The History of the Cabrina Lynne Cummings Scholarship

The Cabrina Lynne Cummings Scholarship was founded in 2000 at East Carolina University by Mr. & Mrs. Lacey Cummings.  The purpose of this scholarship was to honor their daughter, Cabrina Lynne Cummings who passed away on June 7th, 1999 and was a founder of Sigma Omicron Epsilon Sorority, Inc.  In addition, the family wanted to support and promote Native Americans furthering their education.  The Cabrina Lynne Cummings Scholarship was founded in 2000 and was awarded to a Native American student each semester who attended East Carolina University. The Cummings family, Sigma Omicron Epsilon Sorority, and Epsilon Chi Nu Fraternity were the initial sponsors of the scholarship. The scholarship was awarded to a Native American student each semester who attended East Carolina University.

Cabrina was an upcoming Senior at East Carolina University upon her passing. She was a member of the Lumbee Tribe and from Pembroke, NC. She was obtaining a degree in Occupational Therapy and Psychology.  Her hopes and dreams were to work for a hospital system by providing therapy to patients in need.  Her parents desired to continue her legacy of post-secondary education by creating an opportunity for other Natives too. 

To preserve the legacy of the Cabrina Lynne Cummings Scholarship, Sigma Omicron Epsilon, Inc. established the ROSE Scholarship in 2016. The ROSE Scholarship, Reaching Others through Service and Education, is awarded annually to a first year Native woman attending East Carolina University, North Carolina State University or the University of North Carolina at Pembroke. This scholarship reduces the financial burden attending college can place on an individual and their families. The ROSE Scholarship is awarded prior to the fall semester of each academic school year. Scholarship recipients must convey the desire and ability to serve the university and their community through service and education.