The Reginaldo Howard Leadership Program
In April 2024, the Reginaldo Howard Memorial Scholarship transitioned into the Reginaldo Howard Leadership Program. The Reginaldo Howard Leadership Program honors “Reggie” Howard’s legacy by supporting students who demonstrate a strong commitment to making a positive impact in communities through service, scholarship, and leadership. The Office of University Scholars and Fellows and the Mary Lou Williams Center for Black Culture partner in administering this new program.
Although new merit scholarships for the Reginaldo Howard Memorial Scholarship will not be awarded, support will be provided for current Reggie Scholars through their graduation, the new Reginaldo Howard Leadership Program, and need-based financial aid. This scholarship honors Reginaldo “Reggie” Howard, the first African American President of the Associated Students of Duke University and an A.B. Duke Scholar. He was tragically killed in an automobile accident during his sophomore year in 1976, but his ambition and commitment to helping others lives on.
Spotlight on Daniel Mehari
Daniel Mehari is a junior studying Political Science with a History minor and a certificate in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics. This past summer, he worked as Private Equity Summer Analyst at Astra Capital Management and co-founder of Critical Collective, a think tank combating disinformation with research and media. Daniel also serves as Head of Programming at BLK Capital, a student-run hedge fund, and is passionate about expanding access to financial literacy and economic opportunity. As a Reginaldo Howard Scholar, he hopes to use investing as a tool to drive meaningful change across underrepresented communities.