Hampton University’s Founders’ Day Weekend Sets Fundraising Record, Strengthens Alumni Bonds

Hampton University celebrated a historic Founders’ Day Weekend from March 28-30, 2025, setting a remarkable fundraising record of $1.3 million, aimed at directly supporting student scholarships, enhancing academic programs, and advancing various campus initiatives. This exceptional result highlights the deep commitment of the university’s alumni network and its supporters, reflecting vividly in their enthusiastic backing of educational excellence at the renowned historical Black university.

One key highlight of the event was an inspiring keynote address by General Darrell K. Williams, a distinguished Hampton alumnus and the first African-American to achieve a four-star rank in the U.S. Army. In his speech, he passionately called upon the attendees to invest in the forthcoming generations, emphasizing the responsibility held by each individual in fostering the leaders of tomorrow. Such a poignant call to action resonated strongly across the Hampton community, driving heightened alumni engagement and substantial contributions.

The Founders’ Day Weekend also marked the grand re-opening of the Hampton University Museum, a celebrated institution showcasing the rich heritage and significant contributions of African American artistry and history. With modernized interactive displays and additional gallery space, the museum now offers an immersive educational experience, echoing President Williams’ vision of the museum as “a living classroom linking our past directly to our innovative future.”

A series of other engaging events rounded out the celebration, notably alumni campus tours, spellbinding student performances, and a glamorous scholarship gala dinner, which consistently gathers alumni from diverse backgrounds, classes, and sectors. Exemplifying success stories such as that of Aaliyah Copeland ’17, a recent honoree of Hampton’s ‘Forty Under 40’ for her notable achievements in media and entertainment, the gala exemplified the potential impact of well-funded education opportunities.

The impressive fundraising achievements reinforce Hampton University’s trajectory of excellence, paralleling its steady ascent in national rankings by U.S. News & World Report. Encouraging future donations, the university has streamlined its giving process with an innovative online platform, designed to simplify targeted giving and amplify its reach to global alumni and philanthropic communities.

Contributions are still needed! Your generosity can help students facing unexpected hardships through the Student Emergency Fund. Visit [this link] and join in supporting a tradition of educational empowerment and lifelong achievement at Hampton University today.

Source: [Tuskegee University News]