AAMU student, Brian Beecham WINS a $10,000 scholarship from Google

Brian Beecham has recieved a $10,000 scholarship from Google. Brian represent one of the the many AAMU students who reprent the future of informaion technology leaders. The Legacy continues........

Google Corporation wrote:

Let's hear it for Google scholarship winners

Across the world, the participation of women and minorities in computer science is at an all-time low. According to studies conducted by the National Science Foundation, the annual graduation rate for women in computer science is just 22%, just 6.5% for Hispanic students, 4.8% for African American students, and under 1% for American Indian students. As part of our global effort to increase diversity in our industry, we have created scholarship programs with the United Negro College Fund, the Hispanic College Fund and the American Indian Science & Engineering Society. Each of these programs is meant to encourage students to excel in their studies and become active role models and leaders. It's our hope that these programs also help dismantle barriers that keep women and minorities from entering computing and technology fields. (Read more about Google's scholarship programs.)

Now comes the really fun part: announcing the 2008 winners. Please join us in congratulating the 42 students who have been recognized for their outstanding academic and leadership accomplishments in the computer science field. Each of these students will receive a $10,000 academic scholarship from Google, as well as an invitation to attend the all-expenses-paid Annual Google Scholars' Retreat held each Spring at the Googleplex in Mountain View.

Earlier this year, we also had the great pleasure of announcing the winners of the 2008 Google Anita Borg Scholarship in the U.S. and Canada as well as in Europe. (This scholarship is also offered to women in Australia, New Zealand and the Middle East.)

Congrats to all!

2008 Google United Negro College Fund Scholars

Brian Beecham - Alabama A&M University
Clinton Buie - Stanford University
Dorian Perkins - University of California, Riverside
John Mosby - Clark Atlanta University
Katherine Trushkowsky - University of California, Berkeley
Lateef Yusuf - Georgia Institute of Technology
Mamadou Diallo - University of California, Irvine
Mcdavis Fasugba - University of Miami
Pascal Carole - University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Rashida Davis - University of Delaware
Remy Carole - University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Sheronda Nash - Georgia Institute of Technology
Souma Badombena-Wanta - George Mason University
Yolanda McMillian - Auburn University
2008 Google Hispanic College Fund Scholars

Miguel Rios - University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez
Milton Villeda - University of Texas, Austin
Ricardo Rodríguez - University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez
Marco Medina - Eastern Washington University
Abel Licon - University of Deleware
Maximiliano Ramirez Luna - University of California, Berkeley
Juan Herrera - University of Oklahoma
Kenneth Faller Ii - Florida International University
Heriberto Reynoso - University of Texas, Brownsville
Jose Martinez - California State Polytechnic University
Otoniel Ortega - University of Illinois, Chicago
Antonio Rodríguez-soto - Universidad Del Turabo
Tina Ziemek - University of Utah
Diana Flores - University of Florida
Matthew Martinez - University of New Mexico
Frank Blandon - University of Florida
Felipe Carmona - Roosevelt University
Pamela Gutierrez - Oklahoma Panhandle State University
Daniel Hernandez - Tennessee Technological University
2008 Google American Indian Science & Engineering Society Scholars

Erik Bennett - New Mexico Tech
Kaylei Burke - University of Nebraska, Lincoln
Cory Cornelius - Dartmouth College
Daniel Jachowski - Stanford University
Denise Martin - Capella University
Mitchell Martin - University of Texas, San Antonio
Melanie Prevett - Oklahoma State University
Thomas Reed - University of California, Santa Barbara
Delbert Willie - Colorado State University

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Source: By Meredith Carroll, Google Corporation

HUD's HBCU Program grants Alabama A&M University $700,000

Washington - Dr. Beverly Edmonds, interim president accepts the grant on behalf of Alabama A&M University (AAMU). The University intends to use its Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) grant to expand its role and effectiveness in addressing housing and community development needs in north Huntsville, Alabama. The University plans include: continuing a neighborhood housing program in Edmonton Heights (a CDBG target neighborhood adjacent to the campus); assisting the AAMU Community Development Corporation (CDC) in expanding homeownership and housing opportunities for low-wealth residents; and implementing a civic engagement/service learning program to build the capacity of nonprofit organizations to address issues in northwest Huntsville low-wealth neighborhood.

The U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Steve Preston today awarded nearly $9 million to 13 historically Black colleges and universities to help revitalize neighborhoods near their campuses. Preston made the announcement at the 2008 National Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Week Conference in Washington.

