Grambling State University junior nursing major Lionel Kilofonyuy-Sandjong is the second of four students to be recognized as a Hercules Scholar by the Tom Joyner Foundation on the Tom Joyner Morning show this morning (Thursday, Sept. 12, 2013).
The university is the foundation’s September school of the month. The foundation selects historically black colleges and universities monthly, helping those institutions raise money for scholarships by providing a national platform through the foundation and the syndicated Tom Joyner Morning Show. Grambling State University alumni, friends and supporters can contribute via http://tomjoynerfoundation.org.
“I feel gratified that all my efforts alongside with those of my friends and teachers are being recognized,” said Kilofonyuy-Sandjong, 22, a native of Kumbo. “Most of all, the scholarship will spur me to continue, as well as find more innovative ways to do even better.”
He has been a dedicated member of the Student Nursing Association, a part of the university’s intramural soccer team and a member of the Cameroon Student Association. In addition, he helps students as a mathematics, biology and chemistry tutor.
“To me, nursing has always been a lifelong ambition,” added Kilofonyuy-Sandjong. “The adrenaline that comes with the busy nature of an intensive care unit in every hospital pushes me every day toward the realization of this childhood dream.”
After receiving a bachelor’s degree, he plans to work in an ICU for two years then return to graduate studies to earn a doctorate in nursing and work educating future nurses.
The Hercules Scholarship was named after Tom Joyner’s father, Hercules. Candidates for the Hercules Scholarship must be male, have a grade point average of at least 3.5 and be a campus leader with a career goal of making a difference. Each scholar receives a $1,500 scholarship for college expenses.
The foundation and has been supporting historically black colleges and universities with scholarships, endowment and capacity building for 14 years. Through fundraising and donor development, $65 million has been raised supporting students attending HBCUs.