Saturday May 16, 2026
Chase Center on the Riverfront Wilmington, DE “Its showtime! ”
Title Sponsor
Thank you for joining us this evening for the 2026 Delaware State University Scholarship Ball. Your generosity will help provide scholarships for our students.
Welcome & Introduction of Mistress of Ceremonies
President Na’ja Stokes & Vice President Sydney Brown ’26, Student Government Association
Student Impact Stories
Ms. Alana Carter-Grimes ’27, Mr. El Hadji Mbaye ’27
Mistress of Ceremonies
Ms. Jamila Mustafa ’15, Award-Winning Journalist, Speaker and Host
Blessing of the Food
Mr. Xavier Thompson ’27, Mr. F.O.R.C.E Ministries
Introduction of the President
Mr. Jahad Neibauer ’20
Remarks
Tony Allen, Ph.D., President, Delaware State University
DINNER
Greeting and Welcome Remarks
Dr. Enid Wallace-Haley ’73, Chair, Delaware State University Foundation Board
Mr. Leroy Tice, Esq. ’02, Chair, Delaware State University Board of Trustees
Presentation of the Alumni of the Year Award
Dr. Enid Wallace-Haley ’73, Chair, Delaware State University Foundation Board
Mr. Leroy Tice, Esq. ’02, Chair, Delaware State University Board of Trustees
Presentation of the Ubuntu Legacy Award
Tony Allen, Ph.D., President, Delaware State University
D’Elegance Student Performance
Presentation of the Corporate Partnership Award
Mr. Evans Armantrading III ’27 and Mr. Jordan Davis ’28
Introduction of Musical Guest
Mrs. Tara Allen, First Lady
Musical Performance
Avery*Sunshine
Acknowledgments
Dr. LaShawne Pryor, Interim Vice President for Institutional Advancement and President, DSU Foundation
After-Party Entertainment
DJ Boogie
Salad
Mixed Field Greens with Fresh Seasonal Berries, Mango Ginger Stilton & Raspberry Vinaigrette
Braised Angus Beef Short Ribs & Pan Sauce
Jumbo Lump Crab Cake with Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Apple Tart with Caramel Sauce
Khalia Williams | Class of 2026
Major: Nursing
DSU became the community I didn’t know I needed. The support, the representation, and the opportunities here have affirmed who I am becoming. I will always carry DSU with me— it chose me as much as I chose it.
Our students are our mission, and tonight’s 2026 Scholarship Ball is a celebration of their promise, their potential, and their power.
PROMISE–“Delaware State University didn’t just give me a place to learn; it gave me a platform to lead. DSU believed in both my story and my potential, and that support has shaped my confidence.”
–Sydney Brown, ’26, Computer Science major and Student Government Vice President
POTENTIAL–“From day one, DSU felt like more than a campus; it felt like a community striving for excellence together. I wanted to be in a place where people uplift one another, where being a scholar is part of the culture. That’s exactly what I found here.”
–Jaden Smith, ’29, Business and Marketing major
POWER–“Being surrounded by peers and mentors who push me, challenge me, and look like me has elevated the standard I set for myself, academically and personally.”
–Kennedy Deas, ’26, Biological and Forensic Sciences double major
Thank you for supporting our students and our University in relentless pursuit of our mission. Tonight, we celebrate: Delaware State University had a banner year in 2025 by any measure, and we are just getting started!
It is both a privilege and a pleasure to welcome you to the Delaware State University Scholarship Ball. This evening is a celebration of possibility, achievement, and the life-changing power of opportunity. It is also a reflection of our shared purpose and commitment to access, opportunity, and student success.
We know that the path to higher education is not always without obstacles. For many of our students, financial challenges can interrupt what began as a journey full of promises a semester cut short, a dream placed on hold. Yet time and again, we have seen what becomes possible when a community of generous believers step forward to invest in a student’s purpose and future.
That is precisely what this evening represents. Your presence tonight is a testament to your belief in the promise of Delaware State University students. The support generated through this Scholarship Ball helps remove financial barriers, allowing our students to fully engage in their academic journeys, pursue their passions, and build stronger futures for themselves and their communities.
We extend our deepest gratitude to our sponsors, alumni, donors, and friends whose generosity fuels our mission. As you engage with our students this evening, you are witnessing the return on that investment young people who, because of champions like you, are able to stay the course.
Thank you for your continued commitment to giving back. Your generosity makes all the difference.
With sincere appreciation, LaShawne Pryor
LaShawne
Pryor,
Ed.D. Interim Vice President for Institutional Advancement
Leroy A. Tice ’02, Esq., Chair
Dr. Debbie Harrington, 1st Vice Chair
Norman D. Griffiths, Esq., 2nd Vice Chair
MEMBERS OF THE BOARD
Mr. William Collick
Mr. James L. Collins
Dr. Wilma Mishoe
Dr. Janice E. Nevin
Mr. Michael S. Purzycki, Esq.
Mr. John Ridgeway’75
Mr. Chip Rossi
Dr. Marlene Saunders ‘67
Tetra S. Shockley ‘04, Esq.
