Blacks in Government, Presents Bowie State University with First Scholarship Award

The GSFC/WFF chapter of Blacks in Governement held its annual Black and Gold Dinner Dance this weekend. This year's theme was "Each One Reach One, Each One Teach One."

The evening began with opening remarks from Larry Phillips, President, GSFC/WFF Big Chapter explaining the purpose of the organization. The BIG Organization was established in 1975 and serves "as a national response to the need for African Americans in public service to organize around issues of mutual concern and use their collective strength to confront workplace and community issues. BIG's goals are to promote EQUITY in all aspects of American life, EXCELLENCE in public service, and OPPORTUNITY for all Americans."

Dr. Gregory Miller holds appreciation award, given by BIG

Guest speaker and former Goddard employee Dr. Gregory E. Miller, III, Bowie State University Provost gave impressive credentials about Bowie State University and its progress with its new facility and institutional programs developments that focus on Science, Math and Business. Miller expressed that the new developments will allow Bowie State University to become an integral player of increasing education in Science and Math. Not only is Bowie State University achieving academically but also athletically with this weekend's advancement to the Elite 8 NCAA Division II championship.

Miller spent five years at Goddard in Code 600 and 900 before returning to academia and knew from hand the importance of mentoring. Recalling on his experiences, Miller is aware of the need for talents within the community to be brought to the forefront when employers are looking for students to give scholarships to or when recruiting for employment. Miller feels that such organizations as BIG can assist with doing this.

	Lt: Dillard Menchan, Chief Equal Opportunity Programs, Merle Robbins, Chair Funding Committee for BIG GSFC/WFF and President GSFC/WFF Big Chapter, Larry Phillips Photo Credit: Pat Izzo/Code 293

After the conclusion of Miller's speech, Phillips presented Miller on behalf of Bowie State University with two $500 scholarship awards. This is the first award given by the BIG GSFC/WFF chapter. Phillips then recognized Dillard Menchan, Chief Equal Opportunity Programs, Merle Robbins Chair, Funding Committee for BIG GSFC/WFF and Mrs. Ruby Fields, one of the Co-founders of the BIG organization for their continued efforts and achievements.