Bruce D. Nesbitt African American Cultural Center awarded Cultural Center of the Year

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WAND) - The Bruce D. Nesbitt African American Cultural Center is like a second home to many students at the University of Illinois. So accepting an award applauding all of their hard work meant a lot to the center.

“Every person, specifically African Americans need a foundation and a home. Being on a predominately white campus you need that specific home to you where you can always just come to and know like this is my place.” said senior, Chloe Benton.

The center helps mold, guide and encourage students every day. Director Jazmyne Kellogg is quite busy making sure students are ready once they leave the University of Illinois.

“We hope to be a place, a sounding board where students can walk in, and they can build those connections but also build their skills to be successful students here and beyond.” said Kellogg.

Senior Lauren Purchase was also awarded undergraduate of the year. Purchase says it was an honor to know that all of her hard work was noticed, and paid off.

"I felt really proud of myself in that moment just to spend it with everybody in this space that was with us. But it also helped me realize that the work I’m doing is meaningful and that I am helping the community in the ways I really want to.” said Purchase.

For more information on the Bruce D. Nesbitt African American Cultural Center, click here.