Lawrence M. Clark University Community Dinner

In 1982, North Carolina State University began hosting the University – Community “Brotherhood Dinner” as a part of the vision of Dr. Lawrence M. Clark, linking North Carolina State University, Shaw University, St. Augustine’s University (formerly, St. Augustine’s College), and diverse members of our community. The goals of the event were two-fold:

• To bring to light the “important contributions that African Americans have made and continue to make by identifying an African American . . . who has made contributions to America, not only as a scholar, but as an humanitarian.”
• “To reaffirm, as a University and a community, our deep commitment to enhancing an environment where people of diverse backgrounds may come to study and work together, realizing their full potential.”

The African American Cultural Center is pleased to announce that the dinner will be revived and renamed as the Lawrence M. Clark University Community Dinner. The Lawrence M. Clark University Community Dinner will be held on March 21, 2013 at the McKimmon Center for Extension & Continuing Education, beginning with a reception at 5:30 pm followed by dinner at 6:00 pm.  We will recognize the achievements of Margaret Rose Murray, a Raleigh activist and community organizer, and Charlotte O’Neal, a humanitarian, artist and activist whose work links the U.S. and in Tanzania, by presenting them with the Benjamin O. Mays Award.  Also, six student honorees selected from North Carolina State University, Shaw University and St. Augustine’s College will be recognized for academic achievement. As importantly, when you sponsor the Lawrence M. Clark University Community Dinner, you will also support the establishment of new scholarships for each of the students honored at the event. Professional business attire is required.

We invite each college and administrative office to consider sponsoring seven guests, to attend dinner by contributing $500 for a reserved table or by reserving a single seat. Your sponsorship includes a reserved