Alumni, Dignitaries and Celebrities Raise Scholarships for Clark Atlanta University Students

ATLANTA - March 6, 2018 - PRLog -- Hundreds of Clark Atlanta University (CAU) alumni, students and dignitaries will celebrate the 10th Annual Spirit of Greatness Gala (http://www.cau.edu/events/2018/03/spirit-of-greatness-gala-2018.html), 6:30 p.m. Saturday, March 24 at the Georgia Aquarium. Hosted by Clark Atlanta University Alumni Association (CAUAA) and Clark Atlanta University, the event raises scholarship funds and recognizes distinguished alumni and pioneers who are making a positive contribution to CAU and society.

"This year culminates a milestone of ten (10) years of alumni, friends, and supporters dedicating themselves to a worthy cause of ensuring that the next generation of leaders receive a quality education," says Marshall Taggart, Jr., Clark Atlanta University National Alumni Association President.

The Spirit of Greatness Gala has raised more than $1.5 million in scholarships over the past decade. "It's been a struggle in making sure I have all the money I need for school," says Aaliyah Holmes, an award recipient. "My mom always tells me to never lose faith and God always works it out," adds the accounting major. Nearly 4,000 students have benefited from the Spirit of Greatness Gala.

The evening of elegance also honors alumni who make positive deposits into society as trailblazers and community leaders. The 2018 Pathways To Excellence Award recipients include: Leona Barr-Davenport, President and CEO of the Atlanta Business League; Dr. Craig L. Oliver, Sr., Senior Pastor of Elizabeth Baptist Church; Brenda Tolliver, Associate Broker at Realty Associates of Atlanta; Raymond E. Watson, Retired Senior Program Officer of the Greater Cincinnati Foundation and former WGCL television anchor Amanda Davis (posthumously). The Dr. Thomas W. Cole, Jr. Legacy Award will be bestowed upon Philanthropist Billye Suber Aaron.

The Thomas W. Cole Legacy is the highest award that an individual can receive in the alumni association. "As we celebrate Women's History Month it's important to note that Alumna Billye Aaron represents the 'epitome of honor & grace' and a 'champion for all,' especially women and girls," says Taggart. Each awardee represents diversity of gender, professional background, and service to the community at-large.

"We are extremely proud of the societal contributions of the 2018 awardees," says CAU President Ronald A. Johnson. "They are talented alumni from Atlanta University, Clark College, and Clark Atlanta University. Their work embodies the legacy of our dual mottos: 'Culture for Service" and 'I'll find a way or make one.'"

Serving as this year's host committee chairman is Ernest Green, a historical icon that integrated Arkansas's Central High School in 1957 as a member of the Little Rock Nine. Green, the only senior in the group, earned his diploma in 1958 and became the school's first black graduate.

Several civic leaders, celebrities and supporters will attend the Spirit of Greatness Gala. The black-tie affair is Saturday, March 24 at the Georgia Aquarium. The reception begins at 5:30 p.m., and the awards program begins at 6:30 p.m. The evening includes dinner and musical entertainment. To purchase tickets visit www.cau.edu