racial and ethnic group has a rich philanthropic tradition supported by its religious and spiritual beliefs.

In 2020, I wrote an article,?Black Philanthropy and The Divine Nine,? noting how often Philanthropy refers to large financial gifts wealthy individuals give organizations, institutions, or individuals. However, Dr. Emmett Carson, a leading scholar of Black Philanthropy, has called for broadening this definition.?

This challenge includes individual giving, goods, and time, positioning Black people to emerge as having a strong, substantial philanthropic tradition.

Our family's ongoing commitment to the endowed scholarship, which began in 2007, demonstrates the power of collective action. We acknowledge the rising cost of education as a significant barrier, often hindering access to quality education for many aspiring leaders. The average cost of college tuition in the U.S. for undergraduate students has more than tripled, multiplying by 3.08 times over the last 58 years, according to data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).

As?Crystal Cherry , a distinguished author, eloquently stated in an article The Power of Black Philanthropy, "the survival of Black people continues to rely on the collective efforts of individuals, families, and communities to cover and support one another”.?

So, we are excited for Victoria. On Tuesday, April 3rd, Temple University will host the 2024 Scholarship Celebration, and our family will be in attendance to represent Delores W. DeShields’ "Legacy of Love and Education" once again as we meet the 2024 scholarship recipient.

On a personal note, Delores' great-grandson Milton Marrant, Junior, a newborn when Delores passed away, is now a high school Junior; over the years, he attended most of the award presentations (as a toddler playing in the background of a formal dinner). But next year, he will make it to college. It would be the ultimate pay-it-forward if Milton attended Temple University’s School of Sport, Tourism and Hospitality Management, receiving his great-grandmother's endowed scholarship.

So, join us in making a profound difference in the lives of aspiring students through the?Delores W. DeShields Endowed Scholarship at Temple University School of Sport Tourism and Hospitality Management .

?Education is a powerful catalyst for change, opening doors to opportunity and empowerment. Your contribution to our scholarship fund can make a tangible difference by providing financial assistance to promising students who may otherwise struggle to afford their education.

?Together, we can make a meaningful difference and inspire positive change through education.

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