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About

Our History

For more than four decades, the National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame Foundation has celebrated achievement, expanded opportunity, and strengthened the legacy of Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

Thomas W. Dortch, Jr.

1985

Foundation Established

The Council of National Alumni Associations (CNAA) established The National College Alumni Hall of Fame Foundation, Inc. Thomas W. Dortch, Jr., who was President of CNAA, developed the proposal for the Foundation.

First Hall of Fame Weekend

The First Annual National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame Weekend was held in Atlanta, Georgia. Among the events were the Hall of Fame Dinner Induction Ceremony, HBCU Golf Invitational Tournament, and HBCU Competition of Black College Queens.

Hall of Fame gathering

1990

Tennis Challenge for HBCUs

Hall of Fame convened the First Annual Tennis Challenge for HBCUs.

Black College Alumni Leadership Summit

Hall of Fame convened the First Annual Black College Alumni Leadership Summit in Hilton Head, SC.

Scholarship and student support

1990s

Scholarship and Student Support Initiatives Expand

The Foundation broadens its impact through scholarships and educational assistance programs designed to support HBCU students and promote academic achievement.

Scholarship programs

2004

National Scholarship Service

Hall of Fame acquired the National Scholarship Service (NSS).

Taste of Heritage culinary program

2005

Chefs of the World: A Taste of Fame

The Chefs of the World: A Taste of Fame was introduced as a fundraiser to support scholarships in hospitality and culinary arts.

Competition of Black College Choirs

The First Annual Black College Competition of Black College Choirs was held.

Legacy Lectures

2007

Legacy Lecture Series

Hall of Fame introduced the Legacy Lecture Series.

Legacy of Leaders

2012

Legacy of Leaders Alumni Awards

Hall of Fame awarded its first Legacy of Leaders Alumni Awards.

Andrew Young Emerging Leaders Institute

2013

Andrew Young Emerging Leaders Initiative

Hall of Fame, in partnership with the Andrew Young Foundation, launched the Andrew Young Emerging Leaders Initiative (AYEL). The Foundation strengthens its commitment to cultivating future leaders through mentorship, professional development, and experiential learning.

National Summit for the Sustainability of HBCUs

2017

National Summit of Sustainability for HBCUs

Hall of Fame, in partnership with the 100 Black Men of America, NAFEO, UNCF, and TGMF, launched the National Summit of Sustainability for HBCUs.

Scholarships and student opportunity

2020s

Expanding Access and Opportunity

The Foundation increases investments in scholarships, leadership development, alumni engagement, and national programming while embracing innovative approaches to serving HBCU students and graduates.

Hall of Fame Weekend

Today

Expanding Access, Opportunity, and Impact

The Foundation continues to honor distinguished alumni while expanding investments in scholarships, leadership development, alumni engagement, and national programming. Through innovative initiatives and strategic partnerships, we preserve the legacy of HBCUs while creating new pathways of opportunity for students, graduates, and future generations of leaders.