Quarterly Newsletter Issue 3, April 2022
Quarterly Newsletter
Issue 3, April 2022
Meet Paul Nelson Randolph
As we’ve shared, Paul Nelson Randolph was a man who loved his family, music, University of Michigan sports (Go Blue!), and, most importantly, the Lord. While Paul had a nontraditional learning path, he recognized its essential role in an individual’s success. He strongly encouraged others to pursue their education and skill-building endeavors, including his daughters as they tackled the task of getting their law degrees. The creation of the Paul Nelson Randolph Abundant Life Scholarship Foundation is a testament to his beliefs in the power of education to lift up an individual to be the best they can be.
To illustrate Paul’s impact on those around him, we’re sharing comments from family and friends.
Ariyana, daughter, and Paul
"If there was anything that Paul Nelson Randolph could do for you, he did; nothing was expected in return, except to pay it forward and extend that same hand to others. Before Paul left us, he was doing tremendous work in his church, and he was mentoring young people. Even in his health crisis, Paul did not complain. He still kept giving in whatever way he could. I am eternally grateful that God caused our paths to cross because he showed you what truly sacrificing for other people looks like. Paul’s hands were always open to receiving other people and their issues. Equally as important was his mind; he gave the most sound advice on the planet. He was a living, breathing example of what it means to serve in a humble way."
Pamela Cross, family friend
Who he was
"Dad—being adventurous—planned these amazing road trips, where even the pre-trip planning was exciting! He was very thorough and meticulous: we’d decide where we were going, then we’d go to the AAA office for the details. I remember a trip to the Smoky Mountains when I was about four years old. Dad decided to use the bathroom—and then a bear appeared from behind some large rocks! My mom and I were in the car going crazy trying to get Dad’s attention without stirring up the bear. He finally noticed us and the bear, he hurried back to the car, and we zoomed out of there!
Dad was also very present in our activities. He and Mom balanced school-work-family life together. Dad often picked us up after school and came to games, track meets, cheerleading, and field trips. Even when we played at far-away schools and nobody else’s parents came, my dad would tell us he’d be there, and there he was, driving up in his big red truck to cheer us on!"
Ariyana, daughter
"I remember feeling like I was in the presence of someone very special whenever I talked with Paul, and I always looked forward to our next meeting. No matter if the topic was a friendly rivalry between the [Ohio State] Buckeyes and the [Michigan] Wolverines, whatever it was—you were left feeling whole. I always felt like, ‘I am leaving better than when I entered.’ Paul was an uncommon man and his gift was his spirit. He was the model of a servant of God. Paul and Vanessa donated a lift to the church, which is still a tremendous asset to us. We are having a plaque made to commemorate that gift because we want future generations to know that his involvement with the congregation was genuine, it was authentic, and he was willing to do anything to help. "
Joe L. Middleton, Pastor at The City of Life Christian Church
"Paul had a way, as mentors do: They see beyond your shortcomings and failures, and that's what he was to me. One of the greatest honors that Paul ever gave me was asking me to be the Godfather for his daughter Simone."
Darryl King, family friend
Darryl, family friend, and Paul
Who he became
"Everyone who knew Deacon Paul would say he was a blessing; he made an indelible, positive and inspirational imprint on their lives. His purpose in life was to be a light in dark places. He was poetry in motion, and you could see the vibrancy and fervency of his connection with God. He added flavor to life wherever he touched it. He didn't get caught up in the winds of time, politics, and racial polarization. He was consistently a breath of fresh air to the universe around him. His absence creates a void in the Earth because he was called home, and that void will never be filled. "
Joe L. Middleton, Pastor at The City of Life Christian Church
"Mr. Paul was a great man. He taught me a lot about patience and taking things as they come versus trying to change them into something they were not. He taught me a lot about respect and how to appreciate things. He was like a grandfather to me, and I wish I had a chance to say goodbye to him. "
Justin Peebles, neighbor, mentee, and “adopted grandson”
"Mr. Paul was like an uncle I never had. When my father passed, Mr. Paul was one of the very few people that stuck beside me and my family, texting and calling with words of encouragement and uplifting me at some of my lowest moments. Mr. Paul cared so much for others; even when he got sick, he still checked up. I will never forget the love he and his family shared, and I am very grateful to have had someone like him in my life!"
Justin Dean, family friend and mentee
From left to right: Doris Middleton, Pastor Middleton, Jeffrey Dean, and Paul.
Simone, daughter, and Paul.
