Grammy Award-Winning Music Legend Dionne Warwick Celebrates Black History Month at Caldwell University

President Jeffrey Senese, Ph.D. welcomed Ms. Warwick to campus and declared Feb. 21, 2024 Dionne Warwick Day at Caldwell University.   

The event was hosted by the University’s Educational Opportunity Fund program (EOF) and EOF counselor Takiyah Drinkard gave welcoming remarks. The program was moderated by Kayla Moses, EOF scholar and president of the Caldwell Black Student Union, as well as the campus chapter of the Zeta Phi Beta sorority,  and EOF Counselor Yomaira Diaz.  

Ms. Warwick shared about her life from growing up in East Orange and starting out singing Gospel to making it to the world stage.   She told stories of her path to success in music, how she bridged the gap between generations, the many people she worked with and her efforts to raise awareness of the AIDS epidemic. A proud native New Jerseyan from East Orange,  Ms. Warwick ranked among the 40 biggest U.S. hitmakers from 1955 to 1999.  Among her many “firsts,” in 1968, she became  the first African American solo female artist to earn a Grammy award, winning for her single “Do You Know the Way to San Jose.”

“She gave hope to the students,” said EOF Director Andrei St. Felix.  Ms. Warwick  encouraged the students in pursuing their goals, to face the ugliness of fear and emphasized the importance of education, said St. Felix.  The singer said no one with dreams and aspirations  should take “no” for an answer. “It was important for the students to hear Dionne’s first hand stories of racial discrimination. She was real in sharing her experience. She wanted to know as much from us as we wanted to know from her.” 

Moses said what stood out for her was Ms. Warwick’s  humility and willingness to share her experiences.  “She’s such an icon and her soul and presence matched her beautiful music. I’m beyond grateful for the opportunity to meet her and for EOF granting me that moment with her.” 

“Her insights and stories about her career not only inspired us but also painted a vivid picture of resilience and authenticity. Her courage in self-advocacy radiated through, leaving a lasting impression on everyone,” said Diaz.   “Dionne was candid, refreshing and honest,” said Drinkard. 

A prelude of Warwick’s music was presented by Courtney Sappington and James Gibbs. 

See News 12 NJ’s piece here. 

About EOF

The EOF program, in partnership with Caldwell University, provides financial and educational assistance to eligible students who come from lower-income families. EOF students at Caldwell receive supportive services such as academic and career advisement, tutoring, and academic skills workshops. The EOF program is guided by a caring and professional staff that stands ready to assist in making the path to a college degree a qualitative educational experience.

Top photo: Caldwell President Jeffrey Senese declared Feb. 21, 2024 Dionne Warwick Day at CU and presented Dionne with the proclamation.