Unshakeable: Philanthropy symposium focuses on HBCU capacity in era of disruption
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Posted By: Reginald Claremont on July 17, 2026 Delaware State University hosted the 16th annual HBCU Philanthropy Symposium from July 12 through July 15, 2026, at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center, convening more than 325 participants — representing roughly half of the nation's Historically Black Colleges and Universities, alongside corporate, foundation, and federal partners — for four days centered on this year's theme, Building HBCU Capacity in an Era of Disruption, and the question at its core: how to ensure the sustainability and future of these institutions. Founded and presented by Delaware State University, the symposium was created in response to a shifting philanthropic landscape that made traditional funding sources harder to secure and required HBCUs to think differently and more strategically about fundraising. What began as a regional gathering of advancement professionals has grown into a national convening, expanding through partnerships with the Council for Advancement and Support of Education, the Kresge Foundation, the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, Complete College America, the United Negro College Fund, and the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities, among others. This year's program opened with a fireside chat with Congresswoman Alma S. Adams (NC-12), moderated by Delaware State University alumnus Paul Brathwaite of Federal Street Strategies. The convening opened not with a welcome but with a charge. Congresswoman Adams — founder and co-chair of the bipartisan Congressional HBCU Caucus — called on the room to lift its voice in support of the IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act (H.R. 8791), which she co-leads with Rep. French Hill (R-AR). The bipartisan legislation would authorize a grant program to rebuild and modernize HBCU campuses and digital infrastructure: renovating, repairing, and constructing facilities; preserving buildings of historic significance; procuring research equipment; installing high-speed broadband; and leveraging private partnerships and federal research funding. Adams asked for something specific — that participants contact the leadership of the congressional committees of jurisdiction and their own delegations. Before the convening closed, Delaware State University issued a call to action to every attendee, with sample letters for both chambers. By the following morning, colleagues from across the country had begun writing. Programming paired institutional strategy with practical innovation. Dr. John Wilson from the University of Pennsylvania’s McGraw Center for Educational Leadership delivered the opening plenary, and Dr. A.L. Fleming of Tuskegee University examined the philanthropic legacy of Booker T. Washington and its relevance to advancement today. A landmark HBCU Presidents discussion brought together Dr. Javaune Adams-Gaston of Norfolk State University, Dr. Patricia Ramsey of Medgar Evers College, and Dr. Makola Abdullah of Virginia State University, moderated by Zaldwaynaka Scott, Esq., President of Chicago State University. Technology and donor strategy anchored the first full day. Amazon Web Services Dr. Margie Vela led sessions on artificial intelligence, including hands-on training with agentic AI for university administrators, and the Strada Education Foundation Executive Daryl Graham presented the Strada Scholars Model as a framework for building a stronger pipeline of donors. Subsequent sessions addressed the full landscape of institutional sustainability: the business of HBCU athletics with leadership from the MEAC and SWAC, the future of the adult learner in partnership with Sallie Mae, global partnership and philanthropy across the African continent, and a federal legislative update from the Thurgood Marshall College Fund and the Council for Advancement and Support of Education. A session on career readiness led by Braven and Delaware State University featured 2026 DSU graduate and Braven Fellow Jaden Weatherspoon, and Anwar Miller, Head of Google MSI Strategy, delivered a keynote address. Dr. M.C. Brown II of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund's Payne Center closed the day with a case for research as the new advancement strategy. The symposium concluded with a closing session on the $150 million Moody Foundation grant to Huston-Tillotson University, featuring President and CEO Dr. Melva K. Wallace, and a panel on lessons from recent MacKenzie Scott gifts and how HBCUs can prepare for the next transformational investment. The symposium also honored the practitioners behind the results. Jeffrey Shaw of Prairie View A&M University and Leandra Hayes-Burgess of Benedict College received Excellence in Advancement honors, and Dr. Melva K. Wallace was recognized with the Innovation Leadership Award for leading Huston-Tillotson University to the largest single gift ever made to an HBCU. The convening underscored a central argument that has come to define the modern HBCU narrative: these institutions deliver among the strongest returns on investment in American higher education. They graduate outstanding, career-ready individuals with fewer resources than their peers, offering lower tuition and less student debt than many predominantly white institutions, while changing the life trajectories of young people of color across the country. Now in its sixteenth year, the HBCU Philanthropy Symposium continues to serve as a stepping stone to growth and philanthropic enrichment among fundraisers, funders, leaders, community advocates, and philanthropists across HBCUs and Minority Serving Institutions. Delaware State University remains its founding host. This year’s presenting sponsor was the Thurgood Marshall College Fund. About the HBCU Philanthropy Symposium The HBCU Philanthropy Symposium is a national convening dedicated to the sustainability and future of Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Programming focuses on student success, talent pipelines and career pathways, alumni engagement, scholarship support, and innovative partnerships with peer institutions and the private sector. What began as a regional event has grown exponentially, attracting a broader spectrum of participants each year. About Delaware State University Founded in 1891, Delaware State University is one of the nation's leading historically Black colleges and universities. A public, land-grant institution based in Dover, DSU is nationally recognized for its excellence in STEM innovation, its growing economic impact across the state, and its commitment to access, opportunity, and student success. For more information, visit desu.edu. If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
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Reginald Claremont
President, Fulfillment and Web Services, HBCUCONNECT Clark Atlanta University class of 1998 Member Since September 2000 |
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