The St. Augustine’s College (SAC) Alumni Association continued its commitment to transforming lives through education by awarding more than $35,000 in scholarships, tuition assistance, and academic awards to deserving students during its annual scholarship presentation on Friday, July 17, 2026. The awards benefited students in Grades 7 through 12, recognized the College’s valedictorians and salutatorian, and included the presentation of the Hanna Holding Engineering Scholarship.
Speaking at the ceremony, SAC Alumni Association President Dr. Anastasia Brown reflected on the
origins of the Association’s scholarship program, explaining that it was established under the leadership of Immediate Past President Cherelle Cartwright. The initiative was created to assist students experiencing financial hardship through proceeds generated by the Association’s annual Lighthouse Awards and Gala Ball.
Dr. Brown explained that, in recognition of St. Augustine’s College’s 80th Anniversary celebrations, the
SAC Alumni Association made the decision to forgo its 2025 Lighthouse Awards and Gala Ball to fully
support the College’s year-long anniversary celebrations. Although the decision reflected the Association’s unwavering commitment to its alma mater, it also meant that the Alumni Scholarship Fund entered 2026 without the proceeds that the annual gala had traditionally generated. Rather than allowing the lack of fundraising revenue to hinder its scholarship program, the Association stepped out in faith and appealed to alumni and graduating classes—from the Class of 1965 to the present—to contribute at least $1,000 to the SAC Alumni Scholarship Fund.
Celebrating the alumni community’s generosity, which demonstrates their pride and connection to SAC’s
mission. Several graduating classes immediately answered the call, with many exceeding the requested contribution.
Private donors also stepped forward, including supporters of the Jennifer Johnson Memorial Scholarship, the James Clarke Scholarship, and Hanna Holding Group Engineering. Individual alumni contributed amounts ranging from $5 to $5,000, ensuring that the Association could continue its tradition of helping students in need.
A highlight of the ceremony was the generosity of Douglas Hanna, a distinguished SAC alumnus living
abroad, whose commitment to supporting future engineers made a significant impact. Through the Hanna Holding Group Engineering Scholarship, Mr. Hanna presented Tinae Barry with a $5,000 engineering scholarship to assist with her university studies. In addition, he donated 13-inch MacBook computers to Tinae Barry and four other graduating SAC seniors pursuing engineering degrees, providing them with essential technology as they begin their tertiary education.
“We could not have accomplished this without our incredible alumni family,” Dr. Brown said. “Every
donation, regardless of the amount, helped make a difference in the life of a student.”
She expressed heartfelt appreciation to every donor and supporter, emphasizing that their generosity can truly transform lives and bring fulfillment.
“God always blesses a hand that is extended to give because it is open to receive,” she said.
Addressing the scholarship recipients, Dr. Brown encouraged them never to forget the sacrifices made on their behalf.
When the opportunity comes for you to give back to St. Augustine’s College-whether through donations,
volunteering, or mentoring-please do so. Remember that someone made it possible for you, and your
support can make a lasting difference.
Dr. Brown also shared a personal testimony, recalling that she attended St. Augustine’s College on a
payment plan and later experienced the same reality as a parent when her son also attended SAC under a payment arrangement.
“I understand how parents feel,” she said. “Every parent wants to provide the very best education possible
for their child. Yes, a child can learn anywhere, but receiving a quality education at St. Augustine’s College makes a lasting difference.”
Although the scholarship presentation was successful, ongoing requests highlight the need for continued
support from alumni and supporters. “Life happens,” she said. Families are sometimes faced with unexpected challenges such as illness, the loss of employment, death, or other tragedies that place a financial burden on their ability to keep their children in school. Sometimes all a parent needs is a helping hand.”
Reflecting on the day’s presentation, Dr. Brown said that the parents’ gratitude reaffirmed the importance of the Alumni Association’s mission.
“To see the tears of relief and gratitude in the eyes of parents today reminded me why we do this,” she said. “Knowing that we are easing a family’s burden and making a difference in a child’s life is one of the
greatest rewards.”
She concluded by thanking the alumni community for making the program possible. “SAC Alumni, we did it. We did it because you chose to give back to your alma mater. Together, we are changing lives, one student at a time. As our school motto reminds us, ‘The Lord is Our Light.’” This year’s scholarship presentation stands as another testament to the enduring spirit of the SAC Alumni Association—an alumni family united by faith, generosity, and an unwavering commitment to ensuring that no deserving student is denied the opportunity to receive a St. Augustine’s College education because of financial hardship.
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