The Carl B. Madison "Rock Pride" Scholarship
A Legacy of Love
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The Carl B. Madison “Rock Pride” Scholarship was born out of Carl’s desire to help incoming freshman students receive support and a helping hand to achieve academic success at Slippery Rock University, just as he did when he stepped onto the SRU campus from Philadelphia in 1986.
Carl B. Madison, a native of Philadelphia, PA was born in 1968 and attended Slippery Rock University from 1986 – 1992. He earned his undergraduate Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications. As part of the active student body in SRU, Carl was heavily dedicated to enhancing the college experience for all students. He was an active member of the SRU Gospel Choir and the Black Action Society (BAS), which transitioned into the Department of Cultural Affairs. He served as a mentor to many students on campus and as a leader, advisor and advocate championing the voice of the students to the Campus Leadership. |
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After graduation, Carl returned home to Philadelphia and continued in various leadership roles as a Supervisor at Blue Cross & Blue Shield, Echelon Water Company and Comcast Cable prior to his retirement. While Carl was well respected as a leader, Carl’s passion and faithfulness for service was evident in his dedication to his church and to his family. In 2012, Carl became a Deacon at Great Commission Church and dutifully served until taking his final rest. Although Carl was passionate about SRU and his church, his pride and joy was family and children. Carl was a loving and devoted father to Akira, Christian, Cristina and a Grandfather to Ava. In addition, he was an “Uncle-Dad” to Yaseen, Step-daughter Taylor and God-Son Marquis.
The scholarship was launched in 2019 during homecoming and presented as a gift to Carl for his dedication to bringing SRU Alum back to campus. Carl, along with Sherry Wilson and Carrol “Cee” Russell, ’92 all served as Co-Moderators on the SRU Alum Facebook page to recognize all birthdays, deaths, marriages, anniversaries, Greek Organizations, and all celebrations which helped the Alum stay connected. He created signature t-shirts and paraphernalia to ensure that the Alum were on one accord. Carl organized the 2019-2021 SRU Homecoming Events. In recognition of his tireless efforts and dedication, friends, alumni, current and former staff contributed seed money to start the scholarship in Carl’s honor.
The scholarship was launched in 2019 during homecoming and presented as a gift to Carl for his dedication to bringing SRU Alum back to campus. Carl, along with Sherry Wilson and Carrol “Cee” Russell, ’92 all served as Co-Moderators on the SRU Alum Facebook page to recognize all birthdays, deaths, marriages, anniversaries, Greek Organizations, and all celebrations which helped the Alum stay connected. He created signature t-shirts and paraphernalia to ensure that the Alum were on one accord. Carl organized the 2019-2021 SRU Homecoming Events. In recognition of his tireless efforts and dedication, friends, alumni, current and former staff contributed seed money to start the scholarship in Carl’s honor.
The scholarship committee included Carl himself, Class of 1992, April “Everett” Cunningham ’93 and Jacqueline “Sherne” Robinson, ‘93. The committee worked with the SRU foundation over the next two years to establish the criteria and collect additional monies. A contest was held to select the name for the scholarship and The Carl B Madison “Rock Pride” Scholarship, the winning entry was submitted by Robert White, ‘95.
Carl was able to present the award to the 1st recipient of his scholarship in 2021 and present a check to the winner. A second scholarship was then awarded in 2022.
Carl had plans for the 2023 Homecoming and The Alumni are continuing his vision. Thank you to Kelly Turic Bailey, Diane Gardner, Rob White, and Sherry Wilson for making his thoughts become a reality.
Carl will be remembered and missed by his children, family and extended SRU Family for care and compassion for others. This scholarship will continue his Legacy of Love to his beloved SRU.
Carl had plans for the 2023 Homecoming and The Alumni are continuing his vision. Thank you to Kelly Turic Bailey, Diane Gardner, Rob White, and Sherry Wilson for making his thoughts become a reality.
Carl will be remembered and missed by his children, family and extended SRU Family for care and compassion for others. This scholarship will continue his Legacy of Love to his beloved SRU.
Carl was an unselfish, unwavering and devoted Alumni who sacrificed his time, energy and love to organizing the Black Alumni Homecoming since 2017. He loved Slippery Rock as much as he love Philadelphia. He will always be remembered and appreciated for his commitment to making SRU home for all generations to enjoy and cherish. 
The Carl I met in 86’ vs the Carl of 23’ has always remained consistent when it comes down to how he loved. He was committed to whatever he was involved in. I came to know Carl through the SRU Gospel choir. That boy swore that he could sing 🎶 (Lol!), but because of him, we had one of the strongest “Tenor”!sections because he made it fun and caused for others to want to be a part. Gospel Tours were the BEST! His laughter filled the bus as he was always the loudest one! I could always depend on Carl to show up! He was one of a kind and will never be forgotten!💜 |
I called Carl Our Bridge Builder!!!! Brought Us All Together..Found Time To Pass Love On Our Birthdays, and Life! 
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