Each year, one student in their final year at hundreds of higher education institutions across the country is chosen as the recipient of the Award. As part of the Award, the student receives $3,000 to use as they wish and carries the honor of being known as a Presser Scholar for the rest of their life.
In this post, we highlight one such recipient. Cahlil Mapson received the 2024-25 Undergraduate Scholar Award from Alabama State University (ASU) and graduated this spring. Here, we share how his demonstrated excellence, commitment to service, and his work to build community make him an exemplary Presser Scholar.
Academic Excellence and Leadership
Throughout his time at ASU, Cahlil Mapson maintained an outstanding GPA while majoring in music and minoring in accounting. His commitment to academic excellence was matched by his exceptional musical achievements, which positioned him as both a standout performer and an influential leader within ASU’s music program.
As a featured soloist, Cahlil graced the stage on numerous occasions with the University Choir and with Trebled Soul, the university’s a cappella vocal jazz group. His vocal talents extended beyond campus through his role as a choral scholar intern at Church of the Ascension in Montgomery, where he was featured as a soloist on many occasions. This dedication to vocal performance is further demonstrated through his regular participation in regional NATS vocal competitions, where he consistently achieved high placements in his categories.
Cahlil’s leadership abilities flourished through his multi-year service as section leader of the University Choir, a role that took him to venues including Carnegie Hall and on choral tours spanning multiple cities in the Midwest and Southeast regions. His professional demeanor and natural leadership qualities established him as a role model for younger students.
Service and Community Engagement
As a Golden Ambassador (ASU’s highly selective group of students who serve as the official greeting body for the School), Cahlil assisted elderly attendees with finding their seats and addressing other needs during various campus events and functions. His commitment to service was further recognized when he was selected as a soloist to perform at ASU’s President’s Gala, serving as an outstanding representative of the music program.
As a member of Alpha Phi Alpha, Cahlil regularly assisted the music department with community concerts, children’s education and outreach programs, and other campus community needs. His involvement extended to working with local nonprofits that promote music education in public elementary schools, where he connected with children from diverse backgrounds. Cahlil also as President of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity’s Beta Upsilon chapter at ASU during the 2023-2025 school years, further demonstrating his commitment to community service.
Building Bridges and Promoting Unity
Cahlil regularly meets with other musicians from throughout the city and region, performing in a variety of settings including both predominantly Black and white churches. His commitment to fostering understanding and unity led him to help organize a community project called “Walk with Ahmal” that promoted world peace in Montgomery and recognition of refugee children from other parts of the world.
He was also very active with a number of international music students at ASU, collaborating on numerous projects and musical performances. Well-liked by all students, Cahlil demonstrated exceptional ability to work across cultural and musical boundaries, contributing to an inclusive environment within the music program.
Looking Forward
After graduating summa cum laude this past spring from ASU, Cahlil will use the Presser Scholar award funds to pay for graduate school application fees and travel expenses.
Reflecting on this honor, Cahlil shared his gratitude: “Thank you to The Presser Foundation and to the music faculty at Alabama State University for nominating me for this very prestigious award. It makes all the difference in the world to be recognized for all of the long hours of practice, studying, and performing that I’ve done over the past few years, and I’m very proud to represent my school, Alabama State University, as the 2025 Presser Undergraduate Scholar for the Department of Music. The funds will help me greatly in pursuing graduate study and I’m very appreciative of the opportunity.”
Cahlil Mapson’s selection as a 2025 Presser Scholar represents recognition of his multifaceted contributions to the Alabama State University music community and beyond. His combination of musical excellence, academic achievement, leadership, and dedication to service embodies the values that The Presser Foundation seeks to support and celebrate.
