Student Success Awards, 2025-2026

Black McDonalds Operators Association Scholarship

The Black McDonald’s Operators Association of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana (BMOA) proudly supports ten students in good academic standing at Chicago State University who demonstrate financial need. Each recipient is awarded a $2,500 scholarship, reinforcing BMOA’s steadfast commitment to expanding educational opportunity and advancing student success at CSU. This scholarship represents one of several meaningful investments BMOA has made to strengthen its partnership with Chicago State and further the University’s mission.

Malik Alomari
Ohemaa Barnes
Gennifer Foster
Vanessa Garcia Landa
Valerie Jarrett
Dychea Johnson
Taylor Norris
Ericka Pearson
Ashley Thrasher
Kayla Umbra-Atkins

The Levi Sr. and Willie Funches Legacy Scholarship

Levi Sr. and Willie Funches overcame the challenges of the Jim Crow South to become anchors in their South Side Community. To honor their commitment to the pursuit of education, their children set up this scholarship to help Chicago State students from the South Side of Chicago to pursue their dreams and give back to their communities.

Michelle Brumfield
JoShona Wimbish

Dr. Ernest E. Gibson Memorial Scholarship

In memory of the late Dr. Ernest E. Gibson, two scholarships of $1,000 each will be awarded to academically outstanding students with demonstrated financial need who are members of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity chapter at Chicago State University. This gift honors Dr. Gibson’s enduring legacy and reflects the values his family proudly upholds—leadership, scholarship, and service. Through this scholarship, his family hopes to inspire future generations of students to pursue lives grounded in purpose, excellence, and community impact.

Quimari Carter
Charles Pleasant

Leslie Roundtree Student Success Scholarship

Dr. Leslie Roundtree dedicated 32 years of distinguished service to Chicago State University, serving as Professor of Occupational Therapy, Department Chair, Dean, and Interim Provost and Senior Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs. Throughout her tenure, she championed initiatives that strengthened academic excellence, expanded educational pathways, and elevated student success. This scholarship honors her enduring legacy and the transformative programs she established to broaden opportunity and advance CSU’s mission.

Nyasia Sims
Daniela Torres
Jada White

Abiola Ogunmekan Memorial Scholarship

The Abiola Ogunmekan Memorial Scholarship honors the legacy of Abiola Ogunmekan,

an international student from Nigeria who demonstrated extraordinary resilience while

pursuing her degree at Chicago State University. While raising a family, working multiple

jobs, and navigating the financial requirements to maintain her student visa, Abiola exemplified determination and perseverance. In her honor, the Ogunmekan family established this scholarship to help ease the financial burden for international students from the African Diaspora at CSU. This $2500 scholarship supports students who embody resilience, determination, and a commitment to advancing their education in the face of challenges — continuing Abiola’s legacy through their own academic and personal journeys.

Azeez Lawal