Samuel Fudge, Paine College- c/o 2016, Mass Communications
Name : Samuel Fudge
HBCU : Paine College
Graduation Year : 2016
Major : Mass Communications
Minor : Film
Email : fudge2902@gmail.com
Where are you from? Who introduced you to HBCUs?*
I was born and raised in Miami, Florida. I was first introduced to HBCUs by my older cousin, who at the time attended Spelman College.
My first HBCU experience was attending her graduation and watching her celebrate with her sorority sisters.
On set of the feature film, “Emperor”. In theaters 2019.
Why did you choose an HBCU over a pwi?*
Well I didn’t necessarily choose my HBCU. Realistically, my HBCU had chosen me.
I originally attended a community college in Tallahassee, Florida . While there, I had very little focus on academics. My grades were poor and I rarely attended classes. I was unhappy where I was.
As a result, I lost financial aide and grants and was forced to pay for school at my own expense, which I couldn't afford. Before almost giving up on college completely, my father, who lives in Augusta, GA, insisted I move in with him to attend Paine College.
I agreed and my life was changed forever .
What is the story of your "experience" at Your HBCU given its heralded status as a stellar and prestigious institution?*
Paine College cultivated my sense of identity.
Through it's curriculum and faculty guidance, I discovered my purpose and true passions, which ultimately led into me becoming an Professional Actor and Educator to youth. Everyday in class I was pushed by my peers and professors to strive for greatness and for the first time in my life, I excelled in academia.
Within my first semester I obtained a 3.8 GPA and was awarded a place on the dean's list and membership into Alpha Kappa Mu honor society my learnings of key African American figures inspired me in wanting to be a leader on and off campus.
In doing so, I founded “Paine Playhouse”, a Performing Arts organization missioning social change by bringing awareness to social issues that effect the African American community and creating solutions for them. Paine Playhouse had become a platform for myself and many others to make a impact in the world.
One of our biggest highlights was performing at the BET Gospel Choice Awards.
While at Paine, I also made the decision to join Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc., joining a band of brothers for a lifetime. Phi Beta Sigma allowed for me to serve on campus and in the community. To say the least, Paine College saved my life. The prestigious institution placed me on a path with a new found purpose and responsibilities.
"First time" experiences at your HBCU?*
The first time I ever in life had higher than a 2.0 gpa. The first time I actually enjoyed learning and attending school. The first time my family could say they were proud of me , The first time feeling like I had a purpose in life . The first time believing in my self and my abilities . The first time being a leader to others.
Who are the professors that have impacted your life in and out of the classroom? How did they do that?*
Definitely Dr. John Harris Jr! It was Dr, Harris who had introduced me to the world of theatre and the craft of acting. He inspired my chose to pursue professional acting as a career . Dr. Harris prepared me for the next level of training, which was graduate school , by equipping me with as much knowledge and experience possible . Dr. Harris is a huge contribution to my success today , as an actor and human being .
If you could only speak two sentences to the youth coming after you what would you say?
Even while in the darkest corner of life, close your eyes and dream. Dreams are what gives us light.
Success comes as easy as you thinking it. You just have to believe.
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Paine College
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Students: 500
- Athletics: Paine College competes in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) at the Division II level as a member of the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC). Men's sports include baseball, basketball, cross country, golf and track & field; women's sports include basketball, cross country, softball, track & field and volleyball.
- Notable Alumni: John Wesley Gilbert - 1886 - First African-American archaeologist** Emma R. Gresham - 1953 - Mayor of Keysville, Georgia (1985-2005) and the second African American female to be elected as a chief official in Georgia** Louis Lomax - 1942 - Journalist, first African American to appear on television as a newsman** Joseph Lowery - President of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference 1977-1997** Mike Thurmond - 1975 - Attorney and first African-American elected as Georgia Labor Commissioner** Channing Tobias - 1902 - Civil rights activist and appointee on the President's Committee on Civil Rights** Woodie W. White - 1958 - Bishop of the United Methodist Church** Frank Yerby - 1937 - Internationally acclaimed author and film writer**
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