Alvin “Big Joe” McKenzie is the embodiment of the American dream. Born on April 8th, 1936, in Kingston, Jamaica, he immigrated to America at 39 in 1975 without a job lined up and no marketable skills. Big Joe knew the only way to change his current circumstance was to prioritize his education in order to gain marketable skills.
Big Joe went on to first earn his GED and then his Associate’s Degree in Human Services from Springfield Technical Community College. However, Alvin didn’t stop there; he continued working hard to put himself through school, where he eventually earned his bachelor’s degree in human services from Springfield College. Throughout his life, he had eight beautiful children, all of whom have gone on to earn their bachelor’sormaster’s degrees in a variety of fields. Big Joe taught his children that not only can education change your life and offer a path to ultimate success, but it is also the best way to improve your local community.
Following a long battle with cancer, Alvin “Big Joe” McKenzie passed away on January 5th, 2007. He may not be with us anymore, but his legacy lives on in the form of the Alvin Joseph McKenzie Scholarship Fund.
Alvin “Big Joe” McKenzie understood that education is the path to success. Therefore, the Alvin Joseph McKenzie Scholarship Fund was created in Big Joe’s memory to give financial assistance to individuals who prioritize their studies, excel in their education, exhibit integrity, and are dedicated to using their educations to change their communities for the better. Our goal is to provide financial scholarships to individuals who are pursuing higher education and work hard to achieve their dreams.
Alvin J. McKenzie Scholarship Fund, LLC is committed to providing educational scholarships to those who are pursuing their education by attending college or pursuing other forms of higher skill set training.
Alvin J. McKenzie Scholarship Fund, LLC is committed to providing educational scholarships to those who are pursuing their education by attending college or pursuing other forms of higher skill set training. Alvin J. McKenzie scholarship fund initiatives will be but are not limited to Youth Basketball Tournaments, literacy programs, feeding/clothing the homeless, and mental health counseling.
Alvin J. McKenzie Scholarship Fund, LLC’s ultimate goal is to build various outdoor memorial parks as well as recreation centers in which we can provide indoor and outdoor activities that will help build a strong, healthy, and united community.