The United Negro College Fund (UNCF) launched its annual Columbus campaign Wednesday, August 20, with a powerful luncheon at the Green Island Country Club that drew more than 250 community members united in support of scholarships for local students.
The event, emceed by Barbara Gauthier of WTVM, featured greetings from Justine Boyd, assistant vice president of UNCF in Atlanta, who reminded attendees of the organization’s historic impact.
“For generations, UNCF has been that bridge between talent and opportunity,” Boyd said. “Every dollar raised here in Columbus helps our young people not only attend college, but graduate and return to serve their families, communities and the world.”
The keynote address was delivered by Michael Thurmond, former CEO of DeKalb County and current chair of the board of trustees at Paine College, a historically Black institution. With equal parts humor, history and inspiration, Thurmond traced his own journey as a UNCF scholarship recipient and the role it played in shaping his life.
“UNCF saved my life,” Thurmond told the audience. “All I needed was a scholarship and a work-study job, and that opened doors I never imagined. I went from washing dishes in a college cafeteria to becoming a public servant, an author, and now chair of the very institution that once gave me my chance.”…