Charlotte, N.C./Feb. 16, 2021 – Alumna Latanya Dilligard ’92 is providing a boost to a couple of current JCSU students excelling in the classroom. She recently awarded Crystal Howard ’21 and Javyion Jenkins ’21 each a $500 scholarship for the spring 2021 semester.
“I come from a long legacy of Smithies,” said Dilligard. “I was raised to give back to the communities that took part in my growth and development. Johnson C. Smith University is a major part of that.”
Howard is grateful for the additional funds received this semester from Dilligard. “This money alleviates one more financial burden by providing funds for my books and additional resources I need this semester.”
Dilligard has provided book stipends to deserving students in the past and gives annually to the school.
“To sustain our HBCUs, one of the things you can do is leave a legacy behind,” she said. The successful attorney, who owns her own firm, added that she often encourages clients to leave a monetary gift for their alma maters in their last will and testament. “I have one,” she added. “You can do all kinds of things to assist with ensuring the institution that helped you become who you are, will still be around.”
While Dilligard, is grateful to be able to provide to her alma mater, she hopes to do more. “My goal and my prayer is to one day be able to give a student a full scholarship to Johnson C. Smith University,” she said. While she knows everyone is not in a position to provide scholarships, she hopes her story will inspire alumni to give anything they can.
