LOGAN, W.Va. — America’s Got Talent winner Landau Eugene Murphy Jr. entertained his hometown crowd with a free concert Saturday night at Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College to help celebrate the school’s 50th anniversary.
But then the singer received a surprise of his own, when the school announced they will now offer a scholarship in his name to non-traditional students.
“We have a special surprise for you (Landau) and everyone else,” Southern President Dr. Pamela L. Alderman said. “Southern is now offering a scholarship in your name for non-traditional students.”
In addition to his musical success, Murphy also serves as a role model for those seeking an education later in life. During the pandemic, he took advantage of the downtime to earn his GED — three decades after he dropped out of high school.
“It’s never too late to achieve your goals,” Murphy said. “I am honored that the college decided to offer this scholarship to students who decided to come back to college later in life.”
The scholarship is for any non-traditional student in need of financial assistance who is enrolled in a degree-seeking program at Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College.
Priority consideration will be given to non-traditional students. Attach to the application an essay, 300 to 500 words, explaining how a college education will assist you in achieving your goals.
Alderman said she is proud to be partnering with Landau. “He has been such a great ambassador for education and our community. We couldn’t happier to make this scholarship in his name available to our students.”