On March 28, 2024, community members and partners gathered at the Cleone Peterson Eccles Alumni House to celebrate the establishment of the Rev. France A. Davis Endowed Scholarship. The scholarship will expand experiential learning opportunities for University of Utah students in Ghana with ties to our partnership institution, Ensign Global College, while honoring the enduring legacy of Rev. France A. Davis and ensuring that his impact continues to inspire and empower future generations.
The evening commenced with a warm welcome from the Executive Director of the Center of Business, Health, and Prosperity, Stephen Alder, PhD, MBA. Alder provided insights into the Center’s ongoing initiatives, including the Prosperity U student program and the forthcoming Impact & Prosperity Epicenter.
The highlight of the evening was the opportunity to hear from Reverand France Davis himself. Davis graciously reflected on his life experience and the profound leadership lessons he learned from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. He noted his time with the civil rights leader as transformative and hoped the audience would share these lessons with others.
Leadership Lessons I Learned From Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
- Prepare as if everything depends on you. Leave nothing to chance.
- Learn everything you can.
- Have a dream.
- Be able to share what you have learned.
- Help others find a dream.
In addition to his stories, Davis noted his excitement about the students who will get to use the scholarship as they employ these leadership lessons throughout their academic careers and beyond, both locally and globally.
The evening concluded with Professor Alder presenting Rev. Davis with an award recognizing his lifetime of service and dedication to making the world a better place. A framed memento commemorating the evening’s celebration of the scholarship was also bestowed upon Reverend Davis as a token of appreciation for his remarkable contributions.
The Center would like to offer heartfelt gratitude to all those who attended the celebration and generously contributed to the scholarship fund to honor the legacy of Rev. France A. Davis in perpetuity. The support ensures that students have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in communities and organizations, echoing Reverend Davis’s lifelong commitment to service and social justice.
As we look ahead, the team at the Center is excited about the prospect of awarding this scholarship in the upcoming years and witnessing the transformative impact it will have on the lives of deserving students. If you are still interested in contributing to the scholarship fund, please make a donation here.
We invite you to explore firsthand accounts from some of our students who have participated in past experiences in Ghana. Their stories serve as powerful testimonials to the profound impact of experiential learning.
“My understanding of cultures, people, and life was significantly altered as Ghana became another place for me to call home.”
Stephanie Dutson, Ghana, Summer 2023
“The experience to go work in Ghana and be immersed in their culture was life-changing.”
Tim Dudley, Ghana Spring 2023
“These internships are applicable no matter what you are majoring in or the career path you are pursuing.”
Dahlia Kraus, Ghana Summer 2023