Contact: Crystal Drake, Office of Strategic Communications
University receives more than $4.5 million in Support
Homecoming 102: A Renaissance Family Affair is in the books. The weekend of events was a celebration of unwavering pride and support from alumni, students, faculty, staff, and supporters across the community – including combined gifts to the university totaling more than $4.5 million. From the live broadcast of ESPN’s First Take for a national audience, soft launch of the Kellogg Center to the delight of alumni, parade with Grand Marshal T.I., football game and Convocation on Sunday, the weekend had something for everyone.
Gameday Giving
Homecoming 102: A Renaissance Family Affair gameday activities with the annual parade featuring three-time Grammy winner, actor and producer T.I. as grand marshal and guest artist during halftime with the Marching Crimson Pipers. The university received than $4 million in philanthropic support from generous donors.
Tuskegee celebrated extraordinary financial gifts this weekend from:
- The Tuskegee University Board of Trustees: $2,426,632 in contributions to the university since 2025 Homecoming
- The Gamma Epsilon Alumni of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.: $1,015,000 through a multi-year effort to support their endowed scholarship fund
- Alabama Power and the Alabama Power Foundation: $500,000 since 2025 Homecoming
- The Lampley Family: $100,000 through their family endowment since 2025 Homecoming
- The Reunion classes announced $371,021 raised on behalf of Mother Tuskegee
“We are deeply grateful for this transformational financial support from to advance student success, increase scholarship opportunities and accelerate campus renovations,” said Dr. Mark A. Brown, president and CEO. “This level of visionary support will accelerate the work of Tuskegee’s Renaissance Era to equip every student with the power to own their futures by competing and winning in the global economy.”
In a hard fought contest, Tuskegee battled back from an early deficit and carried a fourth-quarter lead before Miles College rallied late to secure a 35-27 victory.
A Call to Carry the Legacy Forward
On Sunday, Rev. Kevin Lamár Peterman challenged hundreds of alumni, students, faculty, staff, and friends to embrace their responsibility as the next generation of leaders, scholars, and change-makers.
The pastor of the historic Nineteenth Street Baptist Church in Washington, D.C., and former Chief of Staff for the United Negro College Fund, drew his sermon from the Book of Joshua. Rev. Peterman examined the biblical transition of leadership following the death of Moses. He likened Joshua's uncertainty and responsibility to the position facing today's Tuskegee students and alumni.
Just as Joshua was called to move forward without the direct guidance of his revered mentor, Rev. Peterman said the Tuskegee family now bears responsibility for advancing a legacy built by giants such as Booker T. Washington, George Washington Carver, Gen. Daniel "Chappie" James Jr., and countless others.
"The baton now rests in your hands," he declared. "It is your turn. It is your time. The world needs Tuskegee graduates. Now is the time to run this race as fast as you can."
Reunion Classes Carry Commitment Forward
The convocation also celebrated members of the reunion classes of 1991, 1996, 2001, 2006, 2011, 2016, and 2021.
During the annual reunion class gift presentation, alumni demonstrated their unwavering commitment by presenting a combined contribution of $371,021 in support of the university.
"We are excited about the vision of the Renaissance Era," said Rev. Dr. James Quincy III '90, president of the Tuskegee National Alumni Association. "We need each and every one of you to step up and give our best to the school that has given so much to us. Our greatest days are ahead of us."
Alumni Merit Award Honors Aviation Pioneer
A spotlight on the powerful legacy of Tuskegee alumni also included the 2026 Alumni Merit Award, honoring Colonel Palmer Sullins Jr. ’68 U.S. Army (Ret.).
Born on the campus of Tuskegee Institute, Sullins developed a passion for aviation at an early age under the mentorship of legendary Tuskegee aviator Chief Charles Alfred Anderson. In 1955, Anderson began personally teaching the young Sullins to fly at Moton Field, forging a friendship that lasted until Anderson's death in 1996.
His distinguished military career culminated as commander of the 204th Air Traffic Services Group, making him the first African American Major Command commander in the Louisiana Army National Guard.
Throughout his career, Sullins has championed aviation education, mentored future pilots, supported Tuskegee University's Aviation Science Program, and helped preserve the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen. He is an active member of the university's Eminent Associates donor society and has contributed more than $133,600 to his alma mater.
“Homecoming is a joyful return to these extraordinary and sacred grounds and a celebration for the entire Tuskegee community,” said Dr. Brown. “For all who call Mother Tuskegee home, this day represents our unwavering commitment to strengthen the impact of the Tuskegee family around the world.”
© 2026 Tuskegee University
