The Peralta Colleges Foundation is proud to announce the establishment of the Dr. Donald H. Godbold Endowed Memorial Scholarship, created to honor the enduring legacy of a man who was a visionary leader and a dedicated member of the Oakland community. This new scholarship will support Merritt College students as they continue their educational journeys.
Dr. Donald H. Godbold came to the Peralta Community College District in the fall of 1973 as president of Merritt College. During his tenure, he implemented efficient, up-to-date, and innovative academic and operational practices that were crucial to the college’s success. After becoming the first Black chancellor of PCCD in 1980, which in turn made him the first Black chancellor of a multi-college district in the state of California, Dr. Godbold refined these practices and introduced them across all Peralta colleges and District offices, where they continue to serve the East Bay colleges to this day. This scholarship also reflects Dr. Godbold's profound dedication to and affection for Oakland, the city where he proudly resided until his passing in 2024.
Dr. Tammeil Gilkerson, chancellor of the Peralta Community College District, commented, "I want to thank the Godbold Family, and particularly Mrs. Delores Roxanna Godbold, for their generous support. I recently had lunch with Mrs. Godbold. It was a joy to speak with her and witness firsthand how deeply she cares about the students in our district, our East Bay community, and the memory of her husband. Dr. Godbold broke through barriers during his impactful career, and with this endowed scholarship, students will continue to benefit from his legacy for years to come." Thanks to the generosity of donors, a total of $24,766 has been raised, with $23,766 placed into the endowed scholarship fund and $1,000 set aside for immediate awards over the next two years. For the 2025–2026 academic year, a single scholarship of $500 will be awarded.
Eligibility Requirements:
To be considered for the Dr. Donald H. Godbold Endowed Memorial Scholarship, applicants must:
We encourage all eligible students to apply for this scholarship, which celebrates the legacy of a man who profoundly shaped the Peralta Community College District and dedicated his life to education and his community. Students can apply for the scholarship beginning on October 1, 2025. Information about the scholarship application process and schedule can be found at https://peraltafoundation.org/scholarship-tips-resources/.