Over a decade ago, University of Rhode Island Black faculty members established the Black Scholar Awards Program. In the University's history, it was the first and only awards program founded with the primary objective to acknowledge the diverse achievements and contributions of students of African descent. The program has recognized hundreds of students who have made outstanding contributions to the university, state, and nation. It has become the type of vehicle for alumni support that the founders envisioned at its inception. The event offers a rare opportunity for faculty, staff, students, alumni, community leaders, family, friends, and other colleagues to recognize student accomplishments in the areas of community service, university service, athletics, leadership, arts, science, research, and scholarship.