LU Collegiate 100 chapter receives award from 100 Black Men of America
June 30, 2022 | by Shelbe Rodriguez
Since being chartered in spring of 2021, it’s been full steam ahead for the LU Collegiate 100 chapter.
In early February, C100 member and now LU alum DeShaun Bell snagged first place with her poster design for the national Stop the Violence billboard and social media design contest hosted by the 100 Black Men of America. The organization was later chosen as one of the top 10 chapters by the 100 Black Men of America to participate in the launch of the 2022 Collegiate 100 Leadership and Career Institute –– a pilot program focused on providing C100 members with leadership development and professional growth opportunities. Through the institute, C100 chapter teams were tasked with exploring diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives of organizations, corporations and government agencies –– federal, state and local –– post the murder of George Floyd strategies and methodologies to aid 100 Black Men of America partners in meeting their diversity and inclusion objectives.
“I am so proud that ‘proud’ is not a big enough word to describe it,” said Kathryn Washington, assistant professor of educational leadership and C100 chapter advisor.
On Friday, June 17, three LU C100 members –– Chidi Orakpo, DeShaun Bell and Whyrlincea Hooks –– made their way to Hollywood, Florida, to present their case study to company executives at the annual 100 Black Men of American, Inc conference. With Chidi Orakpo as chapter president, the group competed head-to-head with C100 chapters from Florida A&M and Xavier University ultimately snagging first place with a near perfect score for their presentation.
“As I was telling everyone at the conference, our organization has only been in existence since 2021, but our students started working to make a difference on campus, in the community and nationally immediately. I’m just trying to keep up.”
The group won $1,000 to go toward their chapter and Washington said she hopes the groups recognition will garner and attract more students to join the organization. “In doing so, we can give more students these opportunities to make a positive impact on our campus, in the community and now nationally. Our C100 maybe new and small but they are making big waves!”
In early February, C100 member and now LU alum DeShaun Bell snagged first place with her poster design for the national Stop the Violence billboard and social media design contest hosted by the 100 Black Men of America. The organization was later chosen as one of the top 10 chapters by the 100 Black Men of America to participate in the launch of the 2022 Collegiate 100 Leadership and Career Institute –– a pilot program focused on providing C100 members with leadership development and professional growth opportunities. Through the institute, C100 chapter teams were tasked with exploring diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives of organizations, corporations and government agencies –– federal, state and local –– post the murder of George Floyd strategies and methodologies to aid 100 Black Men of America partners in meeting their diversity and inclusion objectives.
“I am so proud that ‘proud’ is not a big enough word to describe it,” said Kathryn Washington, assistant professor of educational leadership and C100 chapter advisor.
On Friday, June 17, three LU C100 members –– Chidi Orakpo, DeShaun Bell and Whyrlincea Hooks –– made their way to Hollywood, Florida, to present their case study to company executives at the annual 100 Black Men of American, Inc conference. With Chidi Orakpo as chapter president, the group competed head-to-head with C100 chapters from Florida A&M and Xavier University ultimately snagging first place with a near perfect score for their presentation.
“As I was telling everyone at the conference, our organization has only been in existence since 2021, but our students started working to make a difference on campus, in the community and nationally immediately. I’m just trying to keep up.”
The group won $1,000 to go toward their chapter and Washington said she hopes the groups recognition will garner and attract more students to join the organization. “In doing so, we can give more students these opportunities to make a positive impact on our campus, in the community and now nationally. Our C100 maybe new and small but they are making big waves!”
Collegiate 100 Members
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Jalen Thibodaux
Quote: "I’m very proud of the team. They spent a lot of time perfecting the presentation and did a great job." -
Jared Shirley
Quote: "This is a big win for the institute and we're headed in the right direction and will continue to make a huge impact on the world, especially with the leaders that we have and will have in the future." -
Deshaun Bell
Quote:"When we won the contest, I just felt very proud. It’s been a great first year for Lamar’s Collegiate 100 and I’m so happy I got to be a part of it!" -
Whyrlincea Hooks
Quote: "I was grateful to even have the opportunity to be chosen to attend the conference and winning first place made me feel proud of myself, my team and my organization. It inspired me to continue pouring excellence into myself, others and my organization!" -
Chidi Orakpo
Quote: "I am so proud of my organization and my teammates. We worked hard, and I am delighted that the work we had put in paid off."