The Windsor D. Ferguson Memorial Awards

The-WindsorThe Windsor D. Ferguson Memorial Awards

College award program for Bethune Cookman, Florida A&M and Tuskegee University students

Bishop Ferguson, Sr.

Top row: Pastor Windsor D. Ferguson, Jr., Cheryl F. Jones. Bottom row: Michael Ferguson, Mother Rosemary Ferguson and Sonya Ferguson.

By Cheryl F. Jones

This year marks the 10th Father’s Day without Bishop Windsor D. Ferguson, Sr. However, according to Revelation 14:13 “… Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” “Yes,” says the Spirit, “they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them.” In his honor and memory, his children have established The Windsor D. Ferguson Memorial Awards at their HBCU alma mater universities.

Bishop Ferguson was a devoted husband, father, and minister. He served as Deacon, Sunday School Teacher, Choir President, Trustee Board Member, General Secretary Treasurer, National Executive Board Member, Bishop’s Counsel, and Pastor of the National Church of God for 12 years, until his death at age 69, in November, 2006.

Due to family obligations and lacking finances, Bis. Ferguson was unable to attend college. However, he encouraged his children to pursue their educational goals to exceed his limitations.

The Windsor D. Ferguson Memorial Awards

At Bethune Cookman, this award is for a student pursuing a career in Ministry or Music. At FAMU, an award is for a student pursuing a career in Nursing. An additional FAMU award is for a student pursuing a career in Music.

For Tuskegee, the student must pursue a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math (STEM) career. All recipients must demonstrate outstanding leadership and academic success. Complete applications are due by midnight on Oct. 31, 2016 for Bethune and FAMU applicants. Award recipients will be announced late in the fall semester.

For Tuskegee, complete applications are due by midnight on Feb. 28, with award recipients announced in the spring semester.

“We wanted a way of honoring dad, supporting our HBCUs, and recognizing and rewarding outstanding college students. This awards program does all that. Each time we share this program, we are reminded of dad. To kick it off on Father’s Day weekend is especially rewarding.

The feedback from the universities has been positive, with all noting the need to financially reward outstanding students. We solicit your prayers and financial support in this endeavor. A GoFundMe account is set up for donations to the FAMU Nursing Award. Please contact me (Cheryl.J1s@comcast.net) to donate to this program or to apply for an award.

“Thank you for your support and May God bless you,” Cheryl F. Jones.

About Carma Henry 24363 Articles
Carma Lynn Henry Westside Gazette Newspaper 545 N.W. 7th Terrace, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33311 Office: (954) 525-1489 Fax: (954) 525-1861

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