Netflix and Howard University have established the Chadwick A. Boseman Memorial Scholarship, a $5.4 million endowment in tribute to the late actor.
CNN reported that the four-year scholarship will be awarded to incoming students of the College of Fine Arts, recently renamed after the death of the highly-regarded celebrity and Howard alumnus, covering the entire cost of tuition.
Howard President Dr. Wayne A. I. Frederick said, “It is with immense pleasure and deep gratitude that we announce the creation of an endowed scholarship in honor of alumnus Chadwick Boseman, whose life and contributions to the arts continue to inspire. This scholarship embodies Chadwick’s love for Howard, his passion for storytelling, and his willingness to support future generations of Howard students.”
The first batch of scholarships will be awarded to one student from each department starting this fall semester. Succeeding scholarships will be awarded to an incoming student annually.
The students receiving the scholarships this semester are: Sarah Long, a freshman in musical theatre; Shawn Smith, a sophomore studying acting; Janee’ Ferguson, a junior in theatre arts administration; and Deirdre Dunkin, a senior who studies dance.
Scholarship Criteria
Netflix issued a press release detailing the requirements for the scholarship. Preference will be given to students in the dramatic arts that have exceptional financial need and “exemplify Boseman’s values.”
These principles include leadership ability, respect, a drive for excellence, empathy, and passion. Netflix co-CEO and chief content officer Ted Sarandos remarked that Boseman celebrated his time at Howard, and it is a privilege to pass on the opportunity to the next generation of students.
“While [Boseman] was taken from us too soon, his spirit is with us always in his work and the good that he has inspired. He always spoke of his time at Howard and the positive way it shaped his life and career. Now, we will have the opportunity to give many future superheroes a chance to experience the same. We are grateful to Simone and Chadwick’s whole family and our partners at Howard University for making this possible,” he said.