Charlotte N.C. / April 26, 2026 - Johnson C. Smith University honored a dedicated cohort of donors during the 1867 Giving Society Brunch, held Sunday, April 26, in the New Science Center Innovation Lab. As a signature moment of Founders Week, the gathering brought together alumni, faculty, staff, and community leaders united by a shared belief in the power of philanthropy and the mission of JCSU. Mr. Calvin Banks '69 moderated the event.
Named for the university’s founding year, the 1867 Giving Society recognizes donors whose consistent generosity fuels student success and institutional growth. As Dr. Henderson noted in his remarks, Johnson C. Smith University was established 159 years ago. 1867 is also the year the University received its first sizable gift from Mrs. Mary Baird Biddle of Philadelphia, whose total cumulative contribution of $1,900 would be worth approximately $42,382 in today's dollars. It is fitting, then, that JCSU's most consistent and generous donors carry forward that spirit of giving under the banner of that historic year.
During the event, President Valerie Kinloch joined event organizers Banks, Wanda Foy-Burroughs, Dr. Ashley Keys, Katrina Gordon, and Dr. Boris Henderson to celebrate the power of giving. In total, the University recognized 66 donors whose gifts will ensure JCSU remains a premier institution of higher learning for years to come.
“Because of you, our students dream bigger and achieve more, and walk confidently into their futures,” said President Kinloch. “This is what a New Era of Excellence looks like: community, commitment, and a shared investment in what is possible.”
The JCSU alumni giving rate is steadily climbing, year over year. Currently the alumni giving rate is 9%. Beyond the numbers and recognition, alumni and JCSU community giving is rooted in a shared responsibility to the next generation.
Mr. Calvin Banks '69 moderated the event
For Dr. Phyllis Worthy Dawkins, Class of 1975, giving is a lifelong expression of gratitude. “I give because Smith made me who I am,” she said.
Her support reflects her personal purpose and desired impact on community. Dawkins gives to support the Health and Human Performance Department. She and her husband also champion unrestricted giving—recognizing the importance of unrestricted funds aimed to address institutional needs.
“Give back to the place that gave you your start,” Dawkins added.
Geraldine Dawson, also Class of 1975, views her philanthropy as a continuation of what was first given to her.
“Smith gave me four years of scholarships,” she said. “Now it’s my turn to give someone else that chance.”
After a 33-year career in education, Dawson understands the long arc of opportunity—and encourages others to begin where they can.
“Start small—but start,” she said. “It all adds up.”
For James Vanderhall, Class of 1978, giving is about paying it forward and looking back with pride. “This university gave me my education—and my wife,” he said with a smile.
His journey—from school to careers at IBM, in healthcare, and construction—reflects the foundation JCSU helped provide. His message is simple: “Keep giving. The University needs you.”
Vanderhall’s wife, Valerie Douglas Vanderhall ‘78, describes a unique cycle of giving. “JCSU gave us opportunity—and we’ve been giving back ever since,” she said.
Together, the Vanderhalls built a successful minority-owned business and later returned to campus as contractors, renovating residence halls and providing upgrades to other buildings on the sprawling campus. Their connection to the University is both personal and professional—a testament to what happens when investment is deep and generative.
“As a Black, minority-owned business, it means something to be trusted, to be seen, and to pour back into a place that poured into us. And we look forward to continuing to give even more[in the future]” she added.
Members of the 1867 Giving Society are not just donors—they are builders. Their contributions support the hopes and dreams of today’s students and tomorrow’s students. Donors hope the JCSU experience will continue to be transformative and that a JCSU education will provide students with a strong professional foundation and catalytic launchpad.
In his closing remarks, Dr. Henderson captured the spirit of the morning powerfully: "The continued philanthropy of our alumni and friends plays a major role in ensuring that we can keep a quality education within reach of our motivated, talented and industrious young men and women. Their success is our overarching goal."
The Giving Societies Structure
The 1867 Giving Societies recognize donors at multiple tiers of cumulative giving, each named to honor the legacy of JCSU's history:
Sanders Society ($10,000–$24,999), Myers Society ($25,000–$49,999), Duke Society ($50,000–$99,999), and the prestigious Golden Bull Society ($100,000–$499,999).
