I Love My SSU! Opens Its Pages In The Motherland!


Desmond Delk at Lumbadzi Primary School in Lilongewe, Malawi
Desmond Delk at Lumbadzi Primary School in Lilongewe, Malawi

This summer, students at Lumbadzi Primary School in Lilongewe, Malawi experienced the homecoming atmosphere of Savannah State University. No, these students did not travel to the “University by the Sea”, but they did engage in a exhilarating reading of I Love My SSU! Through donations, former SSU lecturer and current Auburn University PhD student, Desmond Delk was able to sow the seed of college in the lives of the students he taught during a study abroad educational program. He brought three dozen copies of his book and Hello, Maroon Tiger, a children’s book about Morehouse College, authored by Earl Anthony Cooper.

Through the book, the students were introduced to Savannah State University, it’s rich history, and Tigerthe book’s main character. Delk also helped the students learn a popular SSU chant. “I Love My S-S-U” began to be the children’s favorite saying as they made their way from school to their villages. Initially, Savannah State University was foreign to the young learners, but by the end of the story, SSU was the place they wanted to be. They too love SSU!

Delk explains his purpose for bringing the books to the southern African Country: My goal is for these students to actually become students and subsequently alumni of Savannah State University. In a country where college is not as accessible as it is here in the states, you have to make the concept of college innate, exciting and perceptively attainable. I believe that the two books will inspire for years to come; creating a pathway to a tradition of academic excellence and civic engagement. When the first students traverse this pathway, it will start a ripple effect that will optimistically increase the number of college educated men and women in Lilongwe; SSU and Morehouse educated. I am truly grateful for those who supported the cause; they made a huge global impact.

Mr. Delk will be available at SSU home football games to share pictures, videos, and stories of his experience.


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