The Patricia D. Richardson Memorial Scholarship

Our Mission

The Patricia D. Richardson Memorial Scholarship was created to honor Patricia Denise Richardson affectionately known as "Pat". We wanted to create an everlasting legacy to our dear sister who departed this earth way too soon. Its intent is to offer additional financial resources to Cheyney University of Pennsylvania students that have a passion for succeeding but may need extra help to do so. Education and helping others were always very important to Patricia. This scholarship is a way to show appreciation for her love, dedication and work ethic and memorialize her passion for greatness. It is a vehicle to honor her by contributing to the education of Cheyney students majoring in social work and business and those who will be future leaders and innovators of tomorrow. Our hope is that through their success Pat will live on and the recipients of this scholarship will pay it forward to the next generation.

Cheyney University History (est. 1837)

Cheyney University of Pennsylvania: The Oldest HBCU in the Nation

If you are interested in learning about the history and legacy of historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) in the United States, you cannot ignore Cheyney University of Pennsylvania, the oldest HBCU in the nation. Founded in 1837 as the Institute for Colored Youth, Cheyney University has a remarkable story of resilience, excellence and innovation that spans nearly two centuries.

The Beginnings of Cheyney University

Cheyney University owes its existence to Richard Humphreys, a Quaker philanthropist who was born on a plantation in Tortola, an island in the British West Indies. Humphreys came to Philadelphia in 1764 and became concerned about the struggles of free people of African descent to make a living and gain education in a discriminatory society. He was also inspired by the news of a race riot against free African-Americans in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1829.

Humphreys decided to bequeath $10,000 (equivalent to $293,133 in 2022) to establish a school to educate people of African descent and prepare them as teachers. He charged thirteen fellow Quakers to design an institution "to instruct the descendants of the African Race in school learning, in the various branches of the mechanic Arts, trades and Agriculture, in order to prepare and fit and qualify them to act as teachers ..."

The school was founded as the African Institute in February 1837 and renamed the Institute for Colored Youth (ICY) in April 1837. In its early years, it provided training in trades and agriculture, which were the predominant skills needed in the general economy. The school was located in Philadelphia and had several locations over the years.

The Move to Cheyney

In 1902, the ICY was relocated to George Cheyney's farm, a 275-acre property 25 miles west of Philadelphia. The land was donated by the prominent Cheyney family, who were also Quakers and abolitionists. The name "Cheyney" became associated with the school in 1913, though the school's official name changed several times during the 20th century.

The school became Cheyney State Normal School in 1914, Cheyney Training School for Teachers in 1921, Cheyney State Teachers College in 1926, Cheyney State College in 1959 and Cheyney University of Pennsylvania in 1983. The school also expanded its academic offerings beyond teacher education to include liberal arts, sciences, business, communications and more.

The Legacy of Cheyney University

As the oldest HBCU in the nation, Cheyney University has a rich heritage and a proud alumni network. Some of the notable graduates include:

- Ed Bradley, a correspondent for the CBS program "60 Minutes"

- Bayard Rustin, a prominent civil rights activist and organizer of the 1963 March on Washington

- Pedro Rivera, Pennsylvania Secretary of Education

- Robert W. Bogle, publisher and CEO of the Philadelphia Tribune, the oldest newspaper continuously owned and operated by an African American

- Dr. Audrey F. Bronson, a member of the PA State System of Higher Education’s Board of Governors, ordained minister and retired educator

- Dr. Gladys Styles Johnston, former Chancellor of the University of Nebraska at Kearney

- Thaddeus Kirkland, State Representative and Mayor of Chester, PA

Cheyney University is also a member of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) and the Thurgood Marshall College Fund. It offers baccalaureate degrees in more than 30 disciplines and is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Today, Cheyney University welcomes students from a variety of races, cultures and nationalities who receive educational instruction far beyond the vision of Richard Humphreys. The university's mission is "to prepare confident, competent, reflective, visionary leaders and responsible citizens" who can contribute to a global society.

Sources:

: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cheyney_University_of_Pennsylvania

: https://cheyney.edu/who-we-are/the-first-hbcu/

: https://aaregistry.org/story/cheyney-university-founded/

: https://www.the1hbcu.com/cheyney/

Our History

Newly founded in 2023, this scholarship was established by a group of dynamic women all Cheyney Alumni, that met and bonded in the 1980's and were formally known as "Omega Essence". Although that entity no longer exists, we have grown to love and care for each other as sisters. We have remained close throughout the years and Patricia was our sister. Her loss hurt all of us deeply however her humanity gave us strength. Through our grief we decided that it was only fitting that we come together and exchange our pain for a purpose. Her life and her accomplishments had such an impact on those with whom she encountered we felt the best way to honor her memory was through scholarship.

The Patricia D. Richardson Scholarship Team

Our team is comprised of passionate and dedicated women that are committed to making a difference. Our volunteers and team share a common goal of contributing to and helping those in need in Patricia's honor.