Dr. David Zaas and Rev. Dr. Frank K. Thomas to serve as gala chairs of the signature fundraiser benefiting deserving Triad students and HBCUs
Washington, DC, Jan. 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — UNCF is proud to recognize Chris Paul, NBA veteran and Winston-Salem native, at the 2025 Inaugural UNCF Triad “A Mind Is…”® Gala on Feb. 1. Paul, a passionate advocate for historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and a graduate of Winston-Salem State University (WSSU), will be honored for his unwavering commitment to education and community development.
Although unable to attend in person, Paul’s recognition highlights his ongoing efforts to support HBCUs, including scholarships, mentorship programs and philanthropy aimed at empowering Black students.
Paul, who completed his degree at Winston-Salem State University in 2022, has been a vocal proponent of HBCU excellence and representation. As a proud HBCU graduate, he has leveraged his platform to bring visibility to the unique challenges and successes of HBCU students, ensuring that these institutions receive the recognition and resources they deserve. Through his Chris Paul Family Foundation, he has contributed to HBCU initiatives, including funding scholarships, establishing educational partnerships, and amplifying the voices of young Black scholars.
The UNCF Triad Gala will take place at Legacy Stables & Events in Winston-Salem, NC, bringing together corporate leaders, community advocates, and education champions to raise essential funds for North Carolina HBCUs. The event will feature an elegant reception, dinner, and special awards presentation.
MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES:
- Coverage of the awards presentation honoring Chris Paul
- Interviews with UNCF leadership and HBCU advocates
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About UNCF
UNCF (United Negro College Fund) is the nation’s largest and most effective minority education organization. To serve youth, the community and the nation, UNCF supports students’ education and development through scholarships and other programs, supports and strengthens its 37 member colleges and universities, and advocates for the importance of minority education and college readiness. While totaling only 3% of all colleges and universities, UNCF institutions and other historically Black colleges and universities are highly effective, awarding 15% of bachelor’s degrees, 5% of master’s degrees, 10% of doctoral degrees and 19% of all STEM degrees earned by Black students in higher education. UNCF administers more than 400 programs, including scholarship, internship and fellowship, mentoring, summer enrichment, and curriculum and faculty development programs. Today, UNCF supports more than 50,000 students at over 1,100 colleges and universities across the country. Its logo features the UNCF torch of leadership in education and its widely recognized trademark, ‟A mind is a terrible thing to waste.”® Learn more at UNCF.org or for continuous updates and news, follow UNCF on Twitter at @UNCF.
CONTACT: Dasia Moore United Negro College Fund, Inc. (UNCF) 301.821.1914 dasia.moore@uncf.org
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