Paine College officials proudly announced that the White House Initiative for Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCUs) selected Katherine Pamela Sugilio Peralta, a senior business major, as a 2024 HBCU Scholar. Katherine joined 110 outstanding students from 77 HBCUs across the nation for exceptional academic achievement, leadership potential, and dedication to community. Katherine exhibits excellence on and off the field. A native of Dominican Republic, Katherine has a 4.0 GPA and helped her team to win the 2023 Softball South Region Championship. She is a member of the College's Department of Business Administration Delta Mu Delta Honor Society.
Paine College is one of the black colleges supported by the Black College Fund which provides financial support to maintain solid, challenging academic programs; strong faculties; and well-equipped facilities.
Dr. Cheryl Evans Jones, President, said that she was delighted that Katherine was selected for this honor.
Since its inception in 2014, the HBCU Scholars program has been committed to recognizing and supporting the brightest and service-oriented minds from HBCUs. Over the past decade, the program has empowered over 500 students, providing them with invaluable opportunities for personal and professional growth, mentorship, and networking.
Katherine was selected from a competitive pool of over 350 applicants representing 23 states and 11 countries. The 2024 cohort includes students from a diverse array of disciplines, including science, technology, engineering, math, humanities, social sciences, and the arts. These scholars have demonstrated not only academic excellence but also a strong commitment to service and leadership in their communities.
Throughout the year, the HBCU Scholars will engage in a series of workshops, leadership development programs, and networking events designed to enhance their skills and expand their horizons. Additionally, they will have the opportunity to connect with industry leaders, policymakers, and alumni of the program, further enriching their educational experience.
Athletic Director Selina B. Kohn said Katherine played a pivotal role in the softball team winning their first Region Championship in 2023.
"Known for her interpersonal communication skills, Katherine excels at building rapport with faculty and staff which champions her academic success," commented AD Kohn. She served as the College's Academic Student Marshall and Scholar Athlete-of-the-Year for 2023-2024 academic term. Katherine also supports her classmates by serving as a tutor.
Katherine was invited to attend the 2024 HBCU Week National Annual Conference that will be held on September 15-19 in Philadelphia, PA. This year's conference theme is "Raising the Bar: Where Excellence and Opportunity Meet." More information will be provided as Katherine serves as an ambassador of the White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity through HBCUs.
Paine College website, Augusta, GA
One of seven apportioned giving opportunities of The United Methodist Church, the Black College Fund provides financial support to maintain solid, challenging academic programs; strong faculties; and well-equipped facilities at 11 United Methodist-related historically black colleges and universities. Please encourage your leaders and congregations to support the Black College Fund apportionment at 100 percent.
