Student Spotlight : Donnaree Rigg

Donnaree Rigg

"My name is Donnaree Rigg, a Computer Information Systems Major, in the College of Business Administration (COBA). I am a recipient of the James 'Jimmy' Brown Scholarship, SSU Foundation Scholarship, and COBA Advisory Board Scholarship. Being a recipient enables me to strive and continue along the path of leadership, scholarship and community involvement."

"It is in my belief that a scholarship not only assists students financially, but also it gives them reinforcement that no good character goes unrecognized. Words cannot explain the effects of being a scholarship recipient."

Donnaree just completed a summer internship with TIAA-CREF, a prestigious financial services company, and has accepted a full-time position that begins after she graduates May 2015!

She attributes the scholarship she received, and the opportunities it afforded her, to getting one step closer to reaching her
"dream of becoming an IT professional doing project management or working in corporate America."

From Savannah to the Big Apple

She expects the best out of herself and refuses to let anything or anyone stand in her way. That’s how Savannah State alumna Tatia Adams Fox ’94 became the first and highest-ranking African-American female executive at Warner Music/ADA.

She's a marketing strategist. A community activist. An education advocate. A leadership and career coach. She's been featured in Billboard and Vibe magazines, appeared on Fox News, and been listed as one of New York City’s Top 25 Most Powerful Women in Philanthropy. Now, she’s come back to share her know-how for making it big time in the big leagues with Savannah’s rising generation.

As a visiting professor in marketing, Adams Fox teaches students how to go from passionate dreamer to innovative strategist. She's determined to help students find their own brand of success.

“It's not enough to have a great idea,” says Adams Fox. “You have to execute it better than anyone else out there. You have to show people how to look at something in an entirely new way.”

That's what sets you apart in this world. According to Adams Fox, you can't wait for a big break. You have to go out and make it happen yourself. Two days after graduation, she bought a one-way ticket to Chicago—determined to use a magazine publishing internship as a launchpad for one great, big career. She did. She's worked for Fortune 500 companies, MTV, and Motown Records. And handled press and marketing for celebrities like Nick Cannon, Sean “P. Diddy” Combs, Akon, Swizz Beatz, Wu-Tang Clan, Kat Deluna, and Q-Tip.

“I shoot straight with my students. Dreams are essential but not enough,” says Adams Fox. “It's not enough to want something; you have to work hard for it—and give everything you've got.”

Students are hearing her loud and clear. They quote her “Foxisms” around campus. And they’re finding the inspiration they need to follow her bold example.