Ms. Jocelyn Stewart
Ms. Bernadette Dorsey Whatley, Treasurer
Ms. Tamara Stoner, Board Secretary EX-OFFICIO
The Honorable Matt Meyer
Governor of the State of Delaware
Tony Allen, Ph.D. President, Delaware State University
TRUSTEE EMERITI
Dr. A. Richard Barros, Esq.
Dr. Claibourne D. Smith
President Emeriti
Dr. Wilma Mishoe
Dr. Harry L. Williams
Dr. Enid Wallace-Haley ’74, Chair
Ms. Nicole Dye-Anderson ’03, Vice Chair
Mr. LaShawne Pryor, Ed.D. , Foundation President
Tony Allen, Ph.D., University President
Mr. Vincent Rojas, Treasurer/Secretary
Ms. Henrietta Savage, Controller
Capt. William “CJ” Charlton ’95
Mr. Steve Ewing ’82
Mr. Daryl Graham
Mr. Thomas Horne
Mr. Joseph Purzycki
Dr. Kathleen Shelton
Mr. David Sheppard, Esq.
Ms. Jocelyn Stewart
Ms. Cathleen Trigg-Jones ’92
Major: Computer Science
I chose Delaware State University because it offers a strong sense of community and support that truly values student growth. The campus environment feels welcoming, and the opportunities for academic and personal development made it the right fit for me.
In the dynamic world of media and entertainment, one standout is Jamila Mustafa. A maven in broadcast journalism, an actress with a magnetic presence, and a host with infectious energy, Jamila is one of the most powerful figures in the millennial zeitgeist. Her influence extends across iHeartRadio, BET, ESPN, FOX, and Paramount, making her more than a media personality—a cultural force!
The award-winning journalist is known for hosting the MTV VMAs and EMAs, her SiriusXM show ‘Jamila’s Jams’, and MTV Network’s ‘Fresh Out Live’ (formerly ‘TRL’), which is in its seventh season. Jamila’s impact is indelible!
The former HBCU queen (Miss Delaware State University) knows how to rock a stage as she is recognized as one of the top speakers for her ability to connect with a universal audience. Jamila has hosted at the Kennedy Center, ESSENCE Festival, A3C music festival, and many more.
Jamila has been listed as one of the top HBCU alumna in the nation. Jamila’s initiative, HBCU 2 Hollywood, a national interactive speaking tour, demonstrates her commitment to nurturing the next generation. Mustafa has been recognized as one of Black Enterprise’s 40 Under 40 (MEDIA) and is considered one of the most influential people under 40 by the United Nations. Mustafa also made history as Bennett College’s youngest commencement speaker. President Joseph Biden Jr. has acknowledged Jamila’s achievements, Forbes dubbed her a “Mastermind,” and she was featured in Forbes Magazine, where she was recognized as a leading woman in music and entertainment.
Chester, Pennsylvania, native Avery*Sunshine has established herself as a musical powerhouse, seamlessly blending her roles as a pianist, singer, songwriter, and producer. A proud graduate of Spelman College, her journey from the academic halls to the global stage is a testament to her talent, dedication, and passion for music. Together with her husband and Grammy-nominated partner, Dana Johnson, Avery has made Atlanta her stronghold, where they nurture and expand their creative and entrepreneurial ventures.
Avery’s career is marked by significant achievements, including four top 20 hits on the Billboard charts. Her song “Call My Name” reached the coveted #1 spot, affirming her place in the music industry. Beyond her personal successes, Avery is a committed advocate for artists, serving as a Board Governor for the Atlanta Chapter of the Recording Academy, where she contributes to shaping the music landscape.
Her entrepreneurial spirit shines through her co-founding and partnership in BigShine Recordings, a label dedicated to empowering independent artists. Additionally, Avery ventures into the beauty industry as the founder of Lou*Mack Beauty Cosmetics Corp, demonstrating her multifaceted talents and business acumen.
Avery*Sunshine’s influence extends across the globe through her international tours, touching audiences in Asia, Europe, UK and Australia with her soulful music and dynamic performances. Currently, she is captivating fans with her musical web series “So Glad To Know You,” providing an intimate look at her creative journey and connection with music.
Avery*Sunshine’s biography encapsulates not just her musical achievements but her role as a luminary in the industry, shining a light on the power of independence, creativity, and the unifying force of music. With Atlanta as her backdrop, she continues to inspire and captivate, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of those who witness her artistry.
DJ Boogie is a highly respected and globally recognized DJ known for his ability to curate unforgettable musical experiences at concerts, celebrity functions, and corporate events.
With a career rooted in precision, cultural awareness, and crowd mastery, DJ Boogie has established himself as a trusted tastemaker for elite audiences worldwide.
Most notably, DJ Boogie serves as the exclusive international tour DJ for hip-hop icon Lil’ Kim, a trailblazing superstar whose influence has shaped generations of music, fashion, and culture. As her official tour DJ, DJ Boogie plays a critical role in delivering high-energy, world-class performances to global audiences, seamlessly supporting a legacy artist whose brand demands excellence at every level.
