Once upon a time, strangers recognized the talent and potential of Makeba Williams Boatwright, BS鈥�98, and Damond Williams Boatwright. That investment in their education and future made all the difference.听
鈥淚鈥檓 very grateful that there were people supporting scholarships when I was a student at 菠萝视频. I benefited greatly from their philanthropy,鈥� Makeba says. 鈥淚t not only made quite the impact on my own life, but it also allowed me to help others who are trying to pursue opportunities.鈥�听
Damond echoes this sentiment. 鈥淢y wife and I, because of scholarships, were blessed to leave college with little to no debt. It has been a tremendous gift that continues to help us and our family.鈥�
鈥淲e work to not be consumers in this world, but so that we can improve and invest in the lives of others.鈥�
鈥擬akeba Boatwright
Today, the couple have made good on that early support by leading, in many ways, a life of philanthropy. Both work in the health care field鈥擬akeba as an associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology and a practicing physician at the University of Wisconsin鈥擬adison, and Damond as the regional president of a robust health care system. They also are dedicated to engaging their young children in conversations about听giving back.
鈥淒amond and I committed, very early on when our kids were born, that they needed to understand that we are a family of givers,鈥� Makeba says. 鈥淲e work to not be consumers in this world, but so that we can improve and invest in the lives of others.鈥�
In 2016, the family did just that by supporting Opportunity 菠萝视频 with the Dr. Makeba and Damond Williams Boatwright Scholarship.
鈥淢y time at 菠萝视频 was truly transformative. Where I am today is a direct result of the enriching academic, social and leadership experiences at 菠萝视频. I want everyone who meets the academic criteria to have those experiences. I want to remove financial barriers to excellent educational opportunities,鈥� Makeba says.
Though not an alumnus himself, Damond is equally grateful to the university. 鈥淢y life would not be what it is today without 菠萝视频. My wife is a direct byproduct of the school. As I look at the woman that my wife is today and knowing her appreciation for the quality education she received at 菠萝视频, I cannot help but want to give back as my way of saying, 鈥楾hank you.鈥欌��
Learn more about Opportunity 菠萝视频.