WFU gives 2016 ‘Building the Dream’ award to director, student
Chizoba Ukairo and Nate French
Special to The Chronicle
Director of Wake Forest’s Magnolia Scholars Program Nate French and junior psychology major Chizoba Ukairo have been named Wake Forest University’s 2016 Martin Luther King Jr. “Building the Dream” award winners.
The award is presented to a professor or administrator and a student from both Wake Forest and Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) who exemplify King’s qualities and promote diversity within the community.
As director of the Magnolia Scholars program, French is responsible for thinking strategically and creatively about the best ways to support first-generation college students at Wake Forest.
“It’s through Nate’s mentorship, authenticity and care that our first-generation college students feel empowered to emerge as campus leaders,” said Matt Williams, director of communication in the Office of Multicultural Affairs. “Many students mention Nate’s support and the support of the Magnolia Scholars program as critical to their success at Wake Forest, and some even consider him a member of their extended family. It is Nate’s compassionate and motivating spirit that best characterizes Dr. Martin Luther King’s leadership.”
In addition to his service at Wake Forest, French supports community initiatives to help students in low-income areas. He is a leader at St. Paul United Methodist Church and serves through his fraternity, Alpha Phi Alpha.
As a Wake Forest student, Chizoba Ukairo is dedicated to supporting social justice and is a leader in community engagement. She serves as an officer in student government and in the Black Student Alliance.
Among her many roles, Ukairo is founding director of BRANCHES, a social justice retreat for college students; a resident advisor; a President’s aide; an Intercultural Ambassador in the Office of Multicultural Affairs; and a research fellow with the Anna Julia Cooper Center, which advances justice through scholarship.
“Chizoba never wavers in her commitment to building a more educated, inclusive and dynamic community,” said Marianne Magjuka, director of democratic engagement in the University’s Pro Humanitate Insitute. “She’s dedicated to social change and leads with courage and integrity.”
