Scholarships Offered To Children of Slain Emanuel AME Parishioner

By Zenitha Prince

Special to the NNPA from the Afro-American Newspaper

The recent massacre of nine congregants in an African-American church in Charleston, S.C., by a self-proclaimed White supremacist has been marked by stories, not so much of hate, but of touching tales of forgiveness, graciousness and an outpouring of love.

In another of those inspiring stories, Southern Wesleyan University (SWU) recently announced it is offering full tuition scholarships to the four children of DePayne Middleton-Doctor, a university employee and one of nine victims killed in the tragic Emanuel AME Church shooting June 17.

“Right now, more than anything, we want DePayne’s children to know we love them,” said University President Todd Voss in a statement. “We want to honor DePayne’s service to SWU and her belief in Christian higher education as an important element in Gracyn, Kaylin, Hali and Czana’s future success.”

A 1994 alumna of Southern Wesleyan, Middleton-Doctor was employed at the institution’s Charleston learning center as an admissions coordinator. Former colleagues praised her for her embodiment of Christ-like principles, including her demonstration of love and service to family, students and co-workers.

The scholarships will cover each child’s tuition for their entire enrollment, if they choose to attend Southern Wesleyan, according to Chad Peters, vice president for enrollment management. 

Middleton-Doctor was among several people killed when alleged assailant, 21-year-old Dylann Storm Roof, opened fire on the group that had gathered for Bible study in a racially motivated attack.