By David Thompson
Over 1,700 elementary students from schools in Prince George’s and Anne Arundel Counties attended the first annual Durant Family Foundation Game Day at A.C. Jordan Arena and watched the men’s basketball teams from Bowie State and Johnson C. Smith University compete on the hardwood with the Bulldogs winning the contest 84 – 71.
The event was held to further solidify and advance the relationship with the Durant Family Foundation based on the gift it made to Bowie State’s athletic department of which a portion was used to install a new pro-style basketball court. Wanda Durant, president of the foundation attended Game Day to show her support.
Clyde Doughty, the vice president of athletics, says the event was a collaborative effort between leaders from the College of Education and the Division of Intercollegiate Athletics & Recreation.
“It was a wonderful opportunity to introduce and engage young minds in the HBCU environment and have them interact with the Bowie State University community,” said Doughty. “Our goal is to start connecting with young people when they’re still in elementary school to familiarize them with the university.”
In addition to seeing a college basketball game and hearing words of encouragement from Wanda Durant, the students listened to a raucous pep band and saw the cheerleaders and dancers perform. Some students displayed posters showing support for the Bulldogs.
“Bringing elementary students and their parents to the university will pay dividends in the short and long term,” said Dr. Darilyn Mercadel, coordinator of elementary education programs in the College of Education. “We want everyone to learn more about the university’s degree and certificate programs, the financial aid process, extracurricular activities and to think long and hard about Bowie State when they’re considering colleges to further their education.”
“The Durant Family Foundation Game Day is an event we plan on having every year moving forward as we continue to Race to Excellence with academic enrichment and social development,” said Doughty. “I want to express my sincere thanks to the school districts for allowing their students to participate in this exciting moment.”