Delaware State University’s 14th Annual Scholarship Ball Raises $4 Million for Student Scholarships

December 18, 2024

Senator Carper Honored with Inaugural Ubuntu Legacy Award; Agilent Technologies and Barclays Recognized as Key Partners

By Saquan Simpson

Wilmington, Del. — Delaware State University celebrated another landmark success at its 14th Annual Scholarship Ball, raising a record-breaking $4 million in support of student scholarships. The event, held at the Chase Center on the Riverfront, drew an audience of 1,200 attendees, including 100 DSU students, making it the largest annual fundraiser in the First State.

Attendees were treated to captivating performances by Grammy-nominated artist Eric Roberson and three-time Grammy-winning violinist Damien Escobar, adding a dynamic cultural flair to the evening’s celebration of academic excellence and community support.

File Photo: Dr. Tony Allen President of Delaware State University delivers remarks during Capital One and the Delaware State University ribbon cutting ceremony to make their New Historic Downtown satellite facility Friday, February 25, 2022; in Wilmington, Delaware. Photo By Saquan Stimpson

 

University President Dr. Tony Allen took the stage to present the inaugural Ubuntu Legacy Award to retiring U.S. Senator Thomas Carper (D-DE) and his wife, Martha. The prestigious award, inspired by the Swahili philosophy of Ubuntu—“I am because we are”—recognizes the Carper family’s decades-long commitment to Delaware State University and its mission.

“Senator Carper’s visionary leadership and dedication have left an indelible mark on DSU,” Dr. Allen remarked. “From signing the 1993 legislation that elevated Delaware State to university status to his tireless advocacy for our students and programs, he embodies the spirit of Ubuntu and the power of collective progress.”

In an emotional acceptance speech, Senator Carper reflected on his legacy and enduring connection to the University. “It has been an honor to serve the people of Delaware and support Delaware State University’s incredible growth,” he said. “Even as I retire from the Senate, I will continue to uplift DSU and its talented students. Hornets Rising!”

Corporate and Community Leaders Honored

Agilent Technologies was awarded the Corporate Partner of the Year for its transformative support of the University. Since 2022, Agilent has contributed nearly $9 million in financial and in-kind gifts, including scholarships and cutting-edge technology for academic research. The University also announced that its forthcoming science building, slated to open in Spring 2025, will bear the name Agilent College of Agriculture, Science and Technology Research Center in recognition of the company’s support.

Barclays received the Community Partner of the Year Award for its decade-long commitment to DSU students. The global financial institution has provided internships, mentorship programs, and professional development opportunities, furthering DSU’s mission to equip students for the workforce.

A Legacy of Leadership

The evening also celebrated the extraordinary contributions of Dr. Vita Pickrum, Vice President of University Advancement, who will retire at the end of 2024. In recognition of her groundbreaking work in fundraising and philanthropy—including the establishment of the HBCU Philanthropy Symposium—Dr. Pickrum was named President Emerita of the Delaware State University Foundation.

File Photo: Ukee Washington co-anchor of CBS3 news reporting from day three of the 30th Annual Clifford Brown Jazz Festival Friday, June 22, 2018; at Rodney Square in Wilmington Delaware. Photo By Saquan Stimpson

 

Longtime CBS3 co-anchor Ukee Washington was honored with the University Lifetime Achievement Award. A respected figure in broadcast journalism, Washington is also the son of Dr. Ulysses S. Washington, a DSU legend who led the University’s agricultural program for decades.

Kevin Perry, a Class of 2018 alumnus and senior associate at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, was named the 2025 Alumni of the Year. Perry’s dedication to mentoring DSU students and participating in key university events, such as the College of Business’s DEEP Day, exemplifies the commitment of DSU graduates to giving back to their alma mater.

Students at the Center

Highlighting the impact of the evening were the 100 DSU students in attendance, many of whom benefit directly from the scholarships made possible by the event. Among them was senior biochemistry major Yasmeen Olass, who introduced Agilent Technologies during the awards ceremony.

“Participating in the DSU Scholarship Ball means so much to me and countless other students who rely on these scholarships to pursue our dreams,” Olass said. “This event reminds us that we are part of a community that believes in our potential and invests in our future.”

A Record-Breaking Year

The $4 million raised during the Scholarship Ball sets a new standard for philanthropic giving at Delaware State University, underscoring the event’s growing prominence in the region and its critical role in providing opportunities for underserved students.

As DSU continues its rise as a premier historically Black university, this year’s Scholarship Ball showcased the power of community, corporate partnerships, and visionary leadership in shaping the future of higher education.