Two Dillard students were honored as 2005 Trailblazers at the annual Founder’s Day Luncheon for the National Association of University Women, New Orleans branch, Saturday, Jan. 15, at the Fairmont Hotel.
Each year, the women of the NAUW select young people between the ages of 18-25 who exemplify constructive work in education, public and civic affairs, and human relations. The theme for this year’s Founder’s Day was "Excellence in Education-Our Promise for the Future."
Amanda E. Winfield, a freshman accounting major from New Orleans, and Theodore George III, a junior political science/urban studies major, also from New Orleans, were honored for their commitment to education and their involvement in the community.
Winfield said she was somewhat speechless when she was notified that she would be one of this year’s Trailblazers for the NAUW and that the award is very important to her.
"You can’t find words to actually describe my feeling," Winfield said.
She also said that it is also important for her to set goals not only for herself, but also so that others in the community know that goals are attainable.
While just a freshman, Winfield is slowly making her presence known by getting involved in service activities on campus. She tutors math in Coss Hall and plans to get more involved in other activities after completing her first year.
Winfield is also involved in many other service activities off-campus as her way of giving back to the community. She is a life-long member of The World Wide Church of God where she is a choir member, fundraiser for the church and visits those in public housing with other members in her church.
She is an assistant dance teacher at Debbie Richard’s Dancing School and taught lessons to those who cannot afford to pay for dance school.
The NAUW was founded March 11, 1910 by Mary Church Terrell in Washington, D.C. as a club that focused on providing a nationwide structure to stimulate and coordinate the concerns and activities of local groups of college women (The National Association of University Women, Inc.-History, Founder’s Day Programme).
George said that the only way for African American youth to make something of themselves is to show them that they are not second-class citizens.
"African Americans (adults), indeed, have a very rich culture to evoke a positive image for the young minds of tomorrow," George said.
George was recognized for his campaign to register young voters around the city and a "Vote or Die" rally on campus he spearheaded on Election Day last year.
He is the president of the Pre-Alumni Council, the public affairs officer for Creating Awareness Using Social Exchange (C.A.U.S.E.), and an active member of the NAACP. He is also Mr. Crimson and Cream 2004 for the Beta Gamma chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Outside of Dillard, George mentors children and promotes positive, social outlooks with cultural dance through his dance company, Latin Motions.
He also tutors math and teaches African American History to the children attending various public schools in the city.
George said the award means a lot to him and is very "humbled by a group of female scholars who share my compassion for black youth and culture."
