Contact: Kawana McGough, Division of Development and Alumni Engagement
Tuskegee, Ala. — Tuskegee University concluded its Investiture Weekend with an inspiring Ecumenical Service on Sunday, September 21, 2025, in the Tuskegee University Chapel. The service, featuring award-winning gospel artist Vickie Winans, also celebrated the university’s first alumnus to serve as president, Dr. Mark A. Brown ‘86.
The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Bill Winston ’67, senior pastor of Living Word Christian Center, internationally renowned ministry leader, and co-chair of Tuskegee’s newly launched comprehensive campaign. A proud Tuskegee native and graduate, Dr. Winston inspired attendees with a message of how the best is yet to come for Tuskegee University.
Winston inspired the crowd by drawing on the legacy of Booker T. Washington, framing his message as “seeds, trees and deeds.” He likened Tuskegee students to seeds bursting with potential, nurtured by the soil of community support. He emphasized that this support must be ongoing, measurable, and rooted in sacrifice—an investment that ensures students grow into strong trees whose deeds will positively impact the world.
In a demonstration of his commitment, Dr. Winston announced a $25,000 gift to Tuskegee University in support of the campaign, which will advance scholarships, research, and transformational initiatives.
“Tuskegee has been the foundation of my leadership journey and continues to be a beacon for solving the world’s most complex problems,” said Dr. Winston. “It is both a joy and a responsibility to give back, so that future generations of Golden Tigers will have the opportunities that Tuskegee gave me.”
Tuskegee University President Dr. Mark A. Brown ’86 praised Winston’s dual role as a leader and philanthropist.
“Dr. Winston exemplifies the Tuskegee spirit of excellence, faith, and giving,” Brown said. “As co-chair of our comprehensive campaign, he is not only making a personal investment but also helping to guide this historic effort that will shape Tuskegee’s future for generations to come.”
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