Pictured at the April 19 event, left to right, Lauri Perdue, campus & academic director of University of Phoenix, North Las Vegas City Councilman Scott Black, North Las Vegas City Councilwoman Pamela Goynes-Brown, scholarship recipient LaGeisha Espy, Mayor Pro Tem Richard Cherchio, and Mayor John Lee.
University of Phoenix and City of North Las Vegas hold event announcing LaGeisha Espy as recipient of scholarship named for late Assemblyman Tyrone Thompson
By Sharla Hooper
Espy also presented a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition by Congressman Horsford’s office
The University of Phoenix was pleased to announce LaGeisha Espy as the recipient of the 2022 Tyrone Thompson Scholarship, a full-tuition scholarship for prospective student applicants from the state of Nevada pursuing an undergraduate degree, at an April 19 event in collaboration with the City of North Las Vegas, Nevada.
“My story is for all the mothers, fathers, students, and those who feel their dreams have been forgotten about. I want to show them that time will continue to move forward and so can their aspirations and goals,” states Espy. “Earning my degree is not just for personal advancement but also to bring others up with me. Impacting the lives of future generations can be done at any age and I am a strong believer that the greatest outcomes are produced in the face of adversity.”
Espy was formally announced as the scholarship recipient at an event on Tuesday, April 19, at City Hall of the City of North Las Vegas, which was attended by Mayor John J. Lee, North Las Vegas Councilmembers Pamela Goynes Brown, Scott Black, and Richard Cherchio, Sonya Mason, sister of late Assemblyman Thompson, and Ishmael Carroll, Outreach Coordinator for the office of Congressman Steven Horsford, 4th Congressional District of Nevada, as well as guests and family of Espy. Lauri Perdue, campus and academic director, and Jessica Milazzo, senior account specialist, both of University of Phoenix, were in attendance with Perdue presiding over the proceedings.
“Today our community came together to celebrate LaGeisha Espy as the 3rd Annual Assemblyman Tyrone Thompson Scholarship recipient,” stated Perdue. “Awarding this scholarship is an example of how University of Phoenix invests in the community and provides access to higher education. LaGeisha will be able to create a ripple effect in her community and organization showing others what is possible.”
Espy was also presented with a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition by Carroll on behalf of Congressman Horsford.
Espy began working on her accounting degree 20 years ago but put it on hold to become a full-time stay at home mother. Currently employed with Clark County Government, Espy was inspired by the legacy Assemblyman Thompson left in her community and volunteer with local groups providing services to local youth and individuals experiencing homelessness.
Nevada Assemblyman Tyrone Thompson, also known as “T-Squared,” was chair of the North Las Vegas Assembly Education Committee when he suddenly passed away in May 2019, at the age of 51. His untimely passing inspired the creation of the Tyrone Thompson Scholarship as a way for the University to honor Thompson for years to come. Thompson, an alum of University of Phoenix, was known as a champion in the areas of education, homelessness initiatives, public health issues and employment discrimination. Thompson delivered the commencement for the University in June 2017.
“Former Assemblyman Thompson was a champion for education and he cared so deeply about our youth and their future,” said Councilwoman Pamela Goynes-Brown. “He taught us that education is a gift that lasts a lifetime and we are incredibly honored to partner with the University of Phoenix for this fantastic educational opportunity!”
Thompson was appointed to the 17th District Assembly seat in 2013 and was serving his third elected term during the time of his passing. He represented a section of Northwest Las Vegas in Clark County, Nevada. Before his time in the legislature, he served at the Clark County Organizational Development Center, the City of Las Vegas, and the Southern Nevada Regional Planning Coalition. In addition to his work within the public sector, Thompson spent nearly 20 years volunteering as a court appointed advocate for children in the foster care system who had been abused or neglected.
About City of North Las Vegas
North Las Vegas stretches across the northern rim of the Las Vegas Valley and is home to more than 275,000 residents. As a premier place to live, work and play, North Las Vegas leads the valley in new home development while maintaining a longstanding tradition of successful economic development in a business-friendly environment. The City of North Las Vegas’ fast and faster approach has made the city a top destination in the country for development opportunities. North Las Vegas is a hub for new job creation and economic diversification that attracts global brands, innovative industries, manufacturing, e-commerce, and logistics centers.
About University of Phoenix
University of Phoenix is continually innovating to help working adults enhance their careers in a rapidly changing world. Flexible schedules, relevant courses, interactive learning, and Career Services for Life® help students more effectively pursue career and personal aspirations while balancing their busy lives. For more information, visit phoenix.edu.
