Dr. Clarence V. Cuffee Endowed Scholarship

The Dr. Clarence V. Cuffee Scholarship is once again offering scholarships to all City of Chesapeake employees pursuing a major in any area of public service. Dr. Cuffee held the field of public service in high regard and he was a lifelong proponent of education. When City Manager Dr. Clarence V. Cuffee passed away in 2006, City employees requested that a scholarship be established to memorialize his contributions to the City. We are pleased to report that over $111,680 has been awarded in Dr. Clarence V. Cuffee Scholarships since 2012. 

Applications are now being accepted and the deadline is Monday, April 17, 2023, at 5:00 p.m. Employees do not have to be a resident of Chesapeake in order to apply; however, must be accepted at Norfolk State University. You can download the application and complete scholarship guidelines. 

Please share this information with employees that do not have ready access to Outlook.  You are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity in support of continuing the legacy of Dr. Clarence V. Cuffee, as well as your personal aspirations.

Contact Dr. Wanda Barnard-Bailey, Deputy City Manager or Jessica Marzitello at 382-6166, if you have any questions.

The Late Dr. Clarence V. Cuffee

Dr. Clarence V. Cuffee1945 to 2006
Chesapeake City Manager
(2002 to 2006)

In memory and recognition of Dr. Cuffee's lifelong commitment to continued learning, a scholarship was established in his name to help deserving students continue their education.

The Dr. Clarence V. Cuffee Scholarship was endowed in 2010 through the financial assistance of the City of Chesapeake employees, family, friends and colleagues of Dr. Cuffee. The Norfolk State University (NSU) Foundation has issued over $97,000 to deserving Chesapeake students attending NSU and majoring in social work or education.

In the past, the Dr. Clarence V. Cuffee Endowed Scholarship was utilized exclusively for financial assistance of full-time, degree-seeking undergraduate (including rising freshmen), graduate, and post-graduate students enrolled in the Ethelyn R. Strong School of Social Work or the school of education at Norfolk State University and residents of the City of Chesapeake, Virginia. City of Chesapeake employees pursuing a degree at NSU in any area of public service are eligible to apply for the Scholarship.

Dr. Clarence V. Cuffee was a lifelong proponent of education who dedicated his life to the service of others. His personal pursuit of education led him to earn a doctorate in social work in 2003 from Norfolk State University. Dr. Cuffee was a teacher and a coach who mentored students in the City of Chesapeake. His career as City Manager was marked by innovations in programs and services for his constituents and his humble but empowering approach to leadership. He was quoted as saying, "A city is more than buildings. It's people too. As a city develops, it must also develop its human capital, its people." It is evident that his thoughts heavily influenced the City's motto of "Chesapeake, the City that Cares."

Contributions to the scholarship fund may be sent to:
Norfolk State University Foundation
700 Park Avenue, HBW 410
Norfolk, VA 23504

On the memo line of your check, please reference the Dr. Clarence V. Cuffee Endowed Scholarship Fund. Contributions can also be sent electronically.

For more details, call the NSU Development Office at 757-823-8323.