Lincoln University announced Tuesday it's creating a scholarship fund in honor of D'Angelo Bratton-Bland, the school's former Student Government Association president who was killed Dec. 11.
The D'Angelo Bratton-Bland Endowed Scholarship fund will help future LU students pursue their dream of a college education.
Bratton-Bland, 23, was shot in the 200 block of Dawson Street as he apparently walked past a home where "drug activities" were occurring, police reported. They said he was a victim who did nothing to contribute to his death.
Two men - Michael Bouchee, 19, and DeAngelo Frazier Jr., 29 - have been charged with second-degree murder and armed criminal action in connection with Bratton-Bland's death.
Bratton-Bland was a decorated honors student from the Perspectives Math & Science Academy in Chicago's Bronzeville neighborhood.
In addition to being LU's SGA president, Bratton-Bland was a resident adviser and a member of the Lincoln University Ambassador team.
Jonathan Jackson, a 2017 graduate who had led Bratton-Bland's orientation his freshman year, told the News Tribune in December: "He was always a go-getter. He was a young kid from Chicago who wanted to make things better for himself."
Jackson also called Bratton-Bland "an amazing spirit to know. He loved Lincoln. People love Lincoln, but you don't always see that with the students. D'Angelo lived for this university."
Bratton-Bland was on track to graduate this spring with a degree in elementary education, with an emphasis in special education. The university will recognize him as a member of the Class of 2019 and award his degree, posthumously, during the May 11 Commencement activities to be held at The Linc.
Glenn M. Harston II, a family friend, told the News Tribune: "He was determined to give back and shape the minds of youth with similar backgrounds as him, and he was committed to succeed. D'Angelo was about to enter his last semester of his senior year, with only five months left until graduation, when he was mysteriously gunned down."
The university has set a goal of raising $10,000 for the scholarship fund by May 1.
Those wishing to contribute may send their gifts to: Lincoln University Office of Institutional Advancement, 820 Chestnut Street, Room 301 Young Hall, Jefferson City, Missouri, 65101.
For more information on the D'Angelo Bratton-Bland Endowed Scholarship fund, call Andre Grinston, LU interim vice president for institutional advancement and alumni relations, at 573-681-6070.