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Tuskegee University was among a distinguished group of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) represented at the 2025 HBCU Philanthropy Symposium—an annual convening hosted by Delaware State University and the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, designed to strengthen institutional sustainability, student success, and philanthropic impact across the HBCU landscape.
Held at Walt Disney World in Orlando, the 15th annual symposium welcomed hundreds of attendees, including university presidents, advancement professionals, policymakers, and philanthropic partners. Among the key figures in attendance were Congresswoman Alma Adams of North Carolina, founding co-chair of the bipartisan HBCU Caucus and a leading Congressional voice for HBCU equity; and Dr. John Silvanus Wilson Jr., President-in-Residence at Harvard University and former Executive Director of the White House Initiative on HBCUs.
On the symposium’s final day, Tuskegee University President and CEO Dr. Mark A. Brown ’86 delivered remarks focused on addressing the wealth gap and strengthening the economic foundation of HBCUs. He noted, “For every dollar circulating in our community, ten dollars are circulating in majority communities.”
Dr. Brown highlighted the urgent need for philanthropic investment by citing a sobering statistic: even when combining 70% of all HBCU endowments, the total remains less than the smallest Ivy League endowment—approximately $2.1 billion. “We cannot afford to ignore this reality,” he stated. “If we want to be serious about equity, we must increase the economic focus for all HBCUs.”
A longtime advocate for student success, President Brown has been dedicated to increasing financial literacy among students, empowering them with the knowledge and tools to avoid graduating with burdensome debt and to build a stronger economic foundation for their futures.
Celebrating Impact Amid Challenges
Dr. Brown reaffirmed Tuskegee’s continued leadership and impact despite these challenges. He highlighted the university’s newly launched Aviation Science degree program and emphasized that Tuskegee’s College of Veterinary Medicine produces over 75% of the nation’s African American veterinarians. He highlighted the university’s expansive contributions to cancer research, sustainable agriculture, and solar-powered year-round food production. Additionally, he underscored Tuskegee’s critical role in helping small farmers meet USDA standards and bring livestock to market, demonstrating the university’s broad and lasting influence on food systems and economic development.
A longtime advocate for student success, President Brown has been dedicated to increasing financial literacy among students, empowering them with the knowledge and tools to avoid graduating with burdensome debt and to build a stronger economic foundation for their futures.
“At Tuskegee, we develop the talent that solves the world’s most complex problems—from aviators and veterinarians to agricultural experts and visionary researchers,” Dr. Brown concluded. “Our impact is undeniable—and our potential is limitless. Now is the time to invest.”
© 2025 Tuskegee University
