Netflix Establishes $5.4 Million Chadwick A. Boseman Memorial Scholarship at Howard University

Howard University and Netflix have announced the Chadwick A. Boseman Memorial Scholarship.

The $5.4 million endowment scholarship will provide incoming students in the College of Fine Arts with a 4-year scholarship to cover the full cost of tuition.

Howard University President Wayne A.I. Frederick, M.D. said: 

It is with immense pleasure and deep gratitude that we announce the creation of an endowed scholarship in honor of alumnus, Chadwick Boseman, whose life and contributions to the arts continues to inspire.

This scholarship embodies Chadwick’s love for Howard, his passion for storytelling, and his willingness to support future generations of Howard students. I am thankful for the continuous support and partnership of Chadwick’s wife, Mrs. Simone Ledward Boseman, and to Netflix for this important gift.

The Chadwick A. Boseman Memorial Scholarship was established with the support of Boseman’s wife, Simone Ledward-Boseman and sponsorship from Netflix, the inaugural donor.  

The first scholarships will be awarded to one recipient in each class beginning this Fall 2021. It will focus on students who exemplify exceptional skills in the arts reminiscent of Mr. Boseman, and who demonstrate financial need. 

The inaugural year will begin with awarding four awards representing one member of each class and will continue to be distributed to an incoming freshman each year on an annual basis.   

Simone Ledward-Boseman said: 

Many exemplary artists are not afforded the opportunity to pursue higher learning, we hope to support as many students as possible by removing the financial barrier to education. 

This endowment represents Chad’s devotion to the craft, his compassion for others, and his desire to support future storytellers. 

My deepest thanks to Ted Sarandos, Scott Stuber and our family at Netflix for their generous investment into the education of all present and future Boseman Scholars, and to President Wayne Frederick, Dean Phylicia Rashad and Mr. David Bennett for their partnership and continued commitment to Chad’s legacy at Howard. 

I’m overwhelmed with gratitude and amazed at the love and dedication shown by so many continuing to honor my husband’s work. I know he’d be proud.

Students who receive the Chadwick A. Boseman Memorial Scholarship will have demonstrated: 

• A Drive for Excellence. Students who are continuously working toward improvement and putting in time above and beyond the basic requirements. This includes engagement in academic departments, campus or community organizations. 
  
• Leadership. Students who have the personal fortitude to do what is right, even when this means they are in the minority. They exhibit honesty, and are trustworthy, caring, and ethical. They keep their word and honor their commitments, while accepting consequences, and admitting their mistakes.  
  
• Respect. Students who treat others fairly. They listen to and accept input from others. They maintain self-control and exhibit consideration for the things and people that they encounter.  
  
• Empathy. Students who show kindness and understanding toward all those they encounter and actively listen in an effort to understand the unique experiences of others. They advocate for their community by identifying needs and working to meet them.  
  
• Passion. Students who show an ardent desire to absorb all aspects of the art of storytelling. They understand the deeply rooted, critical importance of storytellers as cultural historians and aspire to inform, uplift and strengthen their community through their work. 
  

The inaugural class of awardees are as follows: Sarah Long, a freshman in musical theatre; Shawn Smith, a sophomore studying acting; Janee’ Ferguson, a junior in theatre arts administration; and senior Deirdre Dunkin who studies dance. 

Congrats to all of the scholarship recipients! 

Source: Netflix