Events

The Returning to Our Roots Gospel Brunch is a signature event hosted by UNCF New York’s Faith & Education Committee, celebrating the immense support of churches, pastors, and community leaders dedicated to UNCF, HBCUs, and their students.

Join us at this inspiring gathering and nourish both body and soul through fellowship, as we honor the 2024 awardees whose impactful work has made a significant difference in the lives of many. Attendees will enjoy brunch, uplifting musical performances, and powerful speakers, all while supporting a vital cause. Funds raised from this event will directly benefit UNCF, our scholars and our 37 member institutions, and further our mission to expand educational and career opportunities for students of color. Join us in making a lasting impact on the future of our community.

Join Us for an Evening of Gratitude, Generosity and Glamour! Celebrating 80 years of Excellence! 

The Second Annual 2024 Macon Masked Ball is a premier fundraising gala and major social event focusing on raising awareness of the need and benefits of a college education, the students UNCF serves and the contributions of historically Black colleges and universities. This year is especially exciting as UNCF is celebrating its 80th Anniversary.

Hosted by a diverse group of corporate sponsors, local businesses and professional organizations the Macon Masked Ball is an evening of celebration attended by local celebrities, civic leaders, alumni, dignitaries, philanthropists, volunteers and friends of UNCF.

This must-attend event is full of elegance, delicious food and live entertainment all to dedicated to support UNCF’s mission of investing in better futures for the young men and women we serve and by helping them move to and through college. Your support will make a difference in the lives of many students who dream of a brighter future. You don’t want to miss out on this fantastic opportunity to have fun and make a lasting impact.

The UNCF Empower Me Tour (EMT) was created to empower a movement among young people, motivating them toward academic excellence, personal responsibility and fiscal health through relevant program content and community engagement. UNCF and education professionals visit participating college campuses and present workshops and guidance to students who wish to get a head-start on their college and career planning.

This year’s event will be live and in person!

This free event delivers!

• UNCF-member HBCU representatives
• College admissions
• Paying for college workshops
• Scholarships awarded
• College prep workshops

Scheduled Event Date:

Friday, December 6, 2024

Are you attending? Apply for the Merit Scholarship today!

The 10th Annual Pee Dee Area UNCF Mayors’ Masked Ball is a premier fundraising gala and major social event focusing on raising awareness of the need and benefits of a college education, the students UNCF serves and the contributions of historically black colleges and universities. This year is especially exciting as UNCF is celebrating its 80th Anniversary. Hosted by a diverse group of corporate sponsors, local businesses and professional organizations, the Pee Dee Area UNCF Mayors’ Masked Ball is an evening of celebration attended by civic leaders, alumni, dignitaries, volunteers and friends of UNCF. This must-attend event is full of fun, fashion and glamour, and supports UNCF’s mission of investing in Better Futures® for the young men and women we serve by helping them move to and through college.

This year marks UNCF 80th anniversary. “Honoring the legacy, Transforming our Future.” For eight decades, through the generosity of our supporters, UNCF has become the nation’s leading private provider of scholarships to underrepresented students and the most effective minority education organization. Since we were founded in 1944, UNCF has raised more than $6 billion for scholarships and financial assistance and helped more than 500,000 students to go to and through college, and we are proud of our accomplishments to date.

We are celebrating the 80th Anniversary of UNCF! Reaching this anniversary is a remarkable achievement and represents shared experiences, memories, and growth. On this important occasion we are very excited about this opportunity to welcome and thank you for your support and commitment to our work.

The Atlanta UNCF Mayor’s Masked Ball is a premier fundraising gala and major social event focusing on raising awareness of the need and benefits of a college education, the students UNCF serves and the contributions of historically Black colleges and universities. Hosted by a diverse group of corporate sponsors, local businesses and professional organizations, the Atlanta UNCF Mayor’s Masked Ball is an evening of celebration attended by national celebrities, civic leaders, alumni, dignitaries, volunteers and friends of UNCF. This must-attend event is full of fun, fashion, glitz and glamour, and supports UNCF’s mission of investing in Better Futures® for the young men and women we serve and by helping them move to and through college.

The UNCF Atlanta “After the Masked Ball” is a testament to our commitment to continuing the momentum generated by the main event. Organized in collaboration with the Mayor’s office, this event aims to further raise funds crucial to supporting UNCF’s mission of providing educational opportunities to deserving students. By sponsoring, you not only align your company with a prestigious cause but also contribute directly to the educational advancement of young people in our community.

Experience the magic of UNCF’s “A Mind Is…” Gala for the first time in the Triad! This inaugural event marks a giant leap forward as UNCF expands its reach to empower North Carolina students.

This highly anticipated event will honor deserving leaders from the Triad Area and will raise funds to benefit UNCF and Winston-Salem Forsyth County Schools.

Mingle with community leaders, hear inspiring student stories, and enjoy an unforgettable evening! But the real power lies in your impact. Your participation fuels scholarships for deserving Triad youth, unlocking brighter futures.

Join us in making history for NC’s students and HBCUs. Learn more and be a part of this transformative night!

Event Attire:

Black-Tie (Gowns & Tuxedos)

*Sneakers highly encouraged*

It is with great enthusiasm we invite you to join us for the 15th Annual UNCF San Antonio Mayor’s Luncheon on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. This charitable event will be held at the beautiful Witte Museum, located at 3801 Broadway.

The Mayor’s Luncheon offers vital financial support and raises awareness for UNCF’s mission. UNCF plays a crucial role in positively transforming lives by expanding access to a college education for students from underrepresented communities — serving as a gateway to fulfilling careers, active citizenship, and a spirit of service.

Join the celebration with San Antonio’s corporate, community, and civic leaders along with clergy, local alumni, scholars, and parents, all united by the common goal of nurturing and advancing the potential of tomorrow’s leaders. Your attendance at the 2025 UNCF San Antonio Mayor’s Luncheon will be a shared investment in the continuous effort to foster a stronger San Antonio community by enhancing educational opportunities for underrepresented students in our region.

The Annual Black History Month Tampa 5K Run/Walk for Education and Community Festival is an exciting event that celebrates Black history, education, and community. Anyone who wants to have fun while learning about the achievements and contributions of African Americans throughout history in the Tampa Area can attend. A great opportunity to support underprivileged students by raising funds for education. Come and honor the legacy of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and their contributions to education and the history of the Black community in Tampa.

Have a competitive spirit? Join the chance to win some fun prizes by being the Top Fundraiser (Individuals Only). Limited supply for all prizes.

Top Fundraisers will receive a prize.

Join us for the 9th annual North Texas Mayors’ Masked Ball. This premier fundraising and social event focuses on raising awareness of the need and benefits of a college education, the students UNCF serves and the contributions of historically Black colleges and universities. The proceeds from the event will go towards supporting UNCF and its mission to provide assistance to deserving minority students in North Texas.

If you want to connect with more than 500 students, faculty, leaders in the HBCU community, funding experts, sponsors, alumni, and member institutions of the country’s largest and most effective African American education organization—UNCF— this is your opportunity.  The UNCF Leadership Conference, a combination of the National Alumni Council (NAC) and the National Pre-Alumni Council (NPAC), is the perfect opportunity to get acquainted with key decision makers and engage students who are on the path to leadership.  Your involvement in this conference is an opportunity to demonstrate a commitment to education now and in the future.

This exciting three-day conference provides interactive and energizing workshops and industry speakers exploring the best and most promising practices relevant to students, alumni and UNCF member HBCUs.

This page is your resource to review the various aspects of the conference.  The draft of the full schedule, registration details, team leaders, FAQs, conference related forms and other pertinent information are all included here.

FULL REGISTRATION FEE INCLUDES:

• Welcome Reception: “A Taste of Memphis” @ The FedEx Experience Center(Thursday evening)
• Leadership Breakfast/Business Session I (Friday)
• Empower Me Tour Presentations (Friday)
• Career Fair (Friday)
• Alumni Summit (Friday)
• UNCF Legacy Gala (Friday)
• Miss National UNCF Coronation (Saturday)
• Relevant Workshops/National presenters and speakers

PRE-ALUMNI REGISTRATION

ALUMNI REGISTRATION

Thursday, February 20, 2025
Wear your school t-shirt and/or paraphernalia

Questions about parts of the event? Contact:

• Alumni Awards: Dr. Kalvin Wall * awards@uncfnac.org * 252.289.5362
• Alumni Summit: Dr. Gregory Murphy  * southeast@uncfnac.org
• Conference Logistics: Tony Hawkins *  conference@uncfnac.org * 901.299.7353
• Coronation: Kara Parks *  coronation@uncfnac.org * 843.870.8171
• Legacy Gala : JoAnn Scott * nominations@uncfnac.org * 901.351.0376
• Vendors Market: Stephanie Jones* vendors@uncfnac.org * 609.760.6495
• Workshop Presenters: Dr. Ala’Torya Cranford * vpprograms@uncfnac.org

CONFERENCE ALUMNI AWARDS

These prestigious alumni awards recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to their alma mater, their community and/or UNCF. Each school submits the name of one alumnus for the Hall of Honor (Outstanding Alumni Award) and one alumnus for the Outstanding Young Alumni Award.

These awards will be presented during UNCF NAC Legacy Gala, Friday, February 21, 2025 at 7:30 p.m. in the Grand Ballroom at the Renasant Convention Center.

2025 NAC Conference: Outstanding Alumnus Form

2025 NAC Conference: Outstanding Young Alumnus Form

2025 Legacy Award

2025 NAC Cecelia Washington Award (page 10-12)

CONFERENCE STUDENT AWARDS

2025 William “Bill” McGill Male Student Award (page 8)

2025 Ernest Fair- Charles Stevens Female Student Award (page 9)

The Inaugural UNCF Orlando Mayor’s Masked Ball is a premier fundraising gala and major social event focusing on raising awareness of the need and benefits of college education, the students UNCF serves, and the contributions of historically black colleges and universities. Hosted by a diverse group of corporate sponsors, local businesses, and professional organizations, the inaugural UNCF Orlando Mayor’s Masked Ball is an evening of celebration attended by civic leaders, alumni, dignitaries, volunteers, and friends of UNCF.

This must-attend event is full of fun, fashion, and glamour, and supports UNCF’s mission of investing in Better Futures® for the young men and women we serve by helping them move to and through college.

Hosted by UNCF Orlando

The 4th Jacksonville UNCF Mayor’s Masked Ball is a premier fundraising gala and major social event focusing on raising awareness of the need and benefits of a college education, the students UNCF serves and the contributions of historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs), including Jacksonville’s very own Edward Waters University—Florida’s first HBCU and first independent institution of higher education.

Hosted by a diverse group of corporate sponsors, local businesses and professional organizations, the Jacksonville UNCF Mayor’s Masked Ball, is an evening of celebration attended by civic leaders, alumni, dignitaries, volunteers and friends of UNCF and EWU. This must-attend event is full of fun, fashion, glitz and glamour, and supports UNCF’s mission of investing in Better Futures® for the young men and women we serve and by helping them move to and through college.

The UNCF Charlotte Mayor’s Masked Ball is a premier fundraising gala and major social event, focusing on raising public awareness and large donations to support deserving students across North Carolina.

This highly anticipated event brings together individuals, small businesses, corporate sponsors, celebrities, dignitaries, civic leaders, public officials, and alumni who support UNCF’s mission of investing in better futures for us all by getting students to and through college.

UNCF has been dedicated to creating opportunities for deserving students for 80 years. Through various programs and initiatives, we aim to bridge the gap between financial barriers and educational aspirations.

The 2025 Hampton Roads UNCF Mayors’ Masked Ball is a premier fundraising gala and a major social event, focusing on raising public awareness and large corporate and individual donations to support deserving students through UNCF. Hosted by a diverse group of corporate sponsors and local businesses, it involves celebrities, dignitaries, civic leaders, volunteers, public officials, alumni and others who support UNCF’s mission of investing in better futures for us all by getting students to and through college.

Thank you for considering this opportunity and for remembering that “A mind is a terrible thing to waste.”®

The 2nd Annual UNCF Tampa Bay Mayor’s Masked Ball is a premier fundraising gala and major social event focusing on raising awareness of the need and benefits of college education, the students UNCF serves, and the contributions of historically black colleges and universities. Hosted by a diverse group of corporate sponsors, local businesses, and professional organizations, the 2nd Annual UNCF Tampa Bay Mayor’s Masked Ball is an evening of celebration attended by civic leaders, alumni, dignitaries, volunteers, and friends of UNCF.

This must-attend event is full of fun, fashion, and glamour, and supports UNCF’s mission of investing in Better Futures® for the young men and women we serve by helping them move to and through college.

Hosted by UNCF Orlando