Sanders Society Honorees
Among the Sanders Society inductees recognized were:
Mr. Lex Bibbs ('05), an entrepreneur universally known as "Lex" and a 2025 Arch of Triumph Gala honoree. Lex is a TRIO Coordinator for JCSU's Becoming Kings Program, an immersive six-week summer initiative for incoming freshman male students, and has contributed generously to the JCSU Fund and the President's Gap Scholarship Fund.
Mr. Jerry Clark ('76), a retired assistant principal in the Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools system and member of the JCSU Athletic Hall of Fame inducted in 1995. Mr. Clark has given generously to the JCSU Fund, the Athletics Fund, the President's Gap Scholarship Fund, and the Class of 1976 Endowed Scholarship — and will be recognized again during Reunion Weekend next month.
Ms. Tenriche Y. Gaines ('96), a Senior Employee Relations Consultant at Wells Fargo and dedicated JCSU volunteer who serves as Assistant Treasurer and Financial Secretary of the JCSU National Alumni Association. Ms. Gaines has consistently directed her giving to the JCSU General Scholarship Fund, the Class of 1996 Endowed Scholarship, and the JCSU Fund.
Dr. Boris J. Henderson, Interim Vice President of Institutional Advancement and External Affairs, was also recognized for his consistent support of the JCSU Fund, the President's Gap Scholarship Fund, and the university's general operations.
Mrs. Mary Foxx Johnson ('77), a retired teacher and curriculum specialist in the Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools system and a long-standing member and facilitator of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Caucus of Black Political Champions. Mrs. Johnson has consistently directed her giving to the JCSU General Scholarship Fund, need-based aid, and the Class of 1977 Endowed Scholarship.
Ms. Carol Ann-Marie Lawrence, JCSU's Head Track Coach for both the Men's and Women's teams and coach of 2024 Olympic silver medalist Anna Cockrell in the 400-meter hurdles. Coach Lawrence has supported the university's track and field program and the Alpha Epsilon Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma's Endowed Scholarship.
Mrs. Peggy M. Lide ('79) and Mr. Alphonso Lide ('77), whose giving to the President's Gap Scholarship Fund has supported students for years. Mrs. Lide is a familiar face as JCSU's cheerleader advisor and coach, while Mr. Lide is a sales representative with Coca-Cola Bottling Company.
Mrs. Eunice Emanuel Murray ('98) and Mr. Kemuel Murray ('00), who were featured in JCSU's viral 24 Hours of Love social media story. The Murrays operate a successful dry cleaning enterprise and have given generously to the President's Gap Scholarship Fund and the JCSU Land Program.
Mrs. Diane Wilson Proctor ('76), former Missionary Supervisor of the Women's Home & Overseas Missionary Society of the AME Zion Church, who has blessed her alma mater with gifts to the President's Gap Scholarship Fund, the JCSU Fund, and the Class of 1976 Endowed Scholarship Fund.
Mrs. Wanda Gail Rogers Phillips ('77), retired Budget Manager from the State of Ohio and CEO of Mimi & Friends Travel Services, who has stepped up her giving to the JCSU Fund in response to the Better Together Campaign and continues to support the President's Gap Scholarship Fund.
Mrs. Kutricia Hubbard Spann ('72), a retired Library Manager in the Charlotte and Mecklenburg County Public Library system and decades-long voting rights advocate for African Americans in rural North Carolina communities. Mrs. Spann has been a consistent contributor to the JCSU Fund and the Class of 1972 Endowed Scholarship.
Mr. Aaron E. Whitfield ('84), who retired from a 32-year career at UPS and now runs Whitfield Properties I LLC with his wife. In 2024, Mr. Whitfield established the Aaron E. & Stephenie C. Whitfield Endowed Scholarship at JCSU to provide needs-based scholarship support specifically for male business majors from Florida.
