Orangeburg resident Maurice Lee is doing right. He is featured in the August issue of Essence magazine as one of the Do Right Men of 2008.

Essence is "shining the spotlight on 50 sexy, single, successful brothers" for its annual celebration of Do Right Men. The feature profiles men from across the country who are doing positive things in their communities, Lee said.

The men are divided into 15 categories, which include businessmen, community activists, educators, everyday heroes and military men, among others.

Lee said he was informed of his nomination in the doctors' category in early April. He was flown to New York City on May 15 for the magazine spread photo shoot and said he still doesn't know who nominated him.

Because of the publicity, Lee said his e-mail has been filled with more than 200 e-mail messages a day. He said he's working to respond to them all and is grateful for the support.

Lee is the founder of the MA Lee Scholarship Fund, which assists first-year college students with financing their education. He said the 3-year-old scholarship came from his desire to help students who might struggle with finances during their college careers, just as he did.

Since its establishment, the MA Lee Scholarship Fund has awarded 36 scholarships to deserving high school graduates.

"Financial challenges can throw you off course if you're not stable, rooted and grounded," Lee said. "I wanted to give back so a few local students don't have to deal with those problems."

Lee received his bachelor's degree in biology from South Carolina State University in 1998 and in 2004 received his doctorate in pharmacy from the Medical University of South Carolina. He is currently a pharmacy manager at Walgreens.

In his spare time, Lee enjoys singing, shooting pool, bowling and watching basketball games.

For more information about Maurice Lee and other community projects, visit www.maleescholarship.com. Also, visit www.essence.com to vote for Lee as the 2008 Do Right Man, read his biography, browse his photo gallery, sign his guest book or send him an e-mail. Votes are tallied on a weekly basis.

T&D Features Writer Candace Newson can be reached by e-mail at cnewson@timesanddemocrat.com or by telephone at 803-533-5540. Discuss this and other stories online at TheTandD.com.

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