Sheryl Lee Ralph served as keynote speaker for the recent luncheon and helped Jackson State University significantly surpass its initial fundraising goal. The popular actress single-handedly raised just shy of 50,000 in her own impromptu effort the day of the event. Her efforts helped the school bring in just over 300,000, to more than double the original fundraising target of 150,000 dollars. JSU raised $254,000 through ticket sales, sponsorships and other efforts. The annual Jackson State University Scholarship Luncheon is one of the university’s premier fundraising events. The banquet helps raise funds for deserving students to get a college education. Ralph is a Tony Award nominee, an NAACP Image Award nominee, and an Independent Spirit Award-winner with an acclaimed career spanning over three decades. The Luncheon is named in honor of Mary E. Peoples, an outstanding educator and community leader. She is the wife of beloved JSU President Emeritus John A. Peoples.
Emmy Award Winning Actress Sheryl Lee Ralph helps make Jackson State University Scholarship Fundraiser an Overwhelming Success

Darek Ashley