Virginia Union University Gala Raises $7.4 Million
April 09, 2019
Richmond, Va. (April 8, 2019) - Virginia Union University (VUU) announced gifts exceeding $7 million during its 7th Annual fundraising event. The Legacy Awards & Scholarship Gala was held on Friday, April 5, 2019 at The Shed in Richmond’s Main Street Train Station. Nearly 700 people attended the Gala which was hosted by Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney and 2008 VUU alumna Brittany Garth, certified empowerment life coach and owner of Pinq LLC., a co-working space for women entrepreneurs. Gifts are still being accepted at www.vuu.edu/GiveNow.
Students, faculty and staff joined together to make a historic $1.6 million dollar giving pledge over the next 20 years. In addition, VUU executive leaders and administrators pledged $5.7 million in planned giving. This is the first time that a collaborative giving campaign has been announced at VUU.
“I am proud of the generosity shown by supporters on campus and in the community. It is exciting to see the passion they feel towards VUU,” said Dr. Hakim J. Lucas, President and CEO of Virginia Union University. “When giving begins at home, others feel the pride and commitment. We are deeply grateful for these remarkable gifts, which will help our university continue charting its own path with determination.”
VUU honored three “Legacy Award” recipients during the Gala, including:
- Mary “Bucci” Zeugner accepted the One Richmond award which is presented to a community member dedicated to the growth and success of the City of Richmond and Virginia Union University. Zuegner is a financial advisor at Davenport and Company here in Richmond. She has more than 32 years of experience in the finance industry.
- Pepsico accepted the Limitless award which is presented to a committed corporate citizen of Virginia Union University. Pepsi is the official beverage of V-U-U. Pepsico has been a generous supporter of the annual gala and the V-U-U Athletics program.
- Brittany Garth ’08 accepted the Noble Union award which is bestowed on an alumnus who embodies the noble aspirations of Virginia Union University. Garth is a contributor to Forbes Magazine, a best-selling author of a self-help book for women,“Dear Pinq,” and the owner of two women’s coaching and empowerment businesses: Dimensioned Wellness and Pinq, LLC.
Virginia Union’s First Thursday Jazz Band provided entertainment during a pre-gala VIP reception and during the program. Legacy Band performed during the post-gala dance. NBC12 and Richmond Free Pres were the media sponsors for the event.
A photo gallery is available by clicking on Legacy Awards and Scholarship Gala. You can view a recap by clicking on video.
Follow Virginia Union University on https://www.facebook.com/Virginia.Union/ and @VAUnion1865 on Twitter and Instagram.
About VUU: Virginia Union University is a premier liberal arts urban institution of higher education and center of excellence for the preparation of students and the development of leaders for tomorrow’s world. It was founded in 1865 to give newly emancipated slaves an opportunity for education and advancement. Virginia Union University offers a broad range of educational opportunities that advances liberal arts education, teaching, research, science, technology, continuing education, civic engagement, and international experiences. Visit https://www.vuu.edu/ for more information.
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