*In this photo:* About 500 participants representing 56 Historically Black Colleges and Universities as well as other corporations and foundations attended the 13th annual HBCU Philanthropy Symposium, held July 31-Aug 2 at the Gaylord Resort and Convention Center in National Harbor, Md.

On Campus

13th annual HBCU Philanthropy Symposium – photos

Friday, August 4, 2023

Delaware State University’s Division of Institutional Advancement hosted its 13th annual HBCU Philanthropy Symposium under the theme “Assessing Today: Planning for Tomorrow.”

Held at the Gaylord Resort and Convention Center in National Harbor, Md., about 500 participants attended the July 30-August 2 symposium, representing 56 Historically Black Colleges and Universities and minority serving institutions of higher education. The overall attendance also included participants from the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, ECMC Foundation, CASE, Agilent Technologies, NBA Foundation, National Football League, Pensole Lewis College, Federal Aviation Administration, U.S. Corporate Social Responsibility and the Embraer Foundation, Resolve Solution, Inc., Walt Disney Company, and National Geographic magazine.

For images from the symposium, click on the below link:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/48216028@N03/albums/72177720310252275/show

For images from the symposium’s VIP Reception, click on the below link:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/48216028@N03/albums/72177720310257707/show

Delaware State University President Tony Allen was a supportive presence and participant throughout the entire three-day symposium in his capacities as University CEO as well as the Chairman of President Joe Biden’s Board of Advisors on Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Dr. Harry L. Williams, Thurgood Marshall College Fund CEO, announced the launching of new degree completion initiative with DSU.

Dr. Harry L. Williams, President and CEO of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) and former President of Delaware State University (2010-2017), was the keynote speaker during the opening session. Dr. Williams used his address to announce the launching of the TMCF-DSU Joint Center for HBCU Non-Traditional Completion, which would serve near-degree completers and adult learners, as well as support other HBCUs in such efforts.

The sessions included discussions on fundraising topics, the recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling on Affirmative Action in higher education, internship and post-graduate career opportunities for students, and other timely subjects.

During the symposium, the Pete du Pont Freedom Foundation held an Innovative Solution competition, which proposed programs focused on HBCU capacity building and sustainability, social justice initiatives, student engagement and retention, and alumni engagement. Delaware State University’s Dr. Gwen Scott Jones’ proposal of “Developing a Safe Space Coalition at HBCUs” and Dr. Von Homer’s “Human Movement Institute Labs Powered by Hx” were selected among the top 10 finalists. The winner – to be determined on a later date – will receive a $10,000 grant from the Pete du Pont Freedom Foundation. CJ Charlton, United Airlines pilot and DSU alumnus, '95, led a session on "HBCUs and the Aviation/Aerospace Industry."

The annual HBCU Philanthropy Symposium launched its inaugural Dr. Alma S. Adams HBCU Leadership Award and presented the first one to its namesake, U.S. Rep. Alma S. Adams, in recognition of her legislative advocacy on behalf of HBCUs.

The HBCU Philanthropy Symposium was supported by the generous sponsorship of Delmarva Power, The Kresge Foundation, Thrivent, United Airlines, Diageo, Strada Education Foundation, Thurgood Marshall College Fund, YMCA of the USA, Bank of America, Pete du Pont Freedom Foundation, Sallie Mae, Capital One, Vanguard, Barber and Associates LLC, Barclays, BlueSky Collaborative Partners, Cisco, TDBank, and UNCF Philanthropy Institute.

The hosting team was led by Dr. Vita Pickrum, Vice President of Institutional Advancement.