Gala Chair

We are delighted to present the TMCF
35th Anniversary Gala: A Legacy of Excellence. 

As we enter our 35th year, TMCF returns to our roots in New York City to celebrate the pioneering work of our founder Dr. N. Joyce Payne. 

Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) is the nation’s largest organization exclusively representing the Black College Community. TMCF member-schools include the publicly-supported Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Predominantly Black Institutions (PBIs). 

TMCF is in the business of changing lives. We do this by providing: professional and leadership development for our students; scholarships to reduce or eliminate crippling student loan debt; capacity building opportunities and resources for our schools; and supporting our partners’ DE&I goals by introducing them to incredible HBCU talent. Over 70% of HBCU students qualify as low-income. TMCF programs provide them access to academic scholarships, professional networks and career opportunities which are critical to their social and economic mobility. 

The Gala will celebrate TMCF’s 35-year legacy by honoring our founder, as well as the leaders who fulfill our vision of “Changing the World….One Leader at a Time.” We will present TMCF’s Educator of the Year Award to John Pierre, Chancellor, Southern University Law Center, for his outstanding vision and service. We will be presenting the inaugural Dr. N. Joyce Payne Champion for Diversity Award to the National Basketball Association, celebrating the League’s strong commitment to social justice and providing internship opportunities League-wide for HBCU student talent. 

As in past years, the Gala will mark the end of TMCF’s annual Leadership Institute. It serves as a perfect event to recognize the outstanding accomplishments of the over 400 participating HBCU students, all of whom will be in attendance at the Gala. 

All of us at TMCF are dedicated to the work we do every day. However, none of our success would be possible without the unwavering support of committed Partners who support TMCF’s ability to deliver on the dreams of HBCU students. 

TMCF’s annual Gala, consistently recognized among our Nation’s top non-political fundraising events, demonstrates the collective strength of our Partners’ support of—and belief in—the HBCU community. 

Your Gala partnership provides the opportunity for YOU to support TMCF’s critical mission while positioning your brand as part of a select group of companies that support the HBCU community. 

Please know that every dollar given for our Gala goes to support TMCF’s vital mission and impact on HBCU students. Please consider a generous investment as we celebrate TMCF’s wonderful students and monumental legacy, as well as the life-changing work we do every day! 

Charles Merinoff 

TMCF Board & Gala Chairman