McNeese State University sophomores Werner Levy Jr. and Braylon Fuselier have been selected as the fourth graduating class of the Reginald F. Lewis Scholars Program sponsored by the University of Louisiana System.
The three-year Reginald F. Lewis Scholars Program enhances the college experience of exemplary Black male students by providing educational programs and mentorship opportunities.
In one experience, academics conduct research to connect classroom theory to real-world problems. McNeese juniors Omari Francis and Christian Malbrough, members of Group 3, spent this summer studying the rise of artificial intelligence and the power of social media.
Francis, a finance major from Lafayette, realized that AI had the potential to teach effective investment strategies. Malbrough, a criminal justice major from Iowa, has found that social media influences users’ political views.
“The best part was building friendships with my fellow brothers,” Francis said.
As Reginald F. Lewis Scholars, Ms. Levy and Ms. Fuselier will receive full tuition scholarships and participate in community experiences, including a partnership with the University of Louisiana Management and Leadership Institute and an annual Scholars Retreat.
Levy, a mechanical engineering major from Lake Arthur, is looking forward to networking with other exemplary students and helping the community. “I want to help not only my community, but the communities around me, make a difference for other Black men,” he said.
He plans to graduate and fulfill his lifelong goal of working in the engineering field.
Fuselier, a marketing major from Lafayette, enjoys being creative and creating content that is interesting to others.
He plans to network with other scholars, but is also looking forward to studying abroad in the research and international travel class that scholars participate in during their junior year.
“This program puts the right people in the corner of young black men, which is often rare,” he said.
Fuselier plans to earn a master’s degree in psychology and run his own film and photography company.
“I will learn leadership skills that will encourage and inspire future generations.”