"Historically black colleges and universities are anchors for economic development in their communities, and I'm pleased HUD can play a role in helping to support the neighborhoods that surround these important institutions of higher learning," said Preston. "HUD is proud of our partnership with these colleges and universities to help them improve neighborhoods, offer needed public services, and stimulate community development around their campuses."

HUD's Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Program is designed to help these institutions address pressing community development needs in their communities. These needs include neighborhood revitalization, housing, and economic development, and other programs that benefit low- and moderate-income families.

The HBCU grantees awarded funding today will carry out a broad range of community and economic development activities that will help to stabilize their communities and cultivate redevelopment of residential and commercial properties. In addition, HBCU grants can be used to acquire real estate; to demolish abandoned housing; to help provide homeownership assistance; to support job training and placement; and to rehabilitate residential, commercial or industrial buildings to correct code violations.

Since 1991, HUD has awarded approximately $147 million to stimulate economic and community development in the neighborhoods surrounding the HBCUs. The HBCU Program is one of several initiatives administered by HUD's Office of University Partnerships (OUP). Established in 1994, OUP is a catalyst for partnering colleges and universities with their communities in a shared search for answers to pressing urban problems. More information about OUP and its programs is available on the Internet at http://www.hud.gov/utilities/intercept.cfm?http://www.oup.org/.

'American Airlines Living Your Dream' Profiles Miami Business Leader, A&M Alumnus James A. Champion

FORT WORTH, Texas, Sept. 3 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- James A. Champion, the head of a high-powered Miami-based human resources consulting and management firm will share the secrets of his success on "American Airlines Living Your Dream," a radio series which airs each month on The Michael Baisden Show.

Champion, 62, is the President and CEO of The Champion Services Group, a multi-million dollar consulting firm that helps its clients achieve, maintain, and maximize workforce diversity. Headquartered in Miami, the company has 42 employees and has been profiled in such publications as the Miami Herald and Black Enterprise.

Over the course of his life, Champion has overcome amazing odds. His mother was diagnosed and institutionalized with schizophrenia when he was 11 years old. As a result, Champion and his younger siblings became permanent wards of the state in New York. After living in an orphanage for the remainder of his childhood, Champion won a partial scholarship to Alabama A&M University. In 1963, he left New York City for Alabama with only $27 in his pocket.

After graduating from college, Champion went on to hold managerial positions at some of the largest companies in the United States, including Ryder System, Merrill Lynch & Co., the U.S. Department of Labor, and Chase Manhattan Bank. While climbing the corporate ladder, Champion paid for his younger siblings' post-secondary education.

With Champion's love and financial support, one of his brothers went on to become the first African-American valedictorian of his class at Carnegie Mellon University.

Today, Champion is considered one of the leading human resources executives in the country. He is also a noted philanthropist, having most recently received the Jackson Memorial Foundation's Golden Angel Award for providing hospital services for the indigent.

"American Airlines Living Your Dream" is a collaboration with The Michael Baisden Show, which is broadcast weekdays, 3 p.m. - 7 p.m. EDT, on ABC Radio Networks.

About The Michael Baisden Show

The Michael Baisden Show was launched in national syndication by ABC Radio Networks in January, 2005 and is hosted by author, TV talk show personality and emerging community leader Michael Baisden. The entertaining four-hour afternoon radio program airs Monday -- Friday and combines the best in music, comedy and social outreach to inspire real change in local communities across the country. Heard in 22 of the top 25 urban radio markets, The Michael Baisden Show reaches more than 4.6 million listeners each week.

About American Airlines

American Airlines is the world's largest airline. American, American Eagle and the AmericanConnection® airlines serves over 240 cities in 40 countries with more than 4,000 daily flights. The combined network fleet numbers more than 1,000 aircraft. American's award-winning Web site, AA.com, provides users with easy access to check and book fares, plus personalized news, information and travel offers. American Airlines is a founding member of the oneworld® Alliance, which brings together some of the best and biggest names in the airline business, enabling them to offer their customers more services and benefits than any airline can provide on its own. Together, its members serve nearly 700 destinations in over 140 countries and territories. American Airlines, Inc. and American Eagle Airlines, Inc. are subsidiaries of AMR Corporation. AmericanAirlines, American Eagle, the AmericanConnection® airlines, AA.com, We know why you fly and AAdvantage are registered trademarks of American Airlines, Inc. (NYSE: AMR - News)