Latest news with #GatesScholar
Miami Herald
3 days ago
- Miami Herald
Mother and son overcome obstacles to graduate together at HBCU
When graduates crossed the stage at North Carolina Central University (NCCU) on May 10, one moment stood out as a testament to perseverance and family: Tamika Stanton and her son Tomantae Stanton-Jones both received degrees in a rare and emotional joint milestone at the Durham, NC HBCU. Stanton, already a proud NCCU alumna, earned her Master's degree in Social Work, officially becoming a "Double Eagle"-a title reserved for those who earn both undergraduate and graduate degrees from NCCU. Meanwhile, her son Tomantae graduated summa cum laude from NCCU's School of Law. Their inspiring academic journey began nearly 20 years ago. Stanton was just 15 years old and a student at Hillside High School in Durham when she became pregnant with Tomantae. She recalled the experience as a life-altering moment. 'Being in high school and pregnant was very challenging for me. It was my first real adult decision,' Stanton told WTVD (ABC11). The journey wasn't easy. Tomantae's father, Leniel Jones, moved with his family to Connecticut and was later incarcerated, serving a three-year sentence. For much of his early childhood, Tomantae never met his father. 'When I was 8 years old, I met my dad for the first time,' Tomantae shared with WTVD. Despite the challenges, Stanton raised her son with unwavering support from her family and community. After his release, Jones stepped up to co-parent their son and make up for lost time. 'When I came home, that's when I really wanted to be in his life,' Jones said. 'I was young, so I wasn't thinking as far as how important it was.' Their hard work and dedication paid off. Tomantae graduated from Hillside High School-just like his mother-and was named a Gates Scholar before attending the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. While Tomantae thrived at Chapel Hill, Stanton pursued her own academic goals at NCCU, first earning a bachelor's degree and later enrolling in the master's program in social work. 'My ultimate goal was to be finished before he finished school because I was like, 'Oh, he is killing it. I got to show him that I can do it,'' she said. Their graduation day marked a powerful full-circle moment. Both mother and son walked the stage at NCCU, proud of each other's accomplishments. 'It's been a long journey. I'd say I'm super proud of my mom,' Tomantae said. Jones, now an entrepreneur and nonprofit founder, watched proudly from the audience. He owns two restaurants in Connecticut and runs a nonprofit mentoring at-risk youth. 'That's why we're here now, because this is a story for everyone to see,' Jones said. 'We were young. She was 15. I was 16. And he had every reason to not be where he is right now. And he didn't let that happen. And she didn't let that happen. It's never too late.' The post Mother and son overcome obstacles to graduate together at HBCU appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Yahoo
A Princeton student disappeared after leaving a library. Days later, crews are searching near a lake where a phone pinged
A desperate search is underway for a Princeton University student who hasn't been seen since leaving a campus library. The university's Department of Public Safety is seeking information on the whereabouts of 23-year-old Lauren Blackburn. The junior — expected to graduate in 2026 — was reportedly last seen around 6pm on Saturday leaving the Firestone Library. The university said Blackburn is 6'2, with brown hair, brown eyes, and that he weighs approximately 170 pounds. He was last seen wearing blue jeans with torn knees, a yellow t-shirt with a black, zippered hoodie, and blue flat-bottomed shoes, according to investigators. Around midnight on Tuesday, police began searching Lake Carnegie for any sign of Blackburn after a missing person's phone pinged in the area. It is not immediately clear if the phone belongs to the missing student. Lake Carnegie is on the campus and is used by Princeton University's rowing team. Along with the water search, Hamilton Township police used dogs, drones, and sonar to assist with the search, according to ABC6. According to the University Herald, Blackburn is a 2019 National Merit Scholar and Gates Scholar, who earned a full ride scholarship to Princeton. The college's student newspaper, The Daily Princetonian, who Blackburn used to write for, reported that an alert was sent to the school's community on Tuesday stating the undergraduate was missing. Later that day, Vice President for Student Life W. Rochelle Calhoun sent a follow up email saying told that support was available for concerned students. 'I will share an update when we know more, but in the meantime please hold Lauren in your thoughts as we attempt to locate him,' she wrote. "I hope that he's found soon and I hope that he's totally fine. But it's freaky, especially during this period where things are up in the air and nobody has any information," senior student Ryan Hoffman told ABC6. Officials at the school warned students they may see an increased police presence on campus while investigators continue to search for Blackburn. The Independent has contacted Princeton University Department of Public Safety and Hamilton Township Policefor comment.
