JOYCE RUSSELL KENTE AWARDS AND SCHOLARSHIP CEREMONY

     The 2025 Joyce Russell Kente Awards and Scholarship Ceremony was held on April 8, 2025, to an overflowing crowd at the USF Marshall Center. In addition to honoring a University of South Florida alumni and a community leader, scholarships were presented to deserving students. The guest speaker was Grace Byers (USF, ’06), who also moderated a discussion. Honorees and guests are from left: Sharon Thompson-Ayers (call to order), Michelle King, Don Odom, Ovett Wilson (’02, MEd. ’06, EdS. ’21), Joyce Russell Alumni Leaders Award; Sherri Brown, Joyce Russell Community Leader Award; Dr. Samuel Wright; Clara Buie (University greetings); and LaShante Keys (’99), Historical Perspective. (Photograph by Frederick Harris)