Florida A&M University
Alexis L. Ritchie has been honored as the recipient of the
first annual Windsor D. Ferguson Memorial Award at Florida Agricultural and
Mechanical University (FAMU).
The award was established by the children of Bishop Windsor
D. Ferguson, Sr. at their respective historically black college or university
(HBCU) alma maters to celebrate students from Broward County, Florida who
uphold the educational values their father supported.
At FAMU, an award is given to an outstanding student pursuing a career in nursing and is sponsored by Sonya Ferguson in honor of her children who are alumni of the University. An additional award is also given to an outstanding student pursuing a career in music, sponsored by alumnus and former Marching “100” band member, Michael Ferguson.
Ritchie’s outstanding leadership experience and academic
success made her a great candidate for this award. The honor student has
previously served as a fundraising co-chairperson in the Big Sister Little
Sister mentoring program and currently serves as an officer in FAMU’s Student
Government Association as well as the Student Nurses Association.
The Windsor D. Ferguson Memorial Award Committee expressed
their excitement on recognizing Ritchie as a student who embodies the meaning
of the award in her success as an extraordinary student.
“The Windsor D. Ferguson Memorial Nursing Award is presented
to Alexis Ritchie because her impressive application package demonstrated
excellent leadership qualities, exceptional academic success and great traits
of dad’s character,” said Cheryl Jones, daughter of Bishop Ferguson.
Ritchie, a fourth year nursing student, is currently working
toward her goal of becoming a medical surgical nurse and then a pediatric nurse
practitioner. She hopes to carry on the legacy of Bishop Ferguson by inspiring
other students to continue pushing towards their dreams.
“I’m forever grateful for Mrs. Cheryl and her family for
considering me for this award,” Ritchie said. “I will uphold this award with
honor and continue the Windsor D. Ferguson’s legacy. I hope to inspire other
students to understand that just because you don’t have money doesn’t mean you
can’t accomplish the goals set forth for yourself. With God everything is
possible,” she added.
The Ferguson family has no doubt that Ritchie will continue
to succeed.
“The awards are a way of honoring our dad, supporting our
HBCUs, and recognizing and rewarding outstanding college students. Awarding Alexis with this award does all
that. We have no doubts in her abilities to reach her career goals,” Jones
said.