Capital One is proud to Change Banking For Good in the first state. Learn more about Capital One in Delaware at www.capitalone.com/about/delaware/
Capital One financed nearly $400M in community development in Delaware from 2020-2023.
Since the inception of our community impact program, Capital One provided over $21 million in grant funding to Delawarebased non-profits.
Over 370,000 Delawareans have a Capital One Credit Card in their wallet, including over 19,000 Delaware small business owners and entrepreneurs.*
Capital One cardholders in Delaware earned and redeemed over $26 million in Capital One credit card rewards, helping them pay for everything from gas and groceries to family vacations.*
The Delaware economy directly received over $3.2 billion in spending on Capital One cards.*
* in 2023
Barclays proudly takes part in Delaware State University’s Scholarship Ball, supporting students in need through financial scholarships that will positively impact their futures.
Together with Delaware State University, we’re on a mission to ensure local students have access to the skills and knowledge needed for long-term success.
As we expand career opportunities in the communities we proudly call home, we take a step closer toward a more equitable energy workforce – one that’s reflective of the diverse communities we serve.
Anyone on the move in Delaware or New Jersey knows there's a DRBA connection just waiting to meet their transportation needs, whether on land, on water, or in the air.
Operating the Delaware Memorial Bridge, five airports including Wilmington Airport (ILG), Forts Ferry Crossing, and the Cape May-Lewes Ferry, the DRBA connects people and places throughout the heart of the Northeast Corridor.
We are the Delaware River & Bay Authorityproviding connections that move you.
Learn more at drba.net
M&T Bank is proud to support the Delaware State University Foundation. lifelong learning. That s why we offer our time, energy and resources, and encourage others to do the same. Learn more at mtb.com.
At ChristianaCare, nearly 15,000 diverse and highly talented professionals share the same goal: to serve our neighbors with high-quality, affordable and equitable care in Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
With dedicated caregivers, innovative thinking and groundbreaking technology, it’s no wonder ChristianaCare is regularly recognized for excellence. We’re proud to be among the best in the areas of patient safety, quality care, equity and innovation, recognized by Healthgrades, Newsweek, U.S. News & World Report and Forbes.
At ChristianaCare, love and excellence aren’t just words— they’re the foundation of everything we do. Our teams are shaping the future of health care through compassion, innovation and collaboration. Together, we make a difference for our neighbors—and for each other.
Careers.ChristianaCare.org
Because it just makes sense.
Yes, we offer private student loans. But to students and families navigating their unique higher education journeys — we’re so much more. We’re an education solutions provider, offering free planning resources and greater access to “free money” through scholarships and grants, and helping families navigate to, through, and after college.
TMCF opens the doors of opportunity through scholarships, workforce development and career placement.
THE THURGOOD MARSHALL COLLEGE FUND IS AMERICA’S LARGEST ORGANIZATION THAT EXCLUSIVELY REPRESENTS THE BLACK COLLEGE COMMUNITY.
We put bright minds to work by giving HBCU students an equal chance.
College doesn’t just transform your life. It also empowers you to go forth and transform the world around you.
We prepare high-performing students like you for life-changing employment opportunities. Our strong partnerships with Fortune 500 companies make TMCF the premier resources for companies looking for exceptional, HBCU talent.
Transformation begins with you. Visit tmcf.org to learn about the many programs and scholarships available today.
Connect with us: tmcf.org
As a global leader in life science, diagnostics and analytical laboratory technologies, Agilent creates innovative instruments, software, services and solutions that provide trusted answers to our customers’ most critical questions and challenges.
Whether they are in pharma, biopharma, food, agriculture, environment, energy, chemicals, forensics, homeland security, clinical diagnostics or research, we are passionate about helping our customers solve their most ambitious scientific challenges, increase the performance of their laboratories, and advance the quality of life.
www.agilent.com
There is a place where you don’t have to choose quality over convenience. Where you don’t have to choose outstanding medical care over being cared about. Where a team of people have chosen to make health care more of what you want it to be, so that you can choose to have it all.
We have several workforce development initiatives, including the Growth Program, IDEA Scholars Program, and the Neurodiagnostic Technologist Apprenticeship Program, which focus on professional growth, diverse talent pipelines, and upskilling.
Proud to support the DSU Scholarship Ball and the students of Delaware State University investing in education, opportunity, and our community’s future.
Access to education opens doors and strengthens entire communities. By investing in its students through scholarships, mentorship, and a commitment to excellence, DSU’s work goes beyond the classroom; it shapes confident, capable leaders prepared to make a real difference.
On behalf of the City of Wilmington, I thank Delaware State University for its dedication to its students and for reminding us why education remains one of the most powerful tools for progress.
Delaware State University strives to be the most diverse, contemporary HBCU in the United States
Rigorously leverage a proud HBCU legacy and commitment to excellence in every field of human endeavor to enhance the recruitment and preparation of talented professionals to contribute to a sustainable, global community.
Support Delaware State University Student Scholarships
To Make Your Donation Now (via credit card, Givelify, PayPal & www.desu.edu/Scholarships)
TEXT “2026Ball” to 41444 or Scan the QR Code below
