AWARD-WINNING ACTOR S. EPATHA MERKERSON STUNS TALLADEGA COLLEGE WITH MILLION-DOLLAR GIFT BY ZERLINE HUGHES SPRUILL
A s the longest running Black woman actor in the history of prime time television, S. Epatha Merkerson is a hot commodity, and not just in Hollywood. Known for her role from 1993 to 2010 as Lt. Anita Van Buren on “Law & Order” and currently as Sharon Goodwin on “Chicago Med,” Merkerson’s schedule can be demanding between running lines, taping episodes and lending her
celebrity to advocate against smoking, for lung cancer research and diabetes awareness. Nonetheless, over the last year and a half, she’s made sure to find time for Talladega College in Alabama. She learned about the 158-year- old liberal arts campus through a close friend and esteemed Talladega alumnus, Rockell Metcalf. As a member of the
class of 1985, Metcalf is a proud Talladega Tornado, who always boasts about his college to anyone who will listen. Lucky for the institution, Merkerson listened to his stories over their 20-plus year friendship, and ultimately visited the campus last year. After meeting students and faculty, and walking the small campus that is home to historic buildings like the Fanning Refectory and DeForest Chapel, Merkerson was in awe,
she said.
“It was an immediate feeling of belonging,” recalled the Emmy, Golden Globe, Screen Actors Guild Award and NAACP Image Award winner. “When I landed on the campus of Tallaega, it just felt like family. The way I was treated, it was just so lovely.”
Her awe soon turned a desire to help the college during a
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