Transform Your Future: Dr. Lomax Shares Lessons for Voorhees University’s Class of 2026

The largest class in over a decade graduated from Voorhees University, a UNCF-member institution, at its 129th commencement ceremony on May 2.

UNCF President and CEO Dr. Michael Lomax received an honorary degree from the university and delivered opening remarks, reminding the 139 graduating seniors to “remember where you started, honor your foundation and invest forward—because the next generation is counting on it.”

As Voorhees University’s Class of 2026 steps out into the world, they carry the institution’s 129-year legacy forward. Graduates leave not only with degrees, but with direction and a commitment to serve and lead.

The university reported a 25% growth in enrollment in 2022, compared to the previous year.

Voorhees also ranked #26 among the top 30 HBCUs for 2022-2023, according to U.S. News & World Report—improving its position from #46 the year before and tying with four other HBCUs, including Johnson C. Smith University (another UNCF-member institution) and Prairie View A&M University. The U.S. News & World Report ranking also listed Voorhees as the thirteenth best private HBCU nationally, which measures the quality of undergraduate education at HBCUs. In the category of best Southern regional colleges, Voorhees ranked #1 for best value and #3 for social mobility, which measures how well schools graduate students who receive federal Pell Grants.

This progress has not gone unnoticed. A transformative philanthropic gift from MacKenzie Scott has accelerated Voorhees’ trajectory. And support from partners like UNCF has further strengthened the foundation, doubling its endowment and positioning the institution for long-term sustainability.

These national rankings, increasing enrollment and philanthropic support are points of pride for the university. But Dr. Lomax underscored that the true measure of Voorhees’ success is not just in dollars or data—it is in its graduates. “You know you are somebody,” he told the Class of 2026. “Live a life of purpose, contribute to your community, use your education as a force for change. You must now give the three ‘T’s’: your time, talent and treasure to sustain opportunity for future generations.”

Dr. Lomax challenged Voorhees graduates to remain connected to the institution that helped shape them. The continued strength of Voorhees—and of HBCUs nationwide—depends on the collective investment of those who have benefited from their mission. Together, UNCF and HBCUs are changing the lives of students who have big dreams.

“When we invest in minds, we don’t just change individual lives—we transform communities, institutions and the future itself,” Dr. Lomax shared.