Coppin State Vision Award Gala

An awards ceremony raised $175,000 to support academic merit-based scholarships at the Coppin State University Dining and Meeting Hall last Saturday September 16, 2006. This is a component of the ambitious Capital Campaign launched last year to raise $15 million in five years. The black tie affair, dubbed 'Vision Award Gala', attracted over 500 of the cream of African American academia, alumni and friends of the west Baltimore City university.

In all eight awards were presented to seven deserving benefactors and a corporation for their dedicated and invaluable service to the urban institution. The honorees were Raymond Haysbert, President and CEO of Forum Caterers, Inc, Bishop L. Robinson, Sr., a retired Criminal and Juvenile Justice Professional, Dr. Anne O. Emery formerly of Assistant Superintendent of Baltimore City Public Schools, and Mrs. Esperance Sutton, a real estate professional.

Others were author and alum Pamela Love, Rev. Dr. H. Walden Wilson II of Israel Baptist Church, Rev. Dr. Alfred C. D. Vaughn of Sharon Baptist Church and Nortel Networks.

"Your commitment plays a significant role in providing resources so Coppin State University can continue 'nurturing potential and transforming lives'. We have the unique task of focusing on the needs and aspirations of the residents of inner city Baltimore and of reaching out to the surrounding communities", the University's President, Dr. Stanley F. Battle, said.

"As we celebrate the achievements of tonight's honorees and the increasing growth and prestige of this great institution, I challenge each of us to step up to the plate. By giving of your resources, including your time and your energy, we will, together, realize the vision of Coppin State University".

Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. who breezed in after a hectic day of engagements said CSU is all about building human capital. "You have a lot to be proud of and I know I am just one of many people who believe in you. I thank the honorees for what they are doing for the school and the students. We have a long way to go, but we have come a long way", the west Baltimore native charged.