For Sharese Shedrick, FOX ’02, the idea of supporting students at Temple University wasn’t just about writing a check—it was about creating a legacy that would resonate deeply with those who needed it most. Currently an active member of the Temple University Black Alumni Alliance (TUBAA), Shedrick first conceived of the TUBAA Scholarship while she was TUBAA president. 

In 2019, with Shedrick at the helm, TUBAA launched an ambitious campaign to fund a scholarship for students majoring in Africology and African American Studies who were facing financial barriers.

Officially becoming endowed as of 2024, The TUBAA Scholarship Fund awards $1,000 annually to a deserving student. It was built on the belief that the African American alumni community could make a tangible difference in the lives of students. What started as a grassroots effort now stands as a shining example of how a collective group of dedicated alumni can make an enduring impact.

According to Shedrick, the scholarship started as a long-shot idea, but after the first few years of tireless effort, it gained unstoppable momentum. “We wanted to show that our community gives back. There's a misconception that African Americans don't give to organizations,” Shedrick said, "Our community has a long history of support when we know exactly where our contributions are going. By starting this scholarship, we aimed to raise awareness about the needs of our students, we want to provide a bridge between them and our alumni and help them directly.”

Shedrick, whose family has deep roots at Temple—her father, grandmother, and aunt all worked for the university—wanted to share the same opportunities she had been afforded. "Because my father worked here, I went to Temple tuition-free, but I saw many of my peers struggle to pay for their education. That experience motivated me to find a way to give back," expressed Shedrick.

Although the scholarship’s goal was clear, the journey to endowment wasn’t easy. This ambitious vision became a reality largely due to the support from more than 350 donors. It took five years of hard work to reach this goal, and while the largest gift of $3,000 helped propel the scholarship forward, it was the collective action of many that truly brought the vision to life.

Millie Rice Jordan, EDU ’65, was inspired to make the final gift because so many others shared her passion for helping students achieve their dreams. In her words, “Learning that such an organization exists at Temple and needed support ignited a spirit of gratitude and thankfulness in me. I was honored to contribute to ensuring future generations have the tools for authentic research and illuminating scholarship.”

The scholarship was initially funded through two campaigns on OwlCrowd, Temple University's crowdfunding platform, and supported by a variety of grassroots efforts. TUBAA members were encouraged to donate through newsletters, events and the sale of T-shirts, all while rallying the broader alumni community to get involved. Personal connections and word of mouth between TUBAA members and fellow alumni played an extremely important role. "The key was getting the word out, staying engaged, and showing that this was an opportunity to support students directly,” Shedrick explained. "We’d even talked to people on the streets if they had Temple gear. And if I was wearing TUBAA gear, they’d ask about it. I’ve even had people in Arizona and other states recognize it and ask how they could get involved.” 

In Shedrick’s view, the most significant challenge was maintaining momentum over time and ensuring that the scholarship efforts didn’t lose steam. “Keeping people engaged was tough, especially when we were competing with other important fundraising efforts,” she said. “But we were determined. Our goal went beyond money to show people that this was something they could truly be a part of and believe in. It was about being part of a community that supports each other.”  

One of the scholarship’s largest supporters, Kesa Bond, CPH ’00, was inspired to give back by her own experiences as a student facing financial challenges. “I wanted to help reduce the stress of financing an education for someone else,” Bond said. “Every contribution, no matter the size, helps a student stay in school one more semester. Legacy is about making the path to success a little easier for the next generation.”

One of the most remarkable achievements in the scholarship’s journey is that TUBAA reached 100% giving participation from its board members for three consecutive years. “That level of commitment meant a lot,” Shedrick said proudly. “It showed that our members weren’t just talking about supporting the scholarship, they were actually contributing and demonstrating that we, as alumni, are invested in the success of the university and the next generation of graduates." 

Board member Natasha Patterson, CLA '99, reflected that Shedrick’s passion and vision were instrumental in motivating this support. “She is a visionary leader who understands the transformative power of education and took the initiative to make it accessible to others. Her networking and collaboration skills helped turn the idea into a reality and it’s been empowering to carry the torch,” said Natasha.   

The success of the TUBAA Scholarship aligns with Temple’s ongoing commitment to making education accessible for all students. Through generous efforts like these, Temple’s Made for More initiative continues to break down financial barriers and create opportunities for future generations of Owls to realize their full potential. 

TUBAA is also known for its annual holiday book drive, which serves as a prime example of the organization’s commitment to serving the broader Temple community. In partnership with Temple’s Department of Public Safety, TUBAA has worked to provide books to local children in need, helping to foster literacy and community engagement. Shedrick also points to other service initiatives, such as feeding the homeless, as evidence of TUBAA’s dedication to Temple and its surrounding neighborhoods. 

Looking back on her tenure as TUBAA’s president, Shedrick is most proud of the scholarship’s success and the collective effort that went into making it a reality. “It wasn’t just about my time as president,” she emphasized. “This is a story of collaboration. It was the work of the creators of TUBAA and past board members, the current TUBAA members that brought this idea to life and the community, alumni and other alumni organizations who believed in this cause." 

For Shedrick, the scholarship is about more than helping students today. It’s about building a lasting connection between alumni that will continue to thrive long after graduation and showing Temple students that they are part of a larger community that cares about their success. “When alumni give back, whether it’s through time, talent, or treasure, it shows students that we support them,” she said.  

–Jessica Jewel Tyler