WASHINGTON – Howard University announces the recipient of the 2020 LaRue V. Barkwell Capstone Distinguished Service Award is Odessa W. Scott, an administrator in the Division of Fine Arts and Alumni Affairs who has served the University for nearly 50 years. The award will be presented at the 153rd Charter Day Dinner on Saturday, March 7, 2020. Tickets can be purchased by visiting www.howard.edu/charterday.

“It is my pleasure to bestow this year’s Capstone Distinguished Service Award upon Ms. Odessa Scott,” says President Wayne A. I. Frederick.“For the past 49 years, she has been a dedicated servant leader in various departments here at Howard University and her commitment to truth and service has not gone unnoticed.”

Scott arrived at Howard University in the spring of 1971, after studying at Norfolk State University and Cortez Peters Business School in the District. Her first job was as a secretary with the Department of Alumni Affairs where she worked under then-director Brenda Lawson Brown. Scott often served as typist to legendary Howard surgeon and educator Dr. LaSalle D. Leffall, Jr. When Scott required surgery years later, Dr. Leffall performed the operation. 

“It’s been such an honor and a privilege to work at Howard—the Mecca,” Scott says. “I’ve been blessed by each experience I have had working with the distinguished directors and deans here—scholarly, wonderful African-American folk—a true family.”

Scott has worked in a variety of schools and divisions during her tenure. She is currently administrative coordinator to the associate dean and Childers Hall Building facilitator in the Division of Fine Arts. 

“Ms. Scott is the heartbeat of Fine Arts,” says Fine Arts Associate Dean Lisa Farrington. “She does everything, she knows everything, and she cares so much. She has been very supportive of me. She is a person of integrity and honesty—a woman of great substance.”