Purdue University Black Cultural Center honors outstanding student scholars

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Purdue University's Black Cultural Center honored some of its outstanding student scholars recently at its 43rd Annual Awards Banquet. Major awards were presented to four students.

Alexandra Brown-Anderson, of Elkhart, Indiana, who majors in business administration in the Krannert School of Management, has been awarded the 2016 Helen Bass Williams Outstanding Freshman Award. The award is presented annually to an outstanding freshman to honor scholarship, leadership, background of service toward fellow students and community. The recipient receives a $1,000 monetary award, a plaque and her or his name inscribed on the perpetual plaque at the Black Cultural Center.

The Morgan Imani Guice Arts and Service Award is given to the student who exhibits outstanding levels of performance and dedication to artistic and academic programming at the Black Cultural Center. The 2016 recipient was Oswald Hall-Wiggan, of Northfield, Connecticut. Hall-Wiggan majored in aviation/airway management and operations in the School of Air and Transportation Technology. The award honors graduating students who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and greatness in character during their Purdue careers. The award winner receives a plaque, a $500 monetary award and his or her name inscribed on a perpetual plaque.

The Nettie L. Hubbard Meritorious Service award went to Latrice Young of Gary, Indiana, who majors in creative writing in the College of Liberal Arts. The award acknowledges contributions of Nettie L. Hubbard who, after 15 years of exemplary service to Purdue University, retired in1983. This award serves the dual purpose of honoring outstanding service achievements and the accomplishments of the Black Cultural Center through student support. The recipient receives a plaque, a $500 monetary award and has her or his name added to the plaque on permanent display at the Black Cultural Center.

Jessica Whitfield, of Lima, Ohio, who majors in engineering in the College of Engineering, received the Howard G. McCall Award. This award was established by the Black Cultural Center as a tribute to McCall's faith, ideals and love for those he referred to as his brothers and sisters. The award is granted to a student staff member who has demonstrated consistency in leadership, service and dedication to the Black Cultural Center. The recipient receives a plaque, a monetary award of $500, and his or her name on a perpetual plaque. 

Source: Renee Thomas, 765-494-3091, rathomas@purdue.edu