ATLANTA – Attorney-at-law Patrick S. Campbell has been appointed as Chairman of the board of Peace and Love Academic Scholarship (PALAS) Inc.
His appointment came after a specially convened strategic planning meeting in Orlando, Florida.
Campbell is a partner in the Corporate Department of the international law firm of Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP, where he practices in the Washington, D.C. office as a member of the firm’s Communications & Technology Group.
Born in Kingston, Jamaica, Campbell attended Jamaica College before migrating to the United States, where he graduated cum laude from Georgetown University and with distinction from Stanford Law School.
After clerking for a federal appellate judge, Campbell was the first black lawyer to join the Washington, DC office of his firm, and eventually became one of the youngest partners, and only the third black partner, in the history of the firm.
Throughout his career Campbell has served on and/or chaired a number of non-profit boards dedicated to improving educational opportunities for young minorities.
Campbell’s interest in PALAS began when he met founder Rula Brown through mutual acquaintances. His interest in the organization grew when he witnessed the tremendous impact PALAS could have on young lives in Jamaica following the first award presentation in 2012, at which 42 scholarships were awarded.
Since then Campbell has been a key speaker at every PALAS award ceremony, has served on the PALAS advisory board, and along with his wife Natasha has made substantial financial and other contributions to the organization every year.
His leadership as Chairman is expected to enhance the visibility of PALAS and empower the growing non-profit to be more structured, strategic and forward-thinking in its operations.
“I am honored to have been placed in a position to help lead this wonderful organization to even greater achievements,” Campbell said.
“Education was transformative in my life, and PALAS’s mission is to help pave the way for young people who were just like me growing up in Jamaica to obtain their full potential; I am totally committed to furthering that cause and am grateful for the opportunity,” Campbell added.
Founder Rula Brown also expressed his strong support for Campbell’s appointment, stating: “I am very excited about the vision and experience that Mr. Campbell will bring to PALAS as Chairman; to me this represents a turning point for PALAS that will help to ensure that the sacrifices I have made to this organization will continue to bear fruit well into the future.”
PALAS has been growing by leaps and bounds since its 2010 inception in memory of then 18-year-old Vanessa Campbell, an aspiring artiste who was brutally murdered in Portmore, Jamaica.
Last August PALAS awarded 102 scholarships (the highest in its six-year history) to high school and tertiary institution students during an award luncheon held at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel.
Since its founding, PALAS has awarded a total of 384 scholarships, with a total value of approximately JA$24 million (approx. US$184,000.00).
Among PALAS’ university graduates to date are 44 students, including 15 medical doctors and 7 lawyers.
This year the non-profit organization plans to award 110 new scholarships for the 2017-18 school year. The application process will commence May 1 through June 7, 2017.
Donations can be made online at www.PALAS1.org or mail a check to PALAS, P.O. Box 5461, Alpharetta, GA 30023 to support the program. PALAS is an Atlanta-based non-profit, 501 (c) (3) organization.
