Center for Diversity and Inclusion

Antonio Johnson Scholarship Gala Archives

2024

Alton Jenkins, Antonio Johnson Legacy Award and Scholarship
Azziz Samureh, Antonio Johnson Runner-Up Award and Scholarship 
Natali Pierce, Dr. Jerry Cline-Bailey Excellence Award and Scholarship


2023

Alanee Wright, Antonio Johnson Scholarship
This award goes to a student of African, African-American or Black descent who is currently a junior, has a 3.0 GPA and who has made contributions to the African, African-American or Black community on- and off-campus. The scholarship covers tuition, fees, on-campus room & board and provides a small book stipend during their senior year.

2022

Keylan West, Antonio Johnson Scholarship
This award goes to a student of African, African-American or Black descent who is currently a junior, has a 3.0 GPA and who has made contributions to the African, African-American or Black community on- and off-campus. The scholarship covers tuition, fees, on-campus room & board and provides a small book stipend during their senior year.

Jamia Martin, Antonio Johnson Runner-up Award
The committee also awards the runner-up with a $10,000 scholarship, provided by Xavier's Office of the President and Office of Mission & Identity's Truth, Racial Healing, and Reconciliation Grant.

Jada Batacan, Maia Chess, and Derrick Meyer
Antonio Johnson Legacy Awards
In addition to the runner-up scholarship, the committee is providing three (3) scholarships awarded in the amount of $500 for the remaining finalists. Sponsored by Xavier University's Office for Institutional Diversity and Inclusion.


2021

Watch the 2021 Virtual Gala

Elizabeth Garnes, Antonio Johnson Scholarship

This award goes to a student of African, African-American or Black descent who is currently a junior, has a 3.0 GPA and who has made contributions to the African, African-American or Black community on- and off-campus. The scholarship covers tuition, fees, on-campus room & board and provides a small book stipend during their senior year.

Malcolm McEwen, Antonio Johnson Runner-up Award

The committee also awards the runner-up with a $10,000 scholarship, provided by Xavier's Office of the President and Office of Mission & Identity's Truth, Racial Healing, and Reconciliation Grant. 

Seriah Barnes, Mareea Beasley, and Jordan Jiles

Antonio Johnson Legacy Awards

In addition to the runner-up scholarship, the committee is providing 3 book scholarships awarded in the amount of $500 for the remaining finalists. Sponsored by Xavier University's Office for Institutional Diversity and Inclusion.


2020
 

Date & Location: Virtual

Finalists: 

Desmond Varner

Munachimso Anachebe 

Jillian Simpson

Recipient: Desmond Varner 


2019
 

Date & Location: April 19, 2019, National Underground Railroad Freedom Center 

KeynoteDr. Kyra Shahid 

Finalists: 

Blair McKee 

Emmanuel Ohiomah 

Joy Owens 

Ihsan Walker 

Recipient: Blair McKee 

 

2018 Booklet

2018

Theme: "Lest We Forget: I Am My Ancestor’s Dream" 

Date & Location: April 20, 2018, National Underground Railroad Freedom Center 

KeynotesRuby Bester, Damon Jones 

Finalists: 

Andrews Beniana 

Benmun Damul 

Rhea Elcock 

Tianna Volzar 

Recipient: Tianna Volzar 

 

 2017 Booklet

2017 

Theme: "Rebirth of a Community" 

Date & Location: March 31, 2017, James & Caroline Duff Banquet Center 

KeynoteDenise Lackey 

Finalists:  

Mackenzie Collier 

Kaelen Doolan 

Mykia Lee 

Eseoghene Obrimah 

Recipient: Eseoghene Obrimah

 

2016 Booklet

2016 

Theme: "Reaching Back to Pass it Forward"

Date & Location: April 8, 2016, James & Caroline Duff Banquet Center 

KeynoteWilson Okello 

Finalists: 

Brianna Gladly 

Gala Rai Hughley 

Ebube Iheme 

Xye Inzauro 

Mischell Woodson-Levey 

Adaolisa Nnaji 

Sarah Ochieng 

Hannah Sheppard 

Aichetou Waiga 

Taykia Wright 

Recipient: Sarah Ocheing 

2015 

Theme“Leave Your MarkEmbrace Your Destiny” 

Date & Location: April 10, 2015, James & Caroline Duff Banquet Center 

KeynoteBrandon Cosby 

Recipient: Victoria Dickerson 

 

2014 Booklet

2014  

Theme: Exemplifying Excellence  

Date & Location: April 11, 2014 

KeynoteDennis E. Bland 

Nominees:  

Sara Bediako 

Juwanna Brown 

Sarah Craig 

Jasmine Davis 

Teya Deleveaux 

Binta Diallo 

Nateka Faison 

Ciarra Guthrie 

DuShawn Harley 

Sam Merritt 

Njeri Migwe 

Wambui Migwe 

Suubi Nambwayo 

Chuma Nnawulezi 

Adrian Oppong 

Brianna Piedra 

Gabrielle Rahming 

Jerron Taylor 

Recipient: Chuma Nnawulezi 

2013 

Theme“Making Dreams a Reality Through Hope, Faith, and Determination” 

Date & Location: April 19, 2013James and Caroline Duff Banquet Center 

KeynoteDr. Tonya M. Matthews 

Finalists: 

Erin Arney 

Alexis Burnett 

Tapuwa Chikwinya 

Doree Conley 

Josephine Lando 

Davis Lara 

Darnell Miller 

Armando Moss 

Lauren White 

Recipient: Josephine Lando 

 

2012 Booklet

2012 

ThemeExcellence by DefinitionAchievement by Choice. Success Expected. 

Date & Location: April 27, 2012, James and Caroline Duff Banquet Center 

KeynoteNatasha Holiday 

Finalists: 

Tiara Nicole Anderson 

Mariah deWeaver 

Rebecca Ashley Dobbs 

Kristen Rogers 

Recipient: Tiara Anderson 

 

2011 Booklet

2011  

ThemeOne People, One Mission 

Date & Location: April 15, 2011James and Caroline Duff Banquet Center 

KeynoteAnthony Darnell Davis 

Finalists: 

Akosua Effa Addo 

Brittany Armour 

Theron Bundle 

Evan Carter 

Stacey Fong 

Jared F. Greene 

Kristopher Holmes 

TaTiana Sanders 

Hanna Tegegne 

Vernon Thomas 

Almaz Witthans 

RecipientJared F. Greene 

 

2010 Booklet

2010 

Theme: “Dare to Dream, Strive to Succeed” 

Date & Location: April 16, 2010, James and Caroline Duff Banquet Center 

KeynoteTony Anderson 

Nominees: 

Amanda Tooley 

Thailer Buari 

Brittany Black 

William Washington 

Michelle Brockington 

Alexis Ponder 

Theron Bundle 

Remus Brice 

Shana M. Harris 

Retha Walker 

Jacqui Taylor 

RecipientThailer Buari 

 

View Virtual Past Gala Programs Below:

2009

2008

2007

2006

2005

2004

2003

2002

2001

2000

1999

1998