Netflix is honouring the late Chadwick Boseman through a newly funded scholarship at the actor’s alma mater. On Monday, the streaming giant announced that the four-year $5.4 million Chadwick A. Boseman Memorial Scholarship will be established at Howard University and offered to incoming students who are enrolled at the College of Fine Arts. According to Deadline, the endowed scholarship will cover full tuition costs for students, and the first round of scholarships will be awarded to one recipient in each class starting this fall semester.
“It is with immense pleasure and deep gratitude that we announce the creation of an endowed scholarship in honour of alumnus, Chadwick Boseman, whose life and contributions to the arts continues to inspire,” Howard University President Wayne A.I. Frederick, MD said in a statement. “This scholarship embodies Chadwick’s love for Howard, his passion for storytelling, and his willingness to support future generations of Howard students. I am thankful for the continuous support and partnership of Chadwick’s wife, Mrs. Simone Ledward Boseman, and to Netflix for this important gift.”
Chadwick’s wife, Simone, also issued her own statement, thanking Netflix for recognising her late husband’s commitment to education and Howard University. “Many exemplary artists are not afforded the opportunity to pursue higher learning, we hope to support as many students as possible by removing the financial barrier to education,” she said. “This endowment represents Chad’s devotion to the craft, his compassion for others, and his desire to support future storytellers. My deepest thanks to Ted Sarandos, Scott Stuber and our family at Netflix for their generous investment into the education of all present and future Boseman Scholars, and to President Wayne Frederick, Dean Phylicia Rashad and Mr. David Bennett for their partnership and continued commitment to Chad’s legacy at Howard. I’m overwhelmed with gratitude and amazed at the love and dedication shown by so many continuing to honour my husband’s work. I know he’d be proud.”
Howard University paid homage to Chadwick earlier this year by renaming its newly reestablished College of Fine Arts after him. Now, the actor’s legacy will continue to live on in more ways than one at a place he once held so dear to his heart.
