Morehouse Triangle Alumni Association Scholarship
The Morehouse Triangle Alumni Association Scholarship reflects our chapter’s enduring commitment to educational access, leadership development, and the advancement of young leaders of character.
This scholarship is awarded annually to outstanding graduating male and female high school seniors who plan to attend a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) in the fall. It recognizes academic achievement, community involvement, leadership potential, and a demonstrated commitment to service.
The Morehouse Triangle Alumni Association believes that investing in HBCU-bound students is an investment in legacy. HBCUs have long served as pillars of opportunity, producing leaders across business, education, medicine, public service, engineering, and the arts. Through this scholarship, we aim to ease the financial burden of higher education while affirming to each recipient that their community believes in their future.
Recipients of this award join a growing network of scholars connected to the values of scholarship, leadership, integrity, and excellence that define HBCU graduates.
The Morehouse Triangle Alumni Association Scholarship is funded through the generous support of alumni, community partners, and proceeds from our annual Father’s Day Scholarship Brunch and other chapter initiatives.
We do not simply award scholarships. We cultivate futures.
Joseph Merrick Sansom ‘65 Distinguished Scholarship
The Joseph Merrick Sansom ‘65 Distinguished Scholarship was established in February 2025, to honor our oldest living alumnus of our chapter, Brother Joseph Sansom ‘65. He was affectionately known as “Brother Joe.” Brother Joe was born on June 25, 1943 in Durham, NC, the first of four children born to James Joseph Sansom, Jr and Vivian Merrick Sansom. He graduated from Cathedral Latin High School in 1961 and attended his father’s alma mater, Morehouse College where he received his Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration in 1965. Brother Joe was drafted into the U.S. Army and was stationed in Germany where he began his 57 years of happiness journey with “his bride”, Mrs. Sarah Kate Smith Sansom. Brother Joe had a daughter, Karen Sansom-Goodman, son-in-law, Deon Goodman, and grandson, Julian Joseph Sansom Goodman ‘28.
Brother Joe was born into a legacy of leadership and community service. His father was the President of Mechanics and Farmers Bank (M&F) and a community activist known for his devotion to civil rights causes; his mother was an educator who taught Health and Physical Education on the collegiate level at both North Carolina Central University and Shaw University.
Brother Joe served on the Board of Directors of M&F Bancorp for 27 years and Advisory Board of Raleigh. He served on the RDU Airport Authority Board as the first ever African American; first African American Deputy State Treasurer; UNCF Steering Committee; YMCA of the Triangle-Southeast Raleigh Capital Campaign Committee; Salvation Army Advisory Board; former treasurer Morehouse Triangle Alumni Association; National Youth Board, and was a proud Spring 1969 initiate of the Phi Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated.
Brother Joe was an honest, unpretentious, and a people person with a “special” sense of humor. He would always have a “life lesson” to share. Brother Joe transitioned peacefully to his heavenly home on April 11, 2025 at the age of 81.
JMS Scholarship 2025 Receipients Testimonials
“Receiving this scholarship reminded me that I am not walking this journey alone. The Morehouse Triangle Alumni Association didn’t just invest in my education — they invested in my future as a leader.”
Damarion King ‘27, Raleigh, NC Political Science major
“This scholarship has eased the financial burden of my education, allowing me to fully invest my time and energy into leadership, service, and academic excellence. More importantly, it has reminded me that I am supported by a legacy of alumni who believe in my potential and purpose.”
Tajeh Harris '26, Oxford, NC Biology major
“This scholarship represents legacy, brotherhood, and a responsibility to pursue excellence and give back. I’m grateful for the investment in my future and committed to honoring it.”
Cameron Ponton ‘26, Durham, NC Kinesiology, Sport Studies and Physical Education major
The 2026 Morehouse Triangle Alumni Association & Joseph Merrick Sansom’ 65 Distinguished Scholarships are now available. The deadline to apply is Friday, April 3, 2026 by 5:00 pm. All applicants will be notified of the committee’s decision no later than Friday, May 22, 2026.
Recipients will be awarded at the 2nd Annual Father’s Day Scholarship Brunch.
For any questions or concerns, please email: scholarships.morehousetriangle@gmail.com and include your first & last name in the subject line.
