JC Smith University in national campus retooling effort

JOHNSON C. SMITH UNIVERSITY

Johnson C. Smith University student body President Sydlie Fleurimond and director of student leadership and engagement Anthony Brown cut the ribbon to the upgraded student union through The Home Depot’s Retool Your School initiative.

Johnson C. Smith University is looking to earn grants for campus initiatives.

JCSU is among 30 historically Black college campuses to compete in the 15th annual Home Depot Retool Your School program, where it was received more than $100,000 by finishing in the top five.

The Division of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management is looking to continue its winning streak by placing in the top five once again during this year’s Retool Your School contest.

The contest started Feb. 26 and will support campuses with grants ranging from $40,000 to $150,000 per school in the form of supplies, products and materials to create or transform campus spaces.

"Over the past 15 years, I’ve personally witnessed the long-term impact of this program,” said Arlette Guthrie, senior vice president of human resources at The Home Depot said in a statement. “Retool Your School reflects The Home Depot’s core values and commitment to supporting the communities we serve.”

Students, faculty, staff, alumni and community can vote without limit at RetoolYourSchool.com/vote through March 24. Only votes made via the link will be counted.

“Each year, everyone comes together to vote for our community, which provides us with a sense of unity and family,” said Anthony Brown, JCSU’s director of Student Leadership and Engagement.
In 2022, JCSU finished fourth and earned $30,000, which was used to upgrade Greenfield Gardens, a space outside of Greenfield Hall.

“It’s important for our students, faculty, staff, alumni and community to support JCSU because our level of commitment to the program and collective voting shows that we are better together,” said Davida Haywood, JCSU’s vice president of student affairs and enrollment management. “I am always impressed once the competition is over how many folks comment on social media that they love JCSU and our efforts to ensure that our physical spaces are appropriate and welcoming for years to come.”

Brown and Student Government Association President Sydlie Fleurimond cut the ribbon in October on the renovated student lounge in Mary Joyce Taylor Student Union. JCSU Student Affairs and Enrollment Management, with the help of the Department of Facilities, made renovations over the summer. The space, known as the Bull Pen, is a gathering and study space for students.

“Retool Your School is about leaving a legacy on our college campus through this campus improvement grant,” said Brown, who added several ideas, including a gazebo area, have already been discussed for the next round of renovations. “What better way to be a part of something that will be created for our campus that will leave a lasting mark?”

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