Myers Society Honorees
Ms. Shelia Harvey ('76), who retired from Duke Energy after 31 years in Finance and previously served as President of the Minority Professional Association, raising over half a million dollars for student scholarships across the Carolinas. Ms. Harvey also serves as Class Agent for the Class of 1976 and has been a consistent contributor to the JCSU Fund and the Class of 1976 Endowed Scholarship.
Mrs. Saundra Ross Johnson ('69), currently serving a six-year term on the State of Delaware's Family and Medical Leave Insurance Appeal Board, who has previously served Delaware as Director of its Housing Authority, Secretary of the Department of Human Resources, and Director of Statewide Equity Initiatives. Mrs. Johnson has been a consistent supporter of the JCSU Fund and the President's Gap Scholarship Fund.
Mrs. Vanessa D. McCoy ('75) and Mr. James McCoy, Jr. ('75), successful entrepreneurs who specialize in real estate sales, management, and investment through the James and Vanessa McCoy Family Legacy Trust. The McCoys have been long-time donors to the JCSU Fund and recently made a substantial commitment to the Better Together Campaign.
Duke Society Honorees
Mrs. Nimanee Mosley Harris ('03) and Dr. William Harris IV ('01). Mrs. Harris is a Senior Research Scientist at RTI-Health Solutions with more than 15 years of clinical trial and behavioral research experience. Dr. Harris is a board-certified foot and ankle surgeon and co-founder of the International Limb Salvage Foundation, working to advance foot and ankle care in underserved countries. The Harrises are staunch supporters of the JCSU football program.
Mrs. Cabrina W. Harrison and Mr. Barry A. Harrison, proud HBCU parents and friends of JCSU who established the Alexandra C. Harrison Endowed Scholarship in 2023 in honor of their daughter Alex, a former JCSU student whose studies were interrupted by an accident. The endowment provides scholarship support for junior and senior JCSU students pursuing degrees in Sport Management.
Dr. Valerie Kinloch ('96), JCSU's 15th President, was herself recognized as a Duke Society honoree for her personal philanthropy supporting the President's Gap Scholarship Fund, the JCSU Fund, and the general scholarship fund. As the program noted, Dr. Kinloch has ushered in a New Era of Excellence at JCSU, and the entire university family — faculty, staff, students, alumni, and friends — has fully embraced her vision.
Golden Bull Society Honorees
Mr. Malcomb Coley, recently retired from Ernst & Young where he served as Central Region Private Leader and Charlotte Managing Partner, and now Executive Vice President of Operations for R.J. Leeper Construction, LLC and co-founder of Bright Hope Capital, LLC. Mr. Coley was recently honored at the 12th Annual UNCF Mayor's Masked Ball and has donated generously to the EY Excellence Fund at JCSU to support teaching, learning, curriculum, and research.
Dr. Phyllis Worthy Dawkins ('75) and Dr. Bobby G. Dawkins ('72), consistent supporters of JCSU for more than four decades. Dr. Phyllis Dawkins, a 2024 Arch of Triumph Gala honoree, serves as Executive Director of the HBCU Executive Leadership Institute at Clark Atlanta University and previously served as the 18th President of Bennett College. Dr. Bobby Dawkins is a retired senior research chemist who was awarded 13 U.S. patents during his distinguished career. The Dawkins have generously supported the JCSU Fund, the President's Gap Scholarship Fund, and the university's Smart Classroom initiative.
Judge Yvonne Mims Evans (ret.) and Mr. Michael D. Evans, friends of JCSU whose commitment to the university runs deep. Judge Evans served as Chief District Court Judge in Mecklenburg County and later served 15 years on the Mecklenburg County Superior Court bench before retiring in 2018. Mr. Evans is a retired CPA and Certified Financial Planner who previously served as professor and business department chair at JCSU. The Evans recently made a generous major gift in response to JCSU's Better Together Campaign.
Mrs. Valerie Douglas Vanderhall ('80) and Mr. James Thomas Vanderhall ('78), who founded V&D Corporation, a residential and commercial construction services company, in 2018. The Vanderhalls are supporters of the Class of 1978 Endowed Scholarship, the President's Gap Scholarship Fund, the Mattie S. Grigsby Foster Care Fund, the JCSU Fund, and the President's Gap Scholarship Fund.
