Living Life with Purpose
As a student at Western Kentucky University, Tabitha Monique Briggs was an engaged member of the Hilltopper community. Tabitha was a member of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, an athletic supporter, and performer in The Amazing Tones of Joy choir. Diagnosed with breast cancer at age 20, Briggs continued to live her life with energy and enthusiasm.
As an intern at Bowling Green, Kentucky’s American Cancer Society office, Briggs educated students on healthy living. She used her own story as a platform to inspire rather than letting her diagnosis drag her down. Her positive outlook during difficult times was an inspiration to all.
Tabitha succumbed to cancer on March 11, 2005, a few months after receiving her bachelor’s degree from her beloved alma mater and five days shy of her 25th birthday.
Her sorority sisters and friends established the Delta Sigma Theta – Tabitha M. Briggs Memorial Scholarship Fund, allowing her memory to live on through education and raising awareness of breast cancer support and prevention.
Fundraising efforts from family, friends, and Delta Sigma Theta members have supported the endowment’s growth. In (list year), 15 members Eta Zeta Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority’s Revelation (Alpha Xi line) celebrated its 15th membership anniversary and Tabitha’s leadership in their pledge line with a $1500 memorial gift and invites others to create more opportunities for WKU students to become future community leaders by supporting the Fund.
Delta Sigma Theta – Tabitha M. Briggs Scholarship Fund Recipients
| 2014-2015 | Kayla Jenay Smith | $1,000 |
| 2015-2016 | Danielle Monshia Burnley | $1,000 |
| 2016-2017 | Shaire Ariel Blythe | $1,000 |
| 2017-2018 | Chanel M. Watkins | $1,000 |
| 2018-2019 | Symone Taqwa Whalin | $1,100 |
| 2019-2020 | Tabitha Nicole Thomas | $1,200 |
| 2020-2021 | Jazzlin Hamilton | $1,400 |
| 2021-2022 | Summer Gary | $750 |
| 2022-2023 | Samyzia Drisana Sear | $1,500 |
| 2023-2024 | Genesis Jachell English | $2,000 |
| 2024-2025 | Galen Grace Fletcher | $1,800 |
| 2025-2026 | Nadia Onye Shobe | $1,900 |
| 2026-2027 | Alexis Nicole Pinkston | $1,900 |
| Total Amount Awarded: | $17,550 | |
Scholarship Highlight
“I graduated with a Doctorate of Nursing Practice in May 2019. My first research focus is on non-pharmacological cancer pain interventions, including music therapy. I am currently working at Graves Gilbert Clinic in Oncology.”
Kayla Smith, 2014-2015 Scholarship Recipient
