In recognition of the Tom Joyner Foundation selecting Jackson State University as its School of the Month, we will be highlighting a JSU Hercules Scholar each week.
The Hercules Scholarship is named after radio show host Tom Joyner’s father, the late Hercules Joyner, who was a strong supporter of higher education.
This week’s student is:
Jeremy Anderson
Grade Point Average: 3.7
Hometown: Baton Rouge, La.
Major: Mass Communications
Class: Sophomore
Career Goal: Journalist, radio personality
Comment: After graduation, I plan on joining a newspaper, radio station or television station as an anchor/or journalist. Prayerfully, I can start wherever at the best position available and begin to work my way up the media ladder. Eventually, I would like to be working in a large market for a large news or sports company, or even working for myself.
Currently, I write for Jackson State’s newspaper, The Blue and White Flash. I’m also working for Good as Gold Enterprise and I’m involved in Jackson State’s chapter of the National Association of Black Journalists. I played two years of collegiate football, one year at Mississippi College and one year at Jackson State. As I progress through Jackson State, I plan on getting involved in the JSU chapter of the NAACP’s Gentlemen’s Academy.
My parents are the two most influential people in my life. With their guidance and love, I’ve become the person I am today, and I owe anything good about myself to them. Also, much credit goes to the rest of my family. Dozens of aunts, uncles and cousins have guided me, along with my parents. As far as my career, the people who I look to imitate are Stephen A. Smith, Roland Martin and Marc Lamont Hill. All three men have expanded their careers from journalists to television and radio personalities, authors and major figures in the black community.
My motto is to just love others as much as I love myself, just as is commanded in the Bible. I try my best not to miss any opportunities to serve people.
I have a desire to, via my writing and whatever other endeavors I may attend to, bridge the viewpoints of Americans. I feel that, despite the obvious progressions in race relations in this country, people in this country still do not understand each other across races.
Specifically, when race-related incidents or tragedies occur (the election of President Obama, Mike Brown’s death, etc.), the country almost splits into two different viewpoints based on race. I also seek to influence young African-Americans in this country. Whether it be learning to value ourselves more, or to improve the stereotype of the black male in this country, I just want to make a positive impact on our community.
To be a candidate for the scholarship, students must be male, attend a Foundation “School of the Month,” have a grade point average of at least 3.5, and be a campus leader involved in the community with a career goal toward making a difference in the quality of life for his race.
The scholars each receive a scholarship grant of $1,500 that is paid directly to their schools to help offset their college expenses.
February is Black History Month and a great time to for alumni, friends and supporters of JSU to show their commitment.
JSU will be promoted on the Tom Joyner Morning Show during the month of February. The Foundation will be accepting donations to help build a better future for JSU.
To donate, or for more information: https://tomjoynerfoundation.org/jackson-state-university-named-february-school-month/