By David Thompson
Endowment giving is one of the most impactful ways to create a lasting legacy and help ensure the long-term viability of Bowie State University. Often referred to as “the gift that keeps on giving,” an endowed fund establishes a perpetual source of funding that is forever available to support the educational endeavors of future Bulldogs for generations to come.
Bowie State University’s endowment has increased by nearly five times its value in just four years, thanks to focused fundraising efforts, a record number of new endowment funds established by Alumni and friends, and of course, the $25 million gift received from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott, the largest in the university’s history.
Young Alumni Big Part of This Success
The continued involvement of young alumni is a critical pipeline in growing Bowie State University’s endowment to where it needs to be. The following stories are just a few examples of how young alumni are transforming the lives of the students coming behind them and demonstrating their commitment to supporting their alma mater.
Anshia B. Crooms (’05), CEO and founder of Briclyn Entertainment Group, LLC, a boutique booking and events agency, established the Briclyn Entertainment Endowment that will provide sustainable revenue to students majoring in communications, the fine and performing arts or business administration. The scholarship is needs based and specifically designated for juniors and seniors.
“A lot of times, we forget that upperclassmen still need money to persist to graduation and I wanted to fill that gap,” said Crooms. “Home is where the heart is and home to me is BSU. That was my motivation to create the Briclyn Entertainment Endowment.”
Crooms is no stranger to philanthropy. She is the co-founder of Project Hygiene, Inc., a nonprofit organization that that supports underprivileged youth by encouraging health and wellness while denouncing bullying. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, she was looking for a way to maximize her impact at Bowie State.
“I believe in legacy giving and serving others, but most importantly, I care about my alma mater,” said Crooms. “I believe in the university’s mission and vision and I am forever grateful and indebted to Bowie State because the institution gave me a chance.
Eric Smith (’06) earned a bachelor’s degree in computer technology and a minor in business administration from Bowie State University. A stellar student while attending BSU, Smith never let his GPA drop below a 3.5. So it’s ironic that the endowed fund he established – the We Love You Endowment – is designated for African American students majoring in a STEM field (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) and have a 2.3 – 2.5 GPA.
Paraphrasing a quote by Nelson Mandela, Smith says, “It was not the lack of ability that limited my people, but the lack of opportunity. I want to help create opportunity for kids coming up, looking to grow, looking to further their education and enter the workforce. That was really my motivation for establishing and endowment at my alma mater.”
Both Crooms and Smith are passionate about contributing to Bowie State’s growth and the long-term stability of the university. They encourage other young alumni to live the motto, #BSU4LIFE, by giving back in any way they can, because no amount is too small to make difference in the lives of students.
