Financial Aid News
DUBAC Raises $1.6 Million for Reggie Howard Scholars
When members of the Duke University Black Alumni Connection (DUBAC) gathered to celebrate Homecoming Weekend, October 17-19, 2008, they had something else to celebrate as well. A fund-raising effort spearheaded by DUBAC members across the country has raised nearly $800,000 in gifts and pledges for Duke's Reggie Howard Scholars, and all contributions will be matched dollar for dollar, resulting in $1.6 million in new endowment—more than twice the target originally set by DUBAC board members.
The Reginaldo Howard Memorial Scholarships commemorate the first minority student-elected president of the Duke student government. These scholarships, which have played an important role in Duke's minority recruitment efforts, provide tuition and fees, room and board, and funding for enrichment opportunities to talented students of African heritage.
DUBAC's fund-raising effort is part of a university-wide Financial Aid Initiative, which is scheduled to end on December 31, 2008. In 2005, when Duke announced plans to raise new permanent endowment for scholarships and fellowships, and secured a challenge fund to match many new gifts on a dollar for dollar basis, DUBAC decided to take advantage of the opportunity. "We've had events across the country to promote the importance of the initiative and the Reggie Howard Scholars program," said Susan Ross, assistant vice president of Duke's Financial Aid Initiative. "DUBAC's efforts will have a lasting impact on Reggie Howard Scholars for generations to come."