MSP Margaret June Brown Scholarship

This award is for the 2023-2024 Academic Year

The Black Graduation Committee was introduced to California State University, Northridge in 1972. The Black Graduation Committee hosts an annual graduation ceremony that celebrates the success of our students. Most of our students who participate in the ceremony are first generation college students, who have persisted against the many obstacles confronting them in their journey toward their degrees. The Black Graduation Committee is a student organization that values the student voice when curating the ceremony for themselves and peers. In honor of Margaret June Brown, the Black Graduation Committee will recognize two undergraduate students thorough the Margaret June Brown Scholarship Fund for their participation and advocacy in issues affecting the African Diaspora.

In memory of Margaret June Brown
Key architect of EOP structuring at CSUN, played a crucial role in the development of Black Graduation. Margaret June Brown passed away on November 22, 2018. She was the first Director of the Student Services Center/Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) for the College of Health and Human Development (previously the College of Communication, Health and Human Services). She was active in the formation of the Academic Professionals of California at state and local levels.

Born in Natchez, Mississippi on June 2, 1938, her family relocated to Los Angeles in 1946. In 1956, she graduated from Jefferson High School where she served as student body president. Following graduation, Brown worked for Pacific Bell by day and took courses at California State University, Los Angeles (CSULA) at night, graduating with two bachelor’s degrees: one in Science and the other in Education. She returned to Jefferson High School as a teacher and counselor.

To better pursue teaching and counseling students (what she called her “first love”), she came to California State University, Northridge (CSUN) as a professional in 1977. She quickly established herself as independent, reliable, and hardworking. Brown guided thousands of students to the successful completion of their degree programs at CSUN, preparing them for both their academic and professional lives.

Brown was instrumental in structuring the ways that the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) would be administrated at CSUN and was instrumental in the establishment of the Student Services Center satellites in 1991, taking on the role of Director of the Student Services Center/EOP for the College of Health and Human Development. In 2002 she left the College to serve as Director of the CSUN Advisement Resource Center/EOP where she served until her retirement in 2003.

A powerful student advocate, Brown fought for the rights of all students on campus, and in the early 90s, brought her talents to restructuring Black Graduation. Many of the changes she initiated shaped the way the program is run today. Black Graduation is annual celebration of diversity on campus that honors and celebrates the academic success students of African descent.

In 2002, she received the CSUN Don Dorsey Excellence in Mentoring Award in recognition of her dedication and enthusiasm for mentoring students in the College of Health and Human Development. She was a champion of students, empowering them through the promotion of educational equity, student achievement, retention, and graduation. A steadfast advocate for workers her field, Brown served as a founding steward for the Academic Professionals of California (APC) CSUN local chapter, was a member of the inaugural APC statewide Governing Council, chaired the statewide committee on Affirmative Action, and was the Vice President of the Political Action Committee.

She set the bar for excellence in mentoring, guidance, advising, and caring for students in the University and the College. Through her work, she honored all she encountered. Margaret June Brown will always have our gratitude for the caring and growth she brought to the College, and to CSUN.

Two scholarships will be awarded: One to a senior, another to either a sophomore or junior.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Open to matriculated CSUN sophomore or junior, and seniors who have completed 30+ CSUN units.
• Undergraduate GPA must be greater than or equal to 3.0.
• Undergraduate students must enroll in 12 units or more during the Fall & Spring terms of the award year.
  Any change to your enrollment status resulting in less than full time enrollment for any term within the award year will result in a cancellation of your award.
• Must support and advocate for the African Diaspora.
• Must demonstrate exceptional leadership and community service.
• Two letters of recommendation must be requested through the my Matador Scholarship system. One letter must be from a teacher, professor, counselor, or community leader, who can attest to the candidate’s leadership ability and advocacy work.
• Must upload a copy of your student resume. A student resume is a detailed record of your personal and educational information. It includes the name of your school/college, coursework, projects (if any) undertaken, and awards. The resume may also contain additional information like your extracurricular activities, volunteer experiences, job experiences (if any), hobbies, etc.