UNCF Columbus to Launch 2026–2027 Scholarship Campaign Aug. 26

The United Negro College Fund (UNCF) and the UNCF Columbus Steering Committee will officially launch the 2026–2027 Columbus Campaign with its annual Campaign Kickoff on Wednesday, Aug. 26, at Green Island Country Club.

The luncheon, which serves as the official start of the local fundraising campaign, aims to raise $20,000 to provide scholarships for students pursuing higher education. Organizers expect more than 200 business leaders, community members, educators and supporters to attend the annual event.

The program will feature remarks from Mayor-elect Isaiah Hugley, who will serve as the keynote speaker. Dyonte Herron, a student at Stillman College, will share his educational journey as the featured student scholar.

The event will be emceed by Cameron Sanders of WRBL. The invocation will be delivered by Dr. Marcus J. Gibson, pastor of Greater Shady Grove Missionary Baptist Church. Musical entertainment will be provided by Chris Kelly.

The campaign kickoff is hosted by UNCF and the UNCF Columbus Steering Committee with support from corporate partners and community supporters committed to expanding educational opportunities for local students.

Registration begins at 11:30 a.m., followed by the luncheon and program from noon to 1:30 p.m. at Green Island Country Club, 6501 Standing Boy Road, Columbus, Georgia.

The event is coordinated by Justine Boyd, UNCF Assistant Vice President, and the UNCF Columbus Steering Committee. Nikki Gallman, UNCF Area Development Director, serves as the primary contact for the campaign, with additional support from Terrion Smith, Development Associate. Local campaign coordinators include Patricia Eldridge and Kathy Jones, members of the Columbus campaign committee.

Founded in 1944, UNCF is one of the nation's largest providers of scholarships and educational support for students of color, helping thousands of students attend and graduate from college each year.