Inaugural Durham UNCF Mayor’s Scholarship Ball

About UNCF 

The United Negro College Fund is the nation’s largest and most effective minority education organization, supporting more than 50,000 students annually through scholarships, internships, mentoring, and faculty development programs. UNCF’s 37 member institutions award a significant percentage of degrees earned by Black students in the U.S., including 15% of bachelor’s degrees and 19% of STEM degrees. 

Shaw University UNCF Campaign Announces the 2025 Honorees for the Inaugural Durham UNCF Mayor’s Scholarship Ball

The event is part of Shaw University’s annual UNCF campaign supporting students in Durham, Wake, and Sampson counties. This black-tie affair—co-hosted by Durham Mayor Leonardo Williams and Shaw University President Paulette R. Dillard, Ph.D.—brought together civic, corporate, and community leaders for an elegant evening dedicated to raising funds in support of scholarships for deserving students pursuing higher education.

The 2025 UNCF honorees are individuals whose professional excellence and commitment to education, leadership, and community impact align with the mission of UNCF and the legacy of Shaw University.

Honorees Include:

UNCF Legacy Award- Rob Elmore, General Manager, ABC11 WTVD

UNCF Exemplary Leadership Award - Dr. Dorothy C. Browne, Senior Research Scientist, Shaw University UNCF Community Impact Award -Abdul S. Rasheed, Founder and Former CEO, NC Com. Dev. Initiative UNCF Advocacy and Social Responsibility Award - Emily M. Dickens, J.D., Chief of Staff, SHRM –

UNCF Legacy Mentorship and Philanthropic Empowerment Award - Frankie J. Perry, Retired Senior V P, Wells Fargo –

UNCF Champion for HBCU Progress Award - Dr. Deondra Rose, Associate Professor, Duke University

Wow, Wow, Wow. “This is more than just a gala—it’s a celebration of the transformative power of education,” said Mayor Williams. “We are investing in students who will shape the future of Durham and beyond.” Thank You Durham for showing up and showing out for the Inaugural Durham UNCF Mayor’s Ball. What an amazing evening of fun, purpose, and fellowship across our Triangle. Thank you @shawuniversity, President @presidentdillard , all of the coordinators and sponsors for making this a huge success. @raytrapp1st @sonsofmomarchy @zackhawkinsnc and more, you all did your thing. I’m so proud and honored to have had this sold out event here in the #BullCity. @chefzweliwilliams and I could not live in a better city, in a better region, than with our friends and neighbors of the Triangle. This was the first but certainly not the last. @uncf you will begin to receive more support from our region as we build the arsenal for our #HBCU network. @leofrombullcity