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James H. Ashby, Jr., 1953-2009
In 2010 family and friends solicited funds to establish an endowment for the James H. Ashby Memorial Award of Excellence. Administered through the Morgan State University Foundation, the award is presently annually to the highest ranking male graduating senior receiving a bachelor's degree in Social Work from Morgan State University and continuing graduate studies at Morgan. Ranking is based on overall GPA. If there is more than one candidate meeting the criteria, the award is divided equally among all recipients. At this writing, awards have been thus far presented in 2010, 2011, and 2012.
The following biography appears on the James H. Ashby, Jr. Award of Excellence:
The James H. Ashby, Jr. Award of Excellence was established in 2010 in memory of Morganite James (Jim) Hubert Ashby Jr., a devoted husband, father, brother, son and friend who was born on June 13, 1953 in Cumberland, MD and departed this life suddenly on November 27, 2009 in Randallstown, MD.
Jim received his early education in the public and parochial schools of Cumberland, graduating in 1971 from Fort Hill High School where he played football. Upon completing high school, Jim attended Morgan State University in Baltimore, MD where he pledged Groove Phi Groove Social Fellowship, Inc. and graduated in 1980 with a B.S. in Social Work. He later returned to Morgan and earned a Master's in Sociology in 1989.
Jim worked for the Maryland State Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services for 34 years serving in many capacities and retired in 2008 as a Hearing Officer. He also served the community through his volunteer work with the First Step Youth Services Center and the Baltimore County Foster Care Review Board. At the time of his passing he was employed by the Veteran's Administration as a Claims Examiner.
Jim was faithful to his family and friends, to his work, to his church and to his God. He never quit! And so, to honor the memory of the very essence of who he was, the family presents this annual award to the highest ranking male graduating senior receiving a bachelor's degree in Social Work from Morgan State University and continuing with graduate studies; a student who finished the work and completed the course with excellence.