HBCU Philanthropy Symposium Returns for 16th Year
For more than a decade, the HBCU Philanthropy Symposium has brought together some of the most influential voices in higher education, philanthropy, business and government to explore strategies that strengthen Historically Black Colleges and Universities and expand opportunities for students.
The 2025 symposium held in Orlando, Florida at The Walt Disney Company brought together 355 participants from 55 HBCUs, as well as leaders from 20 educational and nonprofit organizations and 21 corporate and philanthropic institutions.
The symposium will return July 12-15 at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland, under the theme, “Unshakeable: Building HBCU Capacity in an Era of Disruption.”
Founded by Delaware State University, the symposium was created to help HBCUs navigate a changing philanthropic landscape and strengthen their capacity to secure private support. Over the past 16 years, it has grown into a nationally recognized conference that convenes leaders across various sectors to share ideas, examine emerging trends and explore new opportunities that support HBCUs.
This year’s program will feature several nationally recognized leaders whose work has shaped higher education policy, institutional leadership and advocacy for HBCUs.
Among them is Alma S. Adams, founder and co-chair of the Congressional Bipartisan HBCU Caucus and one of the nation’s leading advocates for Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Throughout her time in Congress, Adams has championed legislation and federal investments that support HBCUs and expand opportunities for their students.
Attendees will also hear from Melva K. Wallace, president and CEO of Huston-Tillotson University. Wallace has spent more than three decades in higher education and nonprofit leadership, building a reputation for advancing institutional growth, student success and community engagement.
Joining them will be John Silvanus Wilson Jr., former president of Morehouse College and former executive director of the White House Initiative on HBCUs. Wilson is widely respected for his leadership in higher education and his efforts to strengthen educational opportunity and advance the mission of HBCUs on a national scale.
The symposium’s 2026 agenda will include keynote presentations, panel discussions and networking opportunities designed to help attendees strengthen their institutions, build partnerships and navigate the opportunities and challenges facing higher education today.
As the symposium enters its 16th year, it continues to build on the vision established at Delaware State University while bringing together leaders committed to advancing the future of HBCUs. Registration and additional event information are available through the HBCU Philanthropy Symposium website.