Wilmington University President Dr. LaVerne Harmon received the Fresh Start Scholarship Foundation’s Inspiration Award at the nonprofit’s 25th anniversary celebration on Oct. 19, 2021.
Every year, Fresh Start recognizes a woman who overcame significant obstacles and achieved career success, making her a role model for Fresh Start scholars.
“Dr. Harmon was such an obvious choice for this year’s award,” says Fresh Start Board President Betty Sweeny. “From her humble beginnings, she worked her way through college to eventually earn her doctorate and went on to become the first African American woman to be named president of a college or university in Delaware. While she has achieved great success in her career, it is her care for the well-being and success of students, as well as the many ways that she gives back to the community that will be her legacy and which truly inspires.”
“I am grateful to have been given the opportunity to work hard and succeed in the higher education industry,” says Dr. Harmon. “But like the Fresh Start scholars, I would not have earned my degrees without the aid of scholarships. I have always wanted to be an inspiration to others, so this award is humbling and deeply meaningful.”
Upon accepting the award, Dr. Harmon surprised participants by presenting the Fresh Start Scholarship Foundation with a full scholarship to Wilmington University to be awarded to a scholar of its choice.
The October event also honored Bassett, Dawson & Foy President Fred Dawson with the Muriel E. Gilman Champion Award. In addition, former Fresh Start scholar LaToya Rodriguez, who earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Wilmington University, received the foundation’s Achievement Award.
For more information about the foundation, visit Fresh Start.
Orginial posting October 22, 2021