The importance of his legacy
"Paul was turned down for a job as a power plant worker at Toledo Edison three times, but he was bound and determined to work there because other family members worked there. But he had no experience. After his third straight month of applying (you could only apply once a month), there he stood at their door for the fourth time—and this time, he was hired! Paul was that person—when he made up his mind about something, he was not easily swayed, even in the face of rejection. But he soon found the work wasn't easy; it was a dirty, dangerous, and scary job, and he had to complete a five-year apprenticeship program to obtain the necessary credentials. This meant he had to work while attending vocational/trade school classes. He had doubts about his choice, but he made up his mind that he was meant to be there. He passed all the classes, took and passed additional classes, and got his state and national certifications as a stationary engineer. He also worked his way up in the company to become a power plant supervisor. Although he wandered in the wilderness early on his career path, during his education journey, and along his spiritual walk, he had to go through those phases to become the hard-working, loving, and kind-hearted man he became."
Vanessa, wife
"Paul was very instrumental in my coming out of the darkness into the marvelous light of God."
Darryl King, family friend
"My dad went to college in a traditional sense for a few years, but he did not graduate. But he was a very smart and curious man who lived to learn. It wasn't for lack of cognitive ability or interest, but for whatever reason, he didn’t appear to apply himself when we went to college right out of high school. But his decision to pivot and use his talents in his career speaks to why education is a pillar of the Foundation. He knew that was the way to achieve a different life for himself and his family, and it wasn't a linear path. It was actually a curvy crazy path that came at different points in life, which truly supports the reason for the scholarship."
Ariyana, daughter
Vanessa, wife, and Paul
Vanessa, Ariyana, Simone, and Paul.
We hope you've enjoyed learning more about Paul through the words of those that enriched his life so deeply. These are individuals that saw Paul in both good and bad times, through the highs and the lows, and through those experiences forged lifelong relationships.
They say a thousand words will not leave as deep an impression as one good deed. Paul Nelson Randolph was a man that was known for his good deeds--and we hope to continue his quest to help others through our scholarship efforts. Join us as we foster Paul's ongoing legacy to living life more abundantly: pnrabundantlife.org/donate
Foundation Updates
Scholarship Updates
Last year brought incredible progress for the Paul Nelson Randolph (PNR) Abundant Life Scholarship Foundation. Although just starting out, our small but mighty team raised more than $38,000 in donations, due in large part to your generosity. Thank you!
Now the fun begins! We accepted applications for our 2022 scholarship cycle from schools and organizations cherished by Paul: Notre Dame Academy in Toledo, Ohio (Ariyana Randolph Miles’ high school alma mater), Saint Joseph Academy in Cleveland, Ohio (Simone Randolph’s high school alma mater) and The City of Life Christian Church in St. Louis, Missouri.
Several talented students and adult learners submitted applications in January, and the Foundation Board is hard at work reviewing them. The Board will select scholarship recipients by the end of April 2022—stay tuned for an exciting announcement in our next newsletter!
In case you missed it…
Last October we hosted our inaugural fundraiser event in honor of Paul Nelson Randolph.
Thirty-five teams flexed their musical knowledge in four rounds of music trivia, danced the night away in our Soul Train Dance Competition, and showed off their style in our ’70s/’80s Costume Contest! Isaiah Clark, our first scholarship recipient, shared how Paul impacted his life through a touching video and a short speech. His team also took home the Music Trivia Game Night first place medal!
Check out more about the fundraiser and Isaiah’s story here.
Cheers to 2022 + What’s ahead!
We look forward to all that 2022 holds in store for the PNR Foundation. This year, our vision is clear: change the lives of some incredible high school students and adult learners, continue to sustain the legacy of Paul Nelson Randolph, and simply bring joy to many.
One way that Paul found joy was through sports and play–whether in his glory days on the football field, peddling for miles on his bike, cheering on his favorite teams, or coaching his daughters in their youth – he loved all things athletic.
To honor this facet of his life, the Foundation invites YOU to get moving during the entire month of July through our Paul’s Move-a-thon: Walk, Run, Ride, & Roll event! Simply make a pledge to move your body at least 3x a week (i.e. walk, swim, dance, bike, roll, etc.) and help us raise funds to support deserving students. Along the way, you can expect a few surprise and delightful, participation prizes, and a Unity Day event. Your pledge will help us as we strive to raise funds for our next scholarship class. Be on the lookout for more information and registration details in May!
We truly appreciate your encouragement, involvement, and donations. Thank you as we continue our journey together, to serve others in their educational/vocational pursuits.
Best,
Vanessa (Van) Randolph and
The Paul Nelson Randolph Abundant Life Scholarship Foundation Board