Charlotte, N.C. / July 27, 2020 - The COVID-19 pandemic has forced life to change for so many of us. Despite the additional stresses the pandemic has had on our lives, many people have been able to unite for good causes, including our alumni who have donated to the Johnson C. Smith University in many ways. Most recently, by offering words of advice to current students.
Marcus Scurry ‘04 partnered with Sonia Youngblood, assistant director of the Center for Career and Professional Development to develop the Alumni Summer Series, designed to provide mentorship and guidance to current students using alumni.
In the first session, held virtually June 30, 2020, panelists spoke on what it’s like being Black in the workplace, their experiences in leadership roles and the daily challenges they endure.
“It excites me to know that I am a student of a college that prepares its scholars for the real world. This opportunity allowed me to enhance public speaking skills while learning valuable facts from alumni,” said Tamia Williams ‘21, who moderated the event.
Scurry, who also serves as a member-at-large on JCSU’s National Alumni Association executive board, hopes this partnership helps foster relationships between alumni and students. “It is our hope that we will be able to engage in positive conversations that offer guidance, support and insight as they navigate through the undergraduate experience. The final goal is that we can eventually create a mentoring experience for students that will last beyond their college experience,” he said.
Scurry knows first-hand the benefits the Center for Career and Professional Development can provide students. “During my undergraduate years, it helped me to stay connected. I was able to secure internships and employment opportunities, because of my relationship with the Career Services staff,” he said.
The Center for Career and Professional Development provides resources to students including professional development programming, one-on-one career mentoring, graduate school research, resume reviews and mock interviews.
Scurry took advantage of all the opportunities JCSU offered. Not only did he serve on campus, but in the Charlotte community as well. He was the vice president of the Pre-Alumni Council. He held the titles of Mister Liston Hall, Mister Sophomore, and Mister New Residence Hall. He also participated in the A. Philip Randolph Institute, Toastmasters, The Leadership institute, NAACP club, SIFE, The Collegiate 100, became Upward Bound mentor, and he was a Thomasboro Academy volunteer.
Scurry continues to give back through mentorship. In addition to preparing students for post-graduation, he hopes these panel discussions will teach the importance of giving back to the University.
Aside from Scurry, Youngblood is also working with Ralph Knotts ‘70 to offer an internship program in New Jersey and surrounding areas.
Students interested in internships, grants and job opportunities can reach Youngblood at syoungblood@jcsu.edu for more information.
