Lifelong Career Leads to Scholarship Supporting Next Generation of Graphic Designers

Last year, Jamiya Cooper, a first-generation college student from Richmond and now a senior at ODU majoring in graphic design with a minor in marketing and psychology, met her scholarship donors, Deborah Miller and her husband Gary Chiaverotti. Debbie told Jamiya about her college life at ODU, which simply consisted of going to classes and to work. Jamiya said her skin tingled as Debbie talked about her career not only as a graphic designer, but as a graphic designer in ODU’s graphic design office! Debbie talked about how much she loved her job and said she never considered going anywhere else. In fact, she said she worked at ODU from the time she was a student until her retirement! “I found her story so inspiring,” Jamiya said.

Debbie said it was those years that influenced her decision to endow a scholarship to benefit future graphic design students, and Jamiya responded by saying how very proud she was to be the first “Deborah L. Miller Graphic Design Scholar.”

Jamiya was invited to speak at ODU’s annual 1930 Society event to celebrate those who have included ODU in their estate plans, and it was then that she learned the history of her new scholarship, “The David Derbyshire Leadership Scholarship.” Dave was the leader of Circle K, the collegiate level of the Kiwanis Club. He was a galvanizing force, gathering fellow Circle K members to help those in need—shoveling snow, cutting grass, carrying groceries, or any other task.

Sadly, Dave died just a few years after graduating from ODU. His scholarship was endowed by his Circle K friends as a memorial to a wonderful man who set a high standard for his classmates. Jamiya said she was moved to hear how beloved Dave continues to be.

In speaking about her life, Jamiya said that as a child she was curious, intelligent, and had a creative mind. At the age of four, her father was incarcerated, leaving her to be raised by her mother and older sister. Even though Jamiya and her father stayed in touch, she admitted that growing up without the support and guidance of both parents took a toll on her as she transitioned into a young adult. “I’m especially grateful to my mother for the strength she exhibited during those times,” Jamiya said.

As a high school student Jamiya had a passion for art. Her high school art teacher recognized her talents and helped her focus on graphic design. The difficulty of coming up with funds to reach her goal of becoming a graphic artist, though, seemed insurmountable.

Her worry about tuition was alleviated when Jamiya received funds from scholarships endowed by ODU alumni. Jamiya credits these generous alumni in helping her fulfill her dream. While pursuing her passion in graphic design at ODU, she has also held leadership positions in scholastic and service organizations, contributing greatly to the life at the university.

Jamiya will graduate in spring 2024 and “with much determination, I plan to continue joining leadership programs and giving back to the community, just like Debbie Miller and Gary Chiaverotti and Dave Derbyshire have.

“I am so grateful to Debbie Miller and Gary Chiaverotti and the former Circle K members for their commitment and generosity to endowed student scholarships where they will continue to make an impact in the lives of students—just like me—forever.”