By Ericka Alston Buck,
Special to the AFRO

On the evening of May 4, the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront Hotel was flooded once again with displays of Black excellence, as Coppin State University hosted their second annual gala. 

  • Baltimore City Mayor Brandon M. Scott shares a moment at the 2024 Coppin Gala with AFRO Director of Public and Community Relations, Diane Hocker. (Photos courtesy of the Baltimore Office of the Mayor / J. J. McQueen)
  • Rachel Graham, who currently serves as director of external relations for the Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History and Culture, is spotted in the crowd.
  • Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks listens intently as members of the Coppin community speak on the institution’s growth and the limitless potential of its scholars. (Photos courtesy of the Baltimore Office of the Mayor / J. J. McQueen)
  • Pamela Richardson Wilks, Ph.D., provost and vice president for academic affairs at Coppin State University speaks to the audience. (Photos courtesy of the Baltimore Office of the Mayor / J. J. McQueen)
  • Tori Haynes-Harrison, a senior at Coppin State University studying early childhood education speaks on her time at the institution. (Photos courtesy of the Baltimore Office of the Mayor / J. J. McQueen)
  • Mister Coppin State University, Jawaad Williams, looks out at the gala audience with pride with Miss Coppin, Kailah Griffin-Randall, at his side. (Photos courtesy of the Baltimore Office of the Mayor / J. J. McQueen)
  • Joseph H. Lewis Jr. accepts the Eagle Legacy Award for his exemplary service in the community, spanning more than a decade. (Photos courtesy of the Baltimore Office of the Mayor / J. J. McQueen)
  • Baltimore City Mayor Brandon M. Scott shows support for Coppin State University and its bold leader, President Anthony L. Jenkins, Ph.D.. (Photos courtesy of the Baltimore Office of the Mayor / J. J. McQueen)

Under the resplendent theme of celebrating and inspiring students on the path to “be more,” the gala pulled together a diverse tapestry of esteemed guests, including elected officials, community leaders, artists and philanthropists.

The 2024 Coppin State University Gala was more than just a glamorous event—it was a manifestation of Coppin’s commitment to shaping a brighter future for its students and the surrounding community. With a mission to raise $25 million over five years through the ‘BE MORE’ campaign, Eagle Nation aimed to bolster student support, expand scholarship opportunities and enhance academic offerings.

The gala commenced with a VIP reception, where the air was thick with excitement and camaraderie. Among the attendees was Dion Lawson, a proud Coppin alum, who reminisced about his college days. 

“Coppin State gave me everything I needed in terms of being a leader, in terms of looking at the future. If it wasn’t for Coppin State College, I don’t know where I would be,” he said.

As the doors to the main ballroom opened, guests were greeted by the melodious strains of an orchestra, setting the stage for an evening of elegance and sophistication. Ballerinas gracefully danced throughout the room, adding a touch of class and charm to the atmosphere.

The gala served as a platform to honor individuals who have made significant contributions to Coppin State University and the wider community. Among the distinguished honorees were Brian D. Pieninck, president and CEO of CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, who received the Blue and Gold Impact Award for his corporation’s outstanding commitment to philanthropy. Carim V. Khouzami, president and CEO of Baltimore Gas and Electric, was honored with the Wings of Excellence Award for his innovative solutions and significant advancements within the community.

Joseph H. Lewis, a Coppin alum, was presented with the Eagle Legacy Award in recognition of his exemplary civic and charitable responsibility spanning over ten years. Dr. Tammira Lucas, also a Coppin graduate, received the Eagle of the Year award for her outstanding achievements and contributions.

Throughout the evening, guests were inspired by the stories of resilience, dedication and leadership exemplified by the honorees. Their unwavering commitment to making a positive impact served as a reminder of the transformative power of philanthropy and community involvement.

One of the highlights  of the evening was undoubtedly the five-star surf and turf seated dinner, expertly prepared. Attendees savored every morsel of the sumptuous meal. Each dish, from the perfectly cooked filet mignon to the succulent mahi-mahi, was a testament to culinary excellence and the dedication of the catering team.

Destiny-Simone Ramjohn, vice president of community health and social impact for CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, spoke with the AFRO about why the company helped sponsor the event.

“Historically Black colleges and universities, along with PBIs or predominantly Black institutions and minority serving institutions, are part of my personal and professional mission,” she said. “Carefirst BlueCross BlueShield believes that educational attainment and economic opportunity are the social drivers that can most move the needle on individual and community health outcomes.”

To conclude the event, Anthony Jenkins, Ph.D., president of Coppin State University, delivered a moving speech on what it means to invest in the future of the West Baltimore university and the Coppin State community at large. 

“Since 1900 Coppin has stood as a beacon of hope. In over 124 years, we have proven ourselves to be a university that is invaluable and irreplaceable. What started in the basement of a local high school, today, is a leader in urban higher education,” said Jenkins. “Education still remains the greatest equalizer in our nation. That is why the work we do at Coppin State University is so important.” 

“We educate a diverse, multicultural, multigenerational student population,” he continued. “At the hands of our incredible faculty and our dedicated staff, they are transformed into the thought leaders…the solution finders and the change agents that are helping shape and lead our world. At Coppin, our commitment to improving the human condition and creating upward, economic mobility is unmatched and unwavering.”

Jenkins implored those in attendance to help financially support the institution’s goals and the scholars who attend the historically Black campus.

“Before you could be the cure for cancer–the next nurse who may save your or a loved one’s life, the teacher who may be responsible for your child or grandchild- the next great CEO, judge, political leader, actor, scientist, professor, athlete or military officer,” he said, voice swelling with passion. “At Coppin we challenge our students and we push them beyond their intellectual and creative limits and we help them understand that the sky is not the limit. We help them to appreciate and understand that earning your degree does not make you educated- the education comes from the evolutionary transformational journey that we immerse them in.” 

“It is during this time and this space that they transition from student to scholar and leader. That is the power of a Coppin State education,” said Jenkins, as the audience erupted in applause.

As the night drew to a close, guests took to the dance floor, celebrating the success of the gala and the bright future ahead for Coppin State University. With sold-out tickets and a growing reputation as a must-attend annual affair, the gala served as a beacon of hope and unity, attracting attendees from near and far who were eager to support Coppin’s mission and be part of its transformative journey towards excellence.