FORGING FUTURES
Forging Family: J. Stokes ’09
Something He’ll Never Forget
J. Stokes ’09 didn’t ride his first elephant at a zoo or on the savannas of Africa. That momentous occasion occurred on the campus of Frostburg State University.
In the Mountains of Maryland at FSU – because of Sergeant Shirk and the Shriners circus,” Stokes remembered fondly.
That memorable experience is one of the many reasons why Stokes, a public affairs specialist for the U.S. Navy, supports the University Police Scholarship in memory of Allen Shirk, the late FSU police officer and Stokes’ fellow Shriner. “The reason I support specific funds is because they were instrumental in my development,” Stokes said. “May his soul continue to rest and find peace.”
While Stokes attended FSU, he received scholarships. Unfortunately, due to a downturn in the economy at the time, his aid was suddenly cut. Knowing the sting of not having financial assistance is what inspires Stokes to give to this day.
“This is one of the reasons why I try my best to support FSU – to help students stay in school,” he added, noting that he witnessed many of his classmates drop out once they lost their scholarships. “It’s easy to get into college, but the real challenge is staying there.”
Stokes credits FSU and his friendships and mentors, like Officer Shirk, for helping and inspiring him. He includes his Alpha Phi Alpha brother Gary Gerald, Jr. ’05/M’08 and cousin Rayner Johnson, Jr. ’92/M’98 from Phi Beta Sigma. He also credits Dr. Robert Moore of Sociology and Dr. James Saku of Geography for their contributions “to student learning in multi-cultural settings as well as African and Afro- American Studies.”
“Frostburg has given me so much more than an education. It has given me family.”
Stokes recalled fondly the historically Black fraternities and sororities – part of the “Divine Nine” – and the strength of their bond during his time on campus. “No matter what colors we wore on campus, we were all family and helped push each other to great heights.” Today, regardless of colors or causes, Stokes helps all FSU students by giving a monthly gift to the Annual Fund. Like an elephant, the personal support that Stokes received at Frostburg is something he will never forget.
“One hundred dollars a year can go a long way in helping to feed students or help them purchase a much needed book for class,” Stokes said.
“You can send money to support the things that interest you, or you can send money to the FSU Annual Fund. Let’s make Frostburg a national institution of learning for generations to come.”
How to Give
CONTACT:
Lynn Ketterman
Director of Development
SEND PAYMENTS TO:
FSU Foundation Inc.
101 Braddock Road
Frostburg, MD 21532-2303