Kappa’s Host 17th Annual Scholarship Gala Event

By RJ Smith

POUGHKEEPSIE – The Poughkeepsie Grandview welcomed this year’s Scholarship Gala event last Saturday. Held annually, this event is organized through the cooperation of the Beyond the Dream Foundation, Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., and the Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union.

Tim Hopkins is the President and Board Chairman of the Beyond the Dream Foundation. Beyond the Dream Foundation has granted aspiring college students scholarship funds in the local area. “It’s not a full scholarship,” said Hopkins. “It helps with some tuition and things of that sort. We have applications that students fill out. They give it back to us, we have criteria to where we award multiple students based on their credentials.” The Beyond the Dream credentials used by the Beyond the Dream Foundation to grant scholarship funds are the students’ GPA, as well as their activities within the community.

Students who plan to use the scholarship money to attend college typically tell the foundation which schools have accepted them ahead of time. “Usually they tell us which schools they’ve been accepted to before graduation and upon graduation,” said Hopkins. “We look forward to supplying them with some funds to help with their college tuition.” The selection process is typically determined by Hopkins and others on the foundation’s committee.

Hopkins stated that a bulk of the funding comes from donations and events such as the gala party. Local businesses are an additional source of funding for the foundation, as well as fundraisers. “We have businesses such as the Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union which provide us with $3,000 to $5,000 a year,” said Hopkins. “Other times we have fundraisers that also apply to the scholarships we provide. All funds received go straight to scholarships or for something in the community.”

Hopkins additionally advised that the foundation is nonprofit. He stressed that the participants in the Beyond the Dream foundation are not paid. “This is a strictly volunteer organization and 100% turn around for any funds that come in to go out to students and then stick.”

Craig Smith, another member of the foundation, mentioned that Beyond the Dream Foundation also has a presence outside of Poughkeepsie. He stated that the foundation’s reach extends across the whole Mid-Hudson Valley. “It’s important to know that it’s not just Poughkeepsie,” said Smith. “We’re all across the Mid-Hudson Valley; Ulster County, Orange County, and over into Fairfield, Connecticut. It’s a broad area that we try to cover with scholarships.”

Guests present at the gala party include renowned Poughkeepsie actor Bill Duke; Dutchess County Legislator for District 9 Barrington Atkins; Town of Poughkeepsie representative Rebecca Edwards; Assemblymember Jonathan Jacobson of District 104. Edwards was given the chance to give complimentary words in honor of Mr. Duke and his extraordinary achievements.

“It’s a great honor to be here to represent the Town of Poughkeepsie,” said Edwards. “It’s an honor to have you back here in Poughkeepsie. I know you’ve been a mentor, a leader, and a mentor for young African-Americans and young people in general. You’ve spent a lot of time helping young people achieve their dreams.”

Assemblymember Jonathan Jacobson additionally spoke at the event, praising Mr. Duke for his accomplishments in the local community. “It’s an honor to be here as the assemblymember representing the City of Poughkeepsie,” said Jacobson. “Look at this crowd. This crowd is here because you’re here. You’re being honored. I just wanted to say how good it is that your organization is focused on scholarships, helping young people improve themselves and go on to college. That’s why this dinner is so important.”

Bill Duke was called to the podium, where Beyond the Dream Foundation President and Board member Tim Hopkins gave him an honorary award. The award was an illuminated plaque dedicated to Mr. Duke.

“Thank you so much for having me,” said Duke. Duke expressed his gratitude towards Craig Smith, Wesley Lee, Barrington Atkins, and the entire Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. for their kindness and hospitality.

Duke commended the aforementioned individuals for their important work in the community. “You’re investing in the future of our children, which means you are doing God’s work. It is a blessing to us all. Thank you again for this wonderful award. Let me leave with one of my favorite quotes: Aspire to inspire before you expire.”

Kappa Alpha Psi’s Wesley Lee acknowledged the fraternities and sororities known as the Divine Nine. These are Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc.; Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc; Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.; Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc; Delta Sigma Theta; Iota Phi Theta; Zeta Phi Beta; Omega Psi Phi; Prime Beta Sigma. Brother James Clark was recognized by Lee for his achievements.

“Brother James Clark is a legend in Poughkeepsie,” said Lee. “He was a teacher and the superintendent of schools, one of them being Clinton Elementary School. If you remember for the past fifty years, Kappa Alpha Psi honors those members with a white coat. Today we’re going to honor Brother Clark with a white coat. He should have gotten it years ago, but at least he’s getting it tonight.”

Brother Clark accepted the white coat and demonstrated his appreciation for the current chapter’s achievements. Clark spoke about the creation of the chapter and expressed pride for what has been accomplished by its current members.

“Back in the fifties, sixties, we set out to create a chapter for Poughkeepsie,” said Clark. “What we are looking at today is what you’ve done with it. Speaking for all of the charter members back then, we salute you. You’ve taken the ball, you’ve run with it, and we’re so proud of you.”