Southern WV Community and Technical College announced a scholarship named after the 2011 America’s Got Talent winner, Landau Eugene Murphy Jr.
A special announcement about the scholarship was made Saturday night during the singer’s anniversary concert.
“We have a special surprise for you (Landau) and everyone else,” Southern President Dr. Pamela L. Alderman said standing on stage next to Landau. “Southern is now offering a scholarship in your name for non-traditional students.”
Murphy used his downtime during the pandemic to earn his GED, three decades after he dropped out of high school.
“It’s never too late to achieve your goals,” Murphy said. “I am honored that the college decided to offer this scholarship to students who decided to come back to college later in life.”
The scholarship is for any non-traditional student in need of financial assistance and is enrolled in a degree-seeking program at Southern.
Priority consideration will be given to non-traditional students and will require an essay.
Southern President Dr. Pamela Alderman said she is proud to be partnering with Landau. “He has been such a great ambassador for education and our community. We couldn’t be happier to make this scholarship in his name available to our students.”
Murphy first burst onto the national scene as the Sinatra-and-soul singing season six winner of NBC’s “America’s Got Talent” with his incredible voice, undeniable charisma, and unparalleled showmanship. And a decade later, he’s still going strong.
This year, Landau released “Landau Live in Las Vegas” his pre-pandemic recording at Ceasar’s Palace that includes several never-before-released tracks. It’s Landau’s take on the Great American Songbook as well as classic R&B, all backed by this long-time band, with guest background vocals by former Temptations and Four Tops lead singer, Theo Peoples.