Fay Ferguson ’73 and Dr. Earl Lewis ’78 started the Diversity Student Endowed Scholarship. Eligible students include those with different backgrounds, including religion, sexual orientation and/or ethnicities. Selection will be based on scholastic achievement and financial need.
The goal is twofold: to encourage students from diverse backgrounds to attend a quality liberal arts college and to increase the diversity of experiences represented on Concordia’s campus.
Ferguson and Lewis have devoted their professional lives to advocating for diversity and inclusion, as well as providing authentic views of what diversity looks like.
Ferguson is co-chief executive officer of Burrell Communications Group, a leading transcultural communications agency based in Chicago and Los Angeles. Burrell’s clients include Toyota Motor Sales, McDonald’s USA, Comcast, AARP and Hilton Worldwide. Ferguson, who has been committed to giving back and serving the African-American community, earned an undergraduate degree in English, speech and drama from Concordia and an MBA from Indiana University.
“I believe that increasing the number of diverse students on campus would not only positively impact declining college enrollment, but also activate Concordia’s mission of influencing the affairs of the world," Ferguson says. "How amazing it would be if Concordia became the model for diversity in higher education – let’s dream big dreams.”
Lewis is the sixth president of The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. Under his guidance, the foundation has reaffirmed its commitment to the humanities, the arts and higher education. He earned an undergraduate degree in history and psychology from Concordia and his doctorate from the University of Minnesota. He’s a noted social historian who has championed the importance of diversifying the academy, re-visioning the liberal arts and exploring the role of digital tools for learning.
“Concordia’s future is inextricably linked to the nation’s future. As we look ahead to mid-century, the demographic profile of the American population will look remarkably different. Some places see the future and plan for it; others recall the past and stay anchored. In the best traditions of the liberal arts, this scholarship allows Concordia to honor the past by championing the future. I couldn’t be prouder of my alma mater,” Lewis says.
Increasing diversity on campus will be a priority for the five-year college strategic plan.
For more information about this endowed scholarship or to contribute to the fund, please contact the Advancement Office at 800.699.9896.