The Independent
23-04-2025
- The Independent
A Princeton student disappeared after leaving a library. Days later, crews are searching near a lake where a phone pinged
A Princeton University student has reportedly gone missing after he was last seen leaving a campus library. The university's Department of Public Safety is seeking information on the whereabouts of 23-year-old Lauren Blackburn. The junior — expected to graduate in 2026 — was reportedly last seen around 6pm on Saturday leaving the Firestone Library. The university said Blackburn is 6'2, with brown hair, brown eyes, and that he weighs approximately 170 pounds. He was last seen wearing blue jeans with torn knees, a yellow t-shirt with a black, zippered hoodie, and blue flat-bottomed shoes, according to investigators. Around midnight on Tuesday, police began searching Lake Carnegie for any sign of Blackburn after a missing person's phone pinged in the area. It is not immediately clear if the phone belongs to the missing student. Lake Carnegie is on the campus and is used by Princeton University's rowing team. Along with the water search, Hamilton Township police used dogs, drones, and sonar to assist with the search, according to ABC6. According to the University Herald, Blackburn is a 2019 National Merit Scholar and Gates Scholar, who earned a full ride scholarship to Princeton. The college's student newspaper, The Daily Princetonian, who Blackburn used to write for, reported that an alert was sent to the school's community on Tuesday stating the undergraduate was missing. Later that day, Vice President for Student Life W. Rochelle Calhoun sent a follow up email saying told that support was available for concerned students. 'I will share an update when we know more, but in the meantime please hold Lauren in your thoughts as we attempt to locate him,' she wrote. "I hope that he's found soon and I hope that he's totally fine. But it's freaky, especially during this period where things are up in the air and nobody has any information," senior student Ryan Hoffman told ABC6. Officials at the school warned students they may see an increased police presence on campus while investigators continue to search for Blackburn.
Hindustan Times
21-04-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
What is Usha Vance's net worth? Know about US Second Lady's career, properties, assets
JD Vance, the vice president of the United States, has become a key member of the leadership team in just four months of the Donald Trump administration. Vance, along with his Indian origin wife Usha Chilukuri Vance and three kids, has arrived in India for formal discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi amid escalating tensions over high tariffs. This is Usha's first official visit to the nation since the inauguration of her husband as the US VP. The Vances' four-day trip includes visits to Jaipur and Agra and formal meetings in Delhi. The itinerary also includes the Taj Mahal. Usha's family descends from Vadluru village, which is located in Andhra Pradesh's former West Godavari district. She was born in the United States, but her parents left this village and moved abroad. Indian-American Usha has previously stated that her parents are Hindu and that she is originally from Andhra Pradesh. She has supported Vance during his community service and political career. She received a BA in history from Yale University and an MPhil in early modern history from Cambridge University, where she was a Gates Scholar. Her father is a mechanical engineer, and her mother is a molecular scientist. Both Usha Vance's grandfather and father were Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) faculty or students. Usha Vance started a career in law after graduating from Yale with a Juris Doctor. In 2014, she served as a clerk for Brett Kavanaugh, a Supreme Court justice who was then a Circuit Judge in the District of Columbia. In 2017, she continued in the same position with Chief Justice John Roberts of the Supreme Court. Vance, who is a member of the DC Bar, worked at California-based firm Munger Tolles & Olson, where she defended clients at the firm who had ties to the University of California and The Walt Disney Company. Also Read: JD and Usha Vance's kids steal the show in traditional Indian wear after landing in Delhi While Usha Vance's net worth is unknown, she and her husband are the owners of two properties. In 2014, shortly after their marriage, they purchased their initial residence in Washington, D.C., east of the Capitol building. Forbes claims that they bought the property at USD 590,000, and that they had to borrow somewhat more than USD 600,000 to cover the expense. The estimated current value of the house is USD 850,000. They have no debts other than the remaining USD 480,000 from the borrowings. In 2018, they purchased a second residence. The residence, which is located East Walnut Hills, Cincinnati, is said to have cost the couple USD 1.4 million. JD Vance's Forbes profile suggests he is worth approximately USD 10 million. His most of the wealth comes from his venture company, Narya, which he founded in 2019.
