Grambling State News

Building on a legacy of collaboration and community engagement with Louisiana since 2017, the Let Us Dream organization has partnered with Grambling State University (GSU) as the host location for the 2024 Let Us Dream Conference.

Set for October 31, 2024, on the campus of Grambling State University in the Betty E. Smith Nursing Building, this year’s theme is “Cultural Kaleidoscope: Celebrating Community Outreach and Harmony.” Conference registration is free of charge and can be completed at www.gram.edu/letusdream.

The conference, with its international to local community focus, will feature Health, Education, and Social panels, as well as a President’s Panel, comprised of area University presidents. Reflecting the spirit of Grambling State University, the conference is collaborative in nature with representation from Christ University in Bangalore, India, Louisiana Tech University, the University of Louisiana at Monroe, Southern University at Shreveport, Louisiana Delta Community College, community-based organizations, and corporate sponsorship from IBM.

The initial conference was held on the campus of Louisiana Tech University with Dr. Fr. Ligo Thomas, CMI, as the visionary for the community-centered endeavor.

“At the heart of the work was improving networking and collaboration toward community improvement while promoting and empowering volunteerism,” Thomas pointed out. “Thanks to the visionary leadership and steadfast support of former presidents President Les Guice (LA Tech) and Rick Gallot (GSU), we at Let Us Dream were inspired to fulfill the goal of that first community conference in 2017.”

This year, the baton has been passed to Grambling State University. The conference’s goal is to provide a forum for sharing experiences with success and challenges in community improvement organizations and efforts.

“The conference is designed to inspire community service with a focus on generations across the lifecycle,” said Dr. Cheryl Ensley, 2024 conference chair and Associate Professor and Interim Department Head in the College of Education at GSU. “Since its inception, the conference has been a platform to learn, share, and celebrate acts of volunteerism.”

Dr. Suzanne Mayo, an instructor in the Family Consumer Department has been a conference attendee and collaborator since its infancy and reflected on the focus it provides around volunteerism.

“The conference sheds light on community change makers who give selflessly of their service, time, and resources,” said Mayo. “Their volunteerism not only drives initiatives but also inspires others to engage in meaningful actions.”

Now that that nomination window has opened to honor these remarkable individuals, it is important to understand the essence of a Change Maker and the significant impact they have on our communities.

A Change Maker, formerly known as an “Unsung Hero,” makes a difference in the lives of the people within their community through selfless acts of service. They transform our communities for the good of all through volunteerism, creative works, and an overall commitment of service to others. In addition, they build new solutions to the challenges we face in education, health, and service, and transform the world.

Dr. Elise Reed, Associate Professor of the School of Social Work, and Ms. Yanise Days, Instructor with the Department of History, serve as co-chairs of the Change Maker committee. Days explained the continuing significance of the honor. “Although the name of the award has changed, the mission is the same: to recognize individuals who are rarely in the spotlight and who unreservedly deserve recognition. They move around so

quietly in our communities and, through their commitment and service, make our world a better place, one community at a time.”

Former honoree Mrs. Brenda Dupree said, “Change Makers empower communities and they receive eternal benefits by extending their hands to help others.”

Adarian Williams, Deputy Chief of Staff in the Office of the President at Grambling State University and also a previous winner, said, “The role of a Change Maker is essential for driving meaningful progress, fostering innovation, and encouraging collective action to meet our community needs.”

According to the committee, submission of a Change Maker nomination is a wonderful opportunity to shed light on those individuals who invest in the vitality of our community. Available now, Change Maker nominations must be completed by September 15, 2024, at www.gram.edu/letusdream. For more information, contact Reed at reedel@gram.edu.