An alumna of Northwestern State University’s Alpha Zeta Chapter of Sigma Sigma Sigma Sorority created a scholarship that will be presented each year to members who best exemplify the ideals of scholarship, service and character. The Sherry Fargerson Morgan “Extra Mile” Scholarship was announced during the sorority’s leadership dedication program on Oct. 22, which took place on conjunction with NSU Homecoming Festivities.
“It meant a lot to be part of a group of young women who were there for me no matter what the need – someone to listen, encourage and love me just the way I am,” Morgan said. “Several of my lifetime friends are those I met in Sigma Sigma Sigma. I have been blessed beyond measure and want to give back to a most deserving group of girls who, I know, will strive to do their best and go that ‘Extra Mile.’”
Applicants must be initiated members of Alpha Zeta Chapter of Sigma Sigma Sigma with a 2.75 cumulative and previous semester grade point average. Students must be a full-time student. Sophomore clinical students may also be eligible if they are active members of the chapter at the time of application. Recipients will receive a grant varying from $500 to $1,000.
Recipients are selected through a rigorous application process that awards points for campus and chapter leadership, grades, employment and a series of essay questions. The program seeks to recognize the effort and seriousness that a student displays in pursuit of academic excellence and their commitment to applying themselves in the classroom and in life outside the classroom by going the extra mile.
The award mirrors a similar one established at NSU in 2008 by Morgan’s husband, David Morgan, who initiated the Pi Kappa Phi Extra Mile scholarship for outstanding and high achieving members of NSU’s Beta Omicron Chapter. Morgan created the program to inspire students to pursue excellence in academics, campus and chapter leadership, service and employment.
“As someone who works with college students on a daily basis, I am thankful for donors like Sherry Fargerson Morgan, who make it possible for those students, who go above and beyond, to be rewarded for their efforts,” said Kat Gillan (1999, 2002), a Sigma Sigma Sigma alumna. Gillan is director of Fraternity and Sorority Life at the University of Alabama. “Having personally benefited from involvement specific scholarships as an undergraduate, the additional financial assistance made it possible for me to stay involved on campus while completing my degree. I see the Extra Mile scholarship as an opportunity to recognize those students who are making a difference at Northwestern State University. I hope students who are recipients of this award recognize its value and continue to give back to NSU as they pursue their degree and beyond.”
“This scholarship will help deserving young women, those who excel in character, service, conduct, scholarship and work ethic,” said Chapter Advisor Reatha Cox.
Mrs. Morgan said that her life is defined by the Bible verse Ephesians 3:20: “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us” and by the philosophy that to whom much is given much is expected.
For information on support student scholarships through the NSU Foundation, visit northwesternalumni.com or call (318) 357-4414.
Northwestern State Sigma Sigma Sigma alumna Sherry Morgan created an “Extra Mile” scholarship for members of Alpha Zeta chapter through a donation of $100,000 to the NSU Foundation. From left are Scholarship Advisor and Tri Sigma Alumna Reatha Cox, David and Sherry Morgan, Jacque Crew, chapter advisor; NSU First Lady and Tri Sigma Alum Tonia Henderson, NSU President Dr. Jim Henderson and Chapter President Abby Hinds of Many.
