B-CU's 40 Under 40 Honoree Claudia Fontaine Tops 2020 Class As Highest Fundraiser

B-CU’s 40 Under 40 Class Exceeds $40,000 Fundraising Goal in Less Than 30 Days

This past week Claudia Fontaine and her peers exceeded their fundraising goal for Bethune-Cookman University’s 40 Under 40 Scholarship. In less than 30 days of announcing this year’s 40 Under 40 award recipients, the 40 Under 40 group went to work and has raised $40,917,20. Leading the 2020 class as the current top fundraiser, Fontaine has raised $3,920.20.

B-CU's ‘40 Under 40’ recipients are a group of the University’s top graduates under the age of 40, who exemplify B-CU’s Core Values- Faith, Integrity, Respect, Service, and a Thirst for Knowledge (F.I.R.S.T). These alumni have achieved distinction in their respective fields and have demonstrated outstanding service and loyalty to B-CU and their community. Proceeds from the 40 Under 40 Awards assist current students with need-based scholarships.

“I am beyond honored and proud to be selected as one of the recipients for this year’s 40 Under 40 Award. I remember being in Mrs. Danielle Baker's office on campus admiring her award,” said Fontaine.

Fontaine hails from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and is a 2009 graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Gerontology. She continued her education and obtained her master’s degree in Nursing with a specialty in Education. Fontaine works as a Registered Nurse and is now a full-time professor raising the next generation of nurses at Daytona State College.

She is passionate about community service and helping others to discover their self-worth. “I am a product of Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune's dream, faith and work,” she added. Fontaine mentors’ current students and alumni and has assisted in raising money to award scholarships to Wildcats through her local alumni chapter. “There are many ways to serve Bethune-Cookman, with your time, money and words. Find what works and give in love!”

During Fontaine’s matriculation at B-CU she served in several organizations to include Psychology Club, Bethune-Cookman Inspirational Gospel Choir, Gamma Sigma Sigma National Service Sorority, Inc., Epicurean Modeling Troupe now Epicurean Modeling Experience, Inc., Miss Maroon (Homecoming), National Council of Negro Women, Inc. and more. She has been recognized as Volunteer of the Month from the Center for the Visually Impaired, Black Excellence Award and Community Leadership from Kaiser University.

Fontaine attributes her fundraising success and overall achievements to God, family, and her peers who have helped her raise the scholarship funds. “My best friend Sasha says that I "show myself friendly," Proverbs 18:24. People love, support and trust me, and are glad to support,” she explained. “I reached out to some of my sorority sisters and friends that are past awardees. Thank you, Cierra Anderson, Carla Bell, Michele Holmes and Keon Williams, for sharing lessons learned during this process.”

Claudia is married to the love of her life Todd Fontaine, Sr. who is also a 2009 B-CU graduate. The couple has three beautiful children Victoria, Todd Jr. and Michael. Fontaine. Claudia is intentional about continuing to serve her community and committed to raising scholarship while educating people through her interactions via her #ThatMom YouTube Vlog.

The esteemed 40 Under 40 young alumni will be officially recognized on Friday, October 9, 2020 during a celebratory luncheon.