English

DIGNITARIES AND STARS JOIN THURGOOD MARSHALL COLLEGE FUND IN CELEBRATING 24 YEARS OF EDUCATION ADVOCACY

Report this content

MEDIA CONTACT
Hallema Sharif 
hallema.clyburn@tmcfund.org
Phone: 212-573-8494

NEW YORK (OCTOBER 18, 2011) – The Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) will host its 24th Anniversary Dinner on Monday, October 24, to be held at the Sheraton New York Hotel & Towers. This prestigious annual gala marks 24 years of the advancement of TMCF’s core principle – Developing Minds … Delivering Dreams – as the organization grooms the nation’s future leaders of industry, government and education. 

The Anniversary Dinner culminates the TMCF Annual Leadership Institute & Recruitment Fair – the premier recruitment conference for public HBCU students. For the past decade, this four-day conference (October 21-25) has given promising future leaders an invaluable professional development experience. A select group of students are connected with some of the nation’s top executives for leadership training, career management, life skills, development and recruitment opportunities. 

The dinner serves as the primary fundraiser to aid the nearly 300,000 students attending TMCF’s 47 public HBCUs in their goal of achieving a higher education. In 2010, the event raised $1.3 million, and this year the group hopes to exceed that number by adding a live stream element to its production (http://www.tmcf-stream.net/). The organization has announced a distinguished roster of honorees and renowned celebrity talent for this year’s gala.

Hosted by multi award-winning gospel artist Pastor Shirley Caesar, the gala will feature such entertainment luminaries as Blair Underwood, Cuba Gooding, Jr., Lynn Whitfield, Tichina Arnold, Rockmond Dunbar, Lamman Rucker, Terrance J, Melyssa Ford, and Carl Lewis for a star-studded evening to remember.

The TMCF 2011 honorees are visionaries who share a common thread of distinguished service and philanthropy. These individuals are being recognized for their singular achievements and indelible impact on the lives of our next generation of leaders.  The list of honorees is as follows:

  • International Humanitarian of the Year Award: UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon
  • Breaking Barriers Award: Russell Simmons, chairman, Rush Communications
  • Founders Award: John Esposito, former president and CEO, Bacardi USA, Inc.
  • Community Leadership Award: Rollin L. Ford, executive vice president and chief information officer, Walmart Store, Inc.
  • Corporate Leadership Award: Jesse L. Calloway, VP and general manager, Tobacco Processing & Manufacturing, Philip Morris, USA
  • Educational Leadership Award: Dr. Thelma B. Thompson, former president, University of Maryland Eastern Shore

Performers for this year’s gala will include headliner, singer/songwriter and Grey Goose Rising Icon Marsha Ambrosius, who will perform tracks from her debut top-charting album, Late Nights and Early Mornings. Additionally, guests will be treated to a performance by UN Ambassador Maya Azucena, honoring the legacy of Justice Thurgood Marshall.

Yet another highlight of the evening's festivities is a tribute to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). On behalf the TMCF Alumni Association and its president Hardy K. Dorsey, two distinguished HBCU alumni will be honored: Tommy W. Dortch, Fort Valley State class of 1972; and Carl Turnipseed, Morgan State University, class of 1969.

“On this evening of celebration, it’s important to reflect on the legacy of Thurgood Marshall, and pay homage to those who, like the Justice, have lent their generosity of time and spirit of activism towards supporting our young future leaders,” says Johnny C. Taylor, Jr., president and CEO of TMCF. “While we proudly reflect on our accomplishments as an organization, we’re humbled by the notion that there is much work to be done, as we continue to ensure our underrepresented scholars have access to a quality education and opportunities.”

For more information about the Anniversary Dinner, visit: http://www.thurgoodmarshallfund.net/li-anniversary-awards-dinner/anniversary-dinner-main

ABOUT THE THURGOOD MARSHALL COLLEGE FUND 

The Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF), named for the U.S. Supreme Court's first African-American justice, was established in 1987. TMCF supports and represents nearly 300,000 students attending our 47 member schools, which include public Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCUs) and Predominantly Black Institutions (PBIs). TMCF's work is critical to guaranteeing our country a robust and diverse pipeline of talented workers and future leaders. 

TMCF achieves its vision of Changing the World … One Leader at a Time by focusing on: scholarships; capacity building and programmatic support; and public policy and advocacy. TMCF is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt charitable organization and has a "Four Star" rating by Charity Navigator.  For up-to-the-minute information about TMCF and its initiatives, visit: www.thurgoodmarshallcollegefund.org.

The Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF), named for the U.S. Supreme Court's first African-American justice, was established in 1987. TMCF supports and represents nearly 300,000 students attending our 47 member schools, which include public Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCUs) and Predominantly Black Institutions (PBIs). TMCF's work is critical to guaranteeing our country a robust and diverse pipeline of talented workers and future leaders. 

TMCF achieves its vision of Changing the World … One Leader at a Time by focusing on: Scholarships, Capacity Building and Programmatic Support, and Public Policy and Advocacy. TMCF is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt charitable organization and has a "Four Star" rating by Charity Navigator. For up-to-the-minute information about TMCF and its initiatives, visit: www.thurgoodmarshallcollegefund.org.