Oct. 4, 2001
From Chicago to Washington
GW Freshman Duane Jackson Has Left His Mark Along
The Way
By Nicholina
Ferramosca
With an incoming freshman class that was 300
more than expected, it is easy to get lost in the crowd. But among those
2,550 students, Duane Jackson of Chicago, is already making his mark.
Jackson says his life changed when he attended an all-school assembly
during his sophomore year of high school.
The speaker was Greg Forbes Siegman, founder of the 11-10-02 Foundation.
According to 11-10-02, its mission is to break down racial, cultural,
social, and generational barriers, empower young people, and fund grants
and scholarships for students. Jackson became inspired by the foundations
mission and began writing companies and asking them to donate money
to 11-10-02. When the foundation found out about Jacksons efforts,
they asked him to become a part of 11-10-02s nationally acclaimed
Brunch Bunch program. He joined the group and was able to meet with
students from different backgrounds and several adult professionals.
Jackson continued his grant writing as the foundations first intern.
He volunteered at a homeless shelter and nursing homes, and was active
with many clothing and book drives. Jackson hosted the 11-10-02s
Scholarship Gala and was the recipient of a Presidents Student
Service Gold Award, given by the American Institute for Public Service.
In addition, an anonymous audience member donated money to Jackson for
tuition at the college of his choice, which, of course, was The George
Washington University.
Every week the Brunch Bunch brings together Chicago school children
and adult professionals. This program allows people to have honest discussions
with people of other backgrounds and allows young people to learn from
and network with established professionals in every field imaginable.
The 11-10-02 foundation gave me an opportunity to meet a lot of
prominent adult professionals, Jackson says. I truly appreciate
the invaluable contacts with brunchbunch.com kids and adults.
The group also has dedicated more than 600 volunteer hours to senior
citizens. The 11-10-02 Foundation was created so that those individuals
inspired by the Brunch Bunch contribute funds to their efforts. These
donations are used to meet the needs of Chicagos schools and their
students.
Only a week into his first semester, when most freshmen are still trying
to find their classes, Jackson began volunteering at Stevens Elementary
School in Northwest DC, where he helps teachers and students weekly.
While at GW, Jackson plans to stay active with extracurricular programs
and his academics. He was chosen for the Emerging Leaders Program and
is planning on receiving a BBA/MA dual degree in finance and information
systems technology from the School of Business and Public Management.
In addition, he wants to run for Freshman Senate and get involved with
more community service projects.
Send feedback to: bygeorge@gwu.edu