The Thurgood Marshall College Fund Celebrates the Legacy of Justice Thurgood Marshall with Two Major Events in October
New York, NY (August 3, 2012) - The Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) supports and represents nearly 300,000 students attending its 47 member-schools that include public Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), medical schools and law schools. TMCF helps students with a clear intention and the motivation to succeed and acquire a high-quality college education at an affordable cost. Named for Justice Thurgood Marshall, the nation’s first African-American to be appointed to the United States Supreme Court, TMCF will celebrate the spirit of a man who changed the course of history 45 years ago this October with two momentous occasions during their 25th Anniversary this year.
This fall, TMCF will bring students and corporate and government leaders together at its annual Leadership Institute and Recruitment Fair, from Friday, October 26 to Tuesday, October 30, 2012. Held at the Hilton New York in the heart of midtown Manhattan, the four-day conference will give talented future leaders a unique professional development experience. The culmination of this leadership conference will be the Thurgood Marshall College Fund 25th Anniversary Awards Gala, taking place Monday, October 29, 2012 and featuring Grammy-award winning artist Wyclef Jean as well as leaders in business, government, sports, and entertainment.
“Now more than ever, we must support students attending the country's public HBCUs. TMCF takes seriously this responsibility and hopes all Americans will join together and help us provide financial assistance and leadership development support to the 300,000 students on our member-school campuses during this special 25th Anniversary year," said TMCF’s President and CEO, Johnny C. Taylor, Jr.
It was on October 2, 1967 that The Honorable Thurgood Marshall, then-Solicitor General, was nominated by President Lyndon B. Johnson to the United States Supreme Court, taking the judicial oath and his seat on the bench, an appointment that would last 24 years. Because of the precedent set by this legendary man, TMCF seeks to carry out Marshall’s vision: to help students realize their dreams and become groundbreaking leaders in their own right. His landmark appointment and subsequent work forever changed the landscape of American society and set forth a new consciousness in the nation. TMCF now looks to help students in the same spirit, by connecting high performing, world-ready students with top-tier employment opportunities—access that students or employers might not have on their own. Through its scholarships and programs, TMCF plays a key role in preparing the leaders of tomorrow.
The Leadership Institute and Recruitment Fair, one of the major programming efforts of TMCF, will take place Friday, October 26 to Tuesday, October 30, 2012 at the Hilton New York. Approximately 500 carefully selected students will travel to Manhattan and be brought together with some of the nation’s top executives for leadership training, career management, life skills, development and recruitment opportunities intended to prepare them to join the workforce and life after graduation. Significant speeches from some of the nation's most recognized corporate and government leaders will inspire students as they candidly share life stories, work experience and tips on what it takes to survive in the real world. On the evening of Friday October 26, world-renowned performer Wyclef Jean will also serve as the keynote speaker during the Opening Session, followed by a signing for the students of his new book, An Immigrant’s Story. This event happens in October as TMCF reflects on the legacy of Thurgood Marshall 45 years after his historic appointment.
As a cap to this thrilling occasion and a culmination of the week’s event, TMCF will hold its 25th Anniversary Awards Gala, Monday, October 29, 2012. The evening is made possible by the generous support of valuable sponsors, which include the NBA; Target; Miller Coors; Walmart; ING; Booz, Allen, Hamilton; the CIA; The Chamber Sunbelt Group; USA Funds; GALUP; Altria; Shell Oil; Marathon Oil; FDIC; and Costco.
The event will celebrate individuals who have dedicated their lives to helping realize the theme of Developing Minds and Delivering Dreams to the nearly 300,000 students attending public Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCUs). 1,500 of the most influential individuals in business, medicine, sports, and entertainment will attend this once-in-a-lifetime evening, which will feature the multi-platinum Grammy-winning artist Wyclef Jean. The world-renowned performer will undoubtedly deliver a memorable concert sure to move the crowd in support of education. A silent auction will take place as well to further the goals and realize the mission of the TMCF. For complete information on ticket, please visit www.TMCF25thGala.com and click on “Purchase Table/Seats”.
The Thurgood Marshall College Fund 25 for 25 Fundraising Campaign, kicked off this year, will celebrate 25 years of exceptional leadership in the educational arena. Our challenge is to raise a minimum of $250,000 for TMCF programs and scholarships that will support the development of students attending public HBCUs. Your support of the campaign provides an invaluable contribution to the work of the TMCF, helping students not only fulfill their dream of obtaining a college degree but making sure they are prepared to be the next generation of leaders. By doing so, contributors become a part of history as well, continuing the ongoing efforts of the TMCF and in return will receive a gift of appreciation from the TMCF. It is only through the aid of generous supporters that the TMCF can continue to provide scholarships, leadership training, and programmatic support to deserving students and faculty at its 47 member-schools.
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ABOUT THE THURGOOD MARSHALL COLLEGE FUND
The Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) is named for the U.S. Supreme Court's first African-American Justice. Established in 1987, TMCF supports and represents nearly 300,000 students attending its 47 member-schools that include public Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), medical schools and law schools. TMCF helps students with a clear intention and the motivation to succeed and acquire a high-quality college education at an affordable cost. TMCF also efficiently connects high performing, world-ready students with top tier employment opportunities—access that students or employers might not have on their own. Through its scholarships and programs, TMCF plays a key role in preparing the leaders of tomorrow. TMCF is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, charitable organization. For more information about TMCF and its initiatives, visit: www.ThurgoodMarshallCollegeFund.org
