Surviving members of slain Southern student Michael Bailey received a gift from university officials Monday at the J.S. Clark Administration Building, a gift that ensures another generation of Baileys will follow in their parents’ footsteps.
The Southern University System and the Southern University System Foundation presented Bailey’s three sons – Devin, Darren and Michael Jr. – with scholarships to attend the college their father attended. A group of SU officials presented the scholarships to a group of family members that included Bailey’s widow Deonne, his mother, Theresa Bailey and his sons.
“Thank you for the love and support given to our family,” Deonne Bailey said. “Mike and I fell in love here. My husband loved and had a passion for electrical engineering. We thank you for being here for us during this time of bereavement.
I appreciate the calls, prayers, and support the entire Southern University body has shown towards us.”
Bailey, 26, was killed in an attempted robbery attempt on the night of Oct. 3 in San Francisco. According to media reports, police said Bailey and a group of friends were allegedly lured to the robbery by a woman who asked for a ride home from a nightclub. Prosecutors said there was not enough evidence to charge the unnamed 21-year-old woman.
University officials including interim system president Kassie Freeman, SUBR chancellor Kofi Lomotey, system foundation president Walter Dumas and engineering dean Nzewi Muhammad attended the meeting.
“We have mixed emotions but we will carry on the tradition of Southern University,” Dumas said. “The motto of the foundation changed — which is ‘Students First’– and to keep with our new philosophy or theme of student scholarships and student welfare, we thought it would be fitting to host this occasion today.”
Muhammad described Bailey, who was months shy of graduating, as a hard worker. He recalled a conversation with Bailey shortly before his death.
“I remember a week before his death and he asked about the course and he showed me how much he was excited to learn,” Muhammad said. “To continue his legacy is very appropriate and his beautiful children will benefit from it.”
Freeman said Bailey was loved and admired by classmates, faculty and staff. Officials agreed that his efforts should be recognized by more than just the SUBR community, but by the entire SU system.
“We ensure the legacy of Michael Bailey will continue by ensuring the educational future of his sons,” Freeman said. “We look forward to welcoming these three young men into the Jaguar Nation. When you are a part of the Jaguar family, you are always part of the Jaguar family.”
