Denzel Washington Scholars
When Denzel Washington commits to something, his commitment endures—whether it be to a role, a charity, his alma mater, or his family.
This statement rings true in his lasting dedication to his alma mater, Fordham University. In creating the endowed professorship and scholarship, the Mt. Vernon, New York, native said he hoped to “offer the next generation of students positive influences,” like the kind he received from his Fordham mentor, the late actor Robinson Stone, Ph.D. Washington carries with him on location a recommendation letter written by the English professor and theater teacher, in which Stone predicts the actor’s talent will “be among the most exciting and fulfilling of our time.”
Countless student recipients have expressed gratitude for Washington’s support, saying “The scholarship gave me a beautiful sense of hope and encouragement to stick to that thing which I love (Mayaa Boateng FCLC ‘13, first recipient of the scholarship).”
Boateng says Washington’s support has created a resounding buzz about Fordham Theatre among students and faculty, not to mention casting directors. “It just felt like a huge shift in this program,” she says. “And I felt a sense of electrifying energy.”
Endowed Scholarship Fund
Denzel Washington graduated from Fordham in 1977 and has long been a champion of Fordham students. In 2011, the Oscar and Tony award winner established a scholarship fund and an endowed chair to offer students positive influences, like the kind he received from his Fordham mentor, Robinson Stone, who once predicted that Washington’s talent would be “among the most exciting and fulfilling of our time.”
Scholarship Recipients
2026: Ian Rios, scenic designer/stage manager
2026: Arden Carethers, actor
2025: Jaden Perez, actor
2024: Tyler Bey, actor
2024: Kana Seiki, actor
2023: Jayda Jones, director
2023: Raekwon Fuller, actor
2021: Stephanie Sanchez, actor
2021: Kiernan Westrick, playwright
2020: Miles Gutierrez-Riley, actor
2020: Angélica Herrera, actor
2019: Kayce Wilson, actor
2019: Carol Jeong, actor/ lighting designer
2018: Eric Lawrence Taylor, actor
2017: Cesca Wolos-Fonteno, lighting designer
2016: Darby Davis, actor
2015: Siena Zoë Allen, costume designer
2015: Amber Avant, actor
2014: Daniel Velasco, actor
2013: Mayaa Boateng, actor