The Scholars’ Wall was originally conceived to recognize the academic and scholarly activities of Potomac State College’s students, alumni, and faculty. During the early deliberations, the College planned to name the wall in honor of Dr. Henry Louis gates, Jr., who attended Potomac State and now serves as chair of Harvard’s Department of African American Studies. He is recognized as one of the most powerful academic voices in America and in 1997 was voted one of Time magazine’s “25 Most Influential Americans.” When Dr. Gates entered Potomac State, his intention was to become a physician. That ambition was short-lived, however, when he was introduced to the captivating world of language and literature by Professor Tony “Duke” Whitmore. Dr. Gates credits Dr. Whitmore with forever changing his life and consequently helping to redefine the meaning of America through the research of Dr. Gates and his colleagues.
Upon Dr. Whitmore’s death during the planning stages of the wall, Dr. Gates requested that the name of the wall be changed to include the name of Dr. Tony “Duke” Whitmore, so that the student and his mentor may be honored together.
The wall is located on Campus Drive in front of Academy Hall.
Outstanding Alumni
Each year the PSC Alumni Association selects an alumnus or alumna to be designated as a Whitmore-Gates Scholar. The recipient must have been a student at Potomac State College for at least one semester and must have produced a scholarly work of outstanding quality. Scholarly works may include the publication of books, articles in journals, presentations at academic conferences, public performances, works of art, or other academic achievements. The award may be given posthumously.
Outstanding Faculty
Former faculty may be chosen for this award. The recipient must have taught at PSC for at least one academic year in either a full-time or adjunct capacity and must have produced a scholarly work of outstanding quality. Scholarly works may include the publication of books, articles in journals, presentations at academic conferences, public performances, works of art, or other academic achievements. The award may be given posthumously.
Outstanding Student
Each year a faculty committee selects up to three students who exhibit exemplary scholarship and potential for continued achievement. The first year’s inductees also included students who had been recognized as the Outstanding Students of the Year from its inception in 1983. The Outstanding Student will automatically be designated as a Whitmore-Gates Scholar. Any other recipients will be chosen from students who by the end of the current semester will have completed at least 64 hours of college credit at Potomac State with at least a 3.7 GPA and show potential for outstanding academic achievement. Additionally, a finalist for a state or national award for academic excellence may be considered.
To nominate a person for the Potomac State Scholar's Wall you may click here to complete a Scholar's Wall Form.
To see a list of the honorees of the Potomac State College Scholar's Wall Award click here.