YHC establishes the Ja’lessa Morris Memorial Scholarship Fund

Young Harris College (YHC) recently established the Ja’lessa Morris Memorial Scholarship Fund in memory of Ja’lessa Morris, a 2011 YHC graduate who passed away on Oct. 24, 2020. After graduating from YHC, she earned a master’s degree at the University of West Georgia before moving to Guilford College in North Carolina. At Guilford, Morris served as a residential education and housing community director, and more recently, as a career guide.  “Ja’lessa was a proud Mountain Lion who sought to make a meaningful difference in the lives of all she encountered,” said Vice President for Advancement Mark Dotson, ’88. “She was a vibrant, highly engaged student who shared the first-ever Young Harris Spirit Award with her twin sister Janelle.”  Based on the input and support of the Morris family, YHC decided to honor Ja’lessa’s life by setting up a scholarship fund in her honor. Recipients of the memorial scholarship fund will be rising sophomore, junior or senior students of color who exemplify the spirit of the College. Morris’s family asks that, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to this fund.  If you would like to give in memory of Morris, you may do so at yhc.edu/giving/online-giving. From there, select “Ja’lessa Morris Scholarship Fund” from the drop-down menu next to “Designate fund.”  YHC is a private baccalaureate and master’s degree-granting institution located in the beautiful mountains of North Georgia. Founded in 1886 and historically affiliated with The United Methodist Church, YHC educates, inspires, and empowers students through an education that purposefully integrates the liberal arts and professional studies. The College has four academic divisions: Fine Arts; Humanities; Mathematics, Science and Technology; and Professional Studies. More than 1,400 students are enrolled in its residential and Early College programs. The College is an active member of the NCAA Division II and remains a fierce competitor in the prestigious Peach Belt Conference. For more information, visit yhc.edu.