FAIRFAX, VA--(Marketwire - March 6, 2009) - UNCF -- the United Negro College Fund -- the nation's largest and most effective minority education organization, honored Black Enterprise publisher Earl G. Graves Sr. and education activist Caroline Kennedy as it celebrated its 65th anniversary last night before a crowd of over 1200 people at New York's Sheraton New York Hotel and Tower. UNCF provides more than 8,000 scholarships each year, supports its 39 member historically black colleges and universities, and advocates for the importance of minority education.

At the dinner, UNCF launched its "Emergency Student Aid Campaign," a major initiative to provide emergency financial aid for more than 10,000 students at risk of being forced to leave college due to the recession. ExxonMobil Chairman and CEO Rex Tillerson, a member of the UNCF Board of Directors announced at the dinner that his company will be the campaign's first contributor, committing $500,000 immediately and a $500,000 challenge grant. Additionally, UNCF announced an anonymous $7 million contribution toward its annual campaign to support UNCF's students and colleges.

Graves, who founded Black Enterprise, received the Frederick D. Patterson Award for his career of accomplishment, and for his commitment to minority education and philanthropy. An HBCU graduate, he has been a longstanding supporter of UNCF and has strongly advocated that HBCU graduates support their alma maters.

"It's been 65 years since the visionary Tuskegee President Frederick D. Patterson founded UNCF as a means of financing the dream of higher education for gifted African Americans who might otherwise be denied the opportunity," Graves said. "To my mind, there was then -- and is now -- no greater, more noble or more essential task than unleashing the academic potential of a young mind. And I'm deeply moved that my own sincere efforts promoting the importance of education have earned your respect and acknowledgment. I'm a product of an HBCU education, and it has taken me farther in life than I could have dreamed."

Kennedy, who has been active in supporting reform of New York City's public schools, received UNCF's President's Award. An education advocate, attorney, writer, editor and philanthropist, she is vice chair of The Fund for Public Schools, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving New York City's public schools by attracting private investment in school reform and encouraging greater involvement by all New Yorkers in the education of children.

"A college education is the key that unlocks the doors of opportunity at home and in a global economy. No one has done more to open that door for generations of young Americans than UNCF," Kennedy said. "I am honored to be able to continue my family's long association with this institution that plays such a vital role in our society."

UNCF inaugurated a new honor at this year's dinner, the Ones to Watch Award, which pays tribute to recent graduates of UNCF member HBCUs whose careers are marked by both great accomplishment and the potential for decades of further service. Dr. John H. Jackson, president and CEO of The Schott Foundation for Public Education, and Ann Best, deputy superintendent for human talent for the Houston Independent School District (HISD) were the first recipients. Jackson is a graduate of Xavier University in New Orleans and Best graduated from Oakwood University in Huntsville, AL.

"This year's award recipients make a very strong statement about UNCF's past, its present, and its future," said Michael L. Lomax, Ph.D., UNCF's president and CEO. "Earl Graves' accomplishments, and his commitment to minority education, are symbolic of the combination of success and service that have always been the hallmarks of the education that HBCUs offer their students. Caroline Kennedy's outstanding work on behalf of the students who attend New York City's public schools is an urgent reminder that in the 21st century economy, every American needs an education that starts in pre-school and doesn't end until college graduation. And the awards to John Jackson and Ann Best remind us that today, as during UNCF's entire history, HBCUs help some of America's brightest young men and women become America's next generation of leaders."

Since its founding, UNCF has raised more than $3 billion and has helped more than 350,000 students earn college degrees at its 39 member institutions. Today, UNCF helps 60,000 students at more than 900 colleges and universities.

UNCF's Emergency Student Aid Campaign is an appeal for all concerned Americans to help cover costs to keep kids in college. To make a donation, visit www.uncf.org and click on Emergency Student Aid or call 1-800-332-UNCF (8623).

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