During its 31st Anniversary Awards Gala on Monday evening, the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) raised more than $5.6 million to support students attending that nation’s historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs).

“The millions raised at our gala highlights precisely why TMCF continues to stand out as the premier higher education organization committed to supporting the students attending our nation’s publicly-supported HBCUs,” said TMCF president and CEO Dr. Harry L. Williams. “This was an awesome evening for the entire Black College and higher education community.”Charitable giving from more than 1,000 civic, corporate, government and education leaders raised TMCF’s total anniversary gala fundraising to over $50 million since 1987, according to a news release. The organization has provided more than $3.5 million in scholarships to students this year alone.

Several leaders were recognized for their service during the gala.

Tennessee State University president and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. international president Dr. Glenda Baskin Glover received TMCF’s Educational Leadership Award. Dennis A. Muilenburg, chairman, president and chief executive officer of The Boeing Company received the TMCF CEO of the Year Award. Leslie T. Thornton, senior vice president, general counsel and corporate secretary of WGL Holdings Inc. and Washington Gas, received the TMCF Thurgood Marshall Legacy Award.

By Tiffany Pennamon of Diverse: Issues In Higher Education