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Power, Purpose, Philanthropy: Durham UNCF Mayor’s Scholarship Ball to Honor Community Leaders

Phyllis Coley @phyllis_coley

RALEIGH, N.C. – Shaw University and Durham Mayor Leonardo Williams are rolling out the red carpet for a night of elegance, excellence, and impact at the inaugural Durham UNCF Mayor’s Scholarship Ball, taking place Saturday, May 31, 2025, at the Durham Convention Center. This black-tie affair will unite civic, corporate, and community leaders to raise critical scholarship funds for students in Durham, Wake, and Sampson counties.

A Night Honoring Excellence in Leadership, Education & Service

Co-hosted by Mayor Williams and Shaw University President Dr. Paulette R. Dillard, the evening will spotlight six dynamic honorees whose work uplifts their communities and reflects the mission of UNCF and Shaw University.

The 2025 Honorees Are:

  • Rob Elmore, General Manager, ABC11 WTVD – UNCF Legacy Award

  • Dr. Dorothy C. Browne, Senior Research Scientist, Shaw University – UNCF Exemplary Leadership Award

  • Abdul Sm Rasheed, Founder and Former CEO, NC Community Development Initiative – UNCF Community Impact Award

  • Emily M. Dickens, J.D., Chief of Staff, SHRM – UNCF Advocacy and Social Responsibility Award

  • Frankie J. Perry, Retired Senior Vice President, Wells Fargo – UNCF Legacy Mentorship and Philanthropic Empowerment Award

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

An Elegant Evening of Purpose

The night kicks off with a 6:00 p.m. reception, followed by dinner, entertainment, awards, and dancing beginning at 7:00 p.m. Guests will enjoy inspiring stories, stellar performances, and the opportunity to contribute to the future of local students.

“This is more than just a gala—it’s a celebration of the transformative power of education,” said Mayor Leonardo Williams. “We are investing in students who will shape the future of Durham and beyond.”

Leadership Behind the Legacy

The event is part of Shaw University’s annual UNCF campaign and is led by an all-star lineup of community co-chairs and committee members, including:

  • Ray and Shannon Trapp
  • Rev. Dr. Jonathan and Michelle Augustine
  • Rep. Zack and Tracey Hawkins

Planning committee members include:
Phyllis Coley, Rev. Dr. Michael A. Page, Angelique Stallings, Jasmine Smith, Kevin Price, Rev. Dr. Trish Harleston, Terrell Midgett, and Durham County Sheriff Clarence Birkhead.

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. Learn more at UNCF.org. 

About Shaw University 

Founded in 1865, Shaw University is the first historically Black college in North Carolina and a charter member of UNCF. Located in Raleigh, the university is committed to academic excellence, leadership development, and social justice. Funds raised through its annual UNCF campaign support scholarships for students in Durham, Wake, and Sampson counties.