Washington, DC, Nov. 13, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Jim Clifton, chairman and CEO of the polling company Gallup, and his wife Susan made a surprise donation of $1 million to the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) at its 25th Awards Gala, held for the first time in Washington, DC. The Gala culminated TMCF's leadership development weekend for 500 students, from across the nation, who attend public Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Both the TMCF Leadership Institute and Gala raised more than $3.8 million to further develop minds and deliver the dreams of students attending HBCUs.
"As Benjamin Franklin once said, an investment in knowledge always pays the best interest," said Clifton. "Susan and I are very much committed to higher education and to the Thurgood Marshall College Fund. We want ensure that students who want a higher education at an HBCU will an opportunity to do so."
The average tuition at a public HBCU is $6,300 per year. The Clifton's gift will create new TMCF programming and endow 5 scholarships per year for students attending public HBCUs.
"We are extremely grateful to Jim and Susan for their continued support of TMCF," said TMCF President and CEO Johnny C. Taylor, Jr. "Our theme this year was 'Developing Minds, Delivering Dreams' and this generous gift from the Clifton family will go a long way in ensuring that TMCF furthers its mission to doing just that."
Throughout the year TMCF hosts various fundraising events and efforts to continue increasing its scholarships and programs as well as offer leadership development programs like the TMCF Leadership Institute [held this past weekend]. As TMCF wrapped up an exciting weekend with over 500 talented scholars and future leaders, it hosted 1,400 distinguished guests at its annual gala, on the evening of November 11th, which included an impressive group of Congressional Members, Fortune 500 executives, and HBCU Presidents/Chancellors. Emmy and Grammy Award winner comedian and actor Bill Cosby hosted the event, Broadway's original Dreamgirl Jennifer Holliday serenaded the students with two of her classics, and Miss America 2014, Nina Davuluri paid a special tribute to the students - encouraging them to 'dream big' and stay true to themselves.
To donate to the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, visit www.thurgoodmarshallcollegefund.org or call 202-507-4851.
Media Contact: Tangie Newborn, 301-526-9017 or tangie@immensesolutions.com
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ABOUT THE THURGOOD MARSHALL COLLEGE FUND (TMCF)
TMCF is named for the U.S. Supreme Court's first African-American Justice. Established in 1987, TMCF supports and represents nearly 300,000 students attending its 47 member-schools that include public Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), medical schools and law schools. Through its scholarships and programs, TMCF plays a key role in preparing the leaders of tomorrow. For more information about TMCF and its initiatives, visit www.thurgoodmarshallcollegefund.org.