Elon student attends Jackie Robinson Foundation annual awards dinner

Nneka Enurah at the 2008 Jackie Robinson Annual Awards Dinner.
The Jackie Robinson Foundation (JRF) hosted its 2008 Annual Awards Dinner at Manhattan’s venerable Waldorf Astoria hotel on Monday, March 3, celebrating the Foundation’s 35th anniversary. The star-studded gala paid tribute to individuals who embody the humanitarian ideals of Jackie Robinson and raised funds for the Jackie Robinson Foundation, which provides four year college scholarships and extensive mentoring to academically distinguished minority students with financial need and records of leadership capacity. The event attracted more than 1,100 guests.

One guest was our very own, Nneka Enurah, who is a freshmen business administration major from Atlanta, Ga., a Jackie Robinson Scholar.  She is involved on campus as a resident assistant in the Colonnades, coordinator of the America Reads Federal Work Study Program, and a member of D.E.E.P and the Multicultural Student Council.

When asked about the impact that attending the Jackie Robinson Foundation Annual Awards Dinner, Enurah said:  “Attending The Robie Awards meant a great deal me.  I had the opportunity to meet so many influential and accomplished people.  I also gained invaluable knowledge through workshops and mentoring sessions.” 

Enurah mentioned her most poignant moment of the weekend was meeting Mrs. Rachel Robinson.  “She was the quintessence of elegance and grace, and meeting her helped me realize what it truly means to be a Jackie Robinson Scholar,” she said. “Shaking hands with her was like touching living history.”  

Overall, Enurah said, the weekend was “amazing and I am proud to be a part of the Jackie and Rachel Robinson legacy.”

The Jackie Robinson Foundation (JRF) is a public, not-for-profit national organization founded by Rachel Robinson in 1973 as a vehicle to perpetuate the memory of Jackie Robinson and his achievements. Serving as an advocate for young people with the greatest need, the Foundation assists increasing numbers of minority youths through the granting of four-year scholarships for higher education.

The Jackie Robinson Foundation provides much more than financial support. While each Jackie Robinson Scholar receives up to $7,500 a year in financial support, they also become an active member in the Foundation’s unique Education and Leadership Development Program, which is an extensive mentoring program that includes attendance at workshops, assignment of a peer and a professional mentor and placement into summer internships and permanent employment.