UNCF National “A Mind Is…”® Gala Raises $1.2 Million to Support Students and HBCUs
Media Contact
Roy Betts UNCF Communications 240.703.3384 roy.betts@uncf.org
UNCF hosted its National “A Mind Is…”® Gala at The Westin Washington, D.C. Downtown on Thursday, March 5, welcoming about 600 supporters, educators, corporate partners and community leaders for an inspiring evening dedicated to expanding educational opportunity. The event raised $1.2 million to support scholarships for students and strengthen historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs).
UNCF Board Members and UNCF-Member Presidents
The annual gala brought together strong representation from colleges and universities, corporate leaders and longtime supporters committed to helping more students get to and through college. Funds raised will directly support UNCF scholarships and programs that help students pursue and complete their college education.
Actor, singer and philanthropist Clifton Davis received the evening’s highest honor, UNCF’s President’s Award, in recognition of his distinguished career and longstanding dedication to service and education.
“I accept this award, not just with gratitude, but with renewed commitment,” Davis said. “I am honored to stand with UNCF and will continue supporting its mission, helping students at HBCUs, meet their obligations, achieve their goals and receive the education they deserve.”
The evening also recognized several partners for their leadership and commitment to educational equity. FanDuel, Jordan Brand and Pepco received UNCF’s Corporate Keeper of the Flame Award in honor of their continued support of UNCF’s mission and their investment in students and communities.
In remarks delivered at the gala, UNCF President and CEO Dr. Michael L. Lomax told the audience that “the national conversation about HBCUs has shifted from survival to transformation.” He announced that UNCF will soon cross the $700 million mark in its $1.5 billion capital campaign to increase the endowment assets at its 37 member institutions.
“That is not luck or external forces alone. That is strategy. That is execution,” Dr. Lomax noted. “And that is what happens when a movement meets a moment.”
“But we cannot stop,” he emphasized. “There is so much more to do. Our institutions need us. Our students need us. And the audacious—no, the bodacious—future we are building demands that we keep going. And we’re not going alone—we have all of you.”
“The generosity shown tonight demonstrates the power of partnership and a shared commitment to student success,” said Maurice E. Jenkins Jr., executive vice president and chief development officer, UNCF. “Support from our sponsors and donors helps ensure that more students—particularly those attending HBCUs—have the resources and opportunities they need to thrive.”
Entertainment by Song Rise To Thee members Phyllis Adams (L) and Lelia Bolden (R).
The gala highlighted the critical role HBCUs play in educating and preparing future leaders and the importance of strengthening the diverse pipeline of students pursuing higher education.
Through the continued support of corporate partners, donors and community advocates, UNCF can provide scholarships, institutional support and programs that empower students to achieve their academic and professional goals.
For more information about UNCF and how to support its mission, visit uncf.org.
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About UNCF
UNCF is one of the nation’s largest and most effective supporters of higher education and serves as a leading advocate for college-bound students. Since its founding in 1944, UNCF has raised more than $6 billion to support students’ access to higher education, provide scholarships and strengthen historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). Each year, UNCF awards more than 11,000 scholarships totaling more than $62 million. The scholarships support students attending more than 600 US-based colleges and universities including 37 UNCF-member HBCUs. Through its efforts, UNCF has helped generations of students to get to and through college. We believe a college education plays a vital role in fortifying the pipeline of leaders and professionals who contribute to the advancement of our society. Our logo features the UNCF torch of leadership in education and our widely recognized trademark is, ‟A mind is a terrible thing to waste.”® Learn more at UNCF.org or for continuous updates and news, follow UNCF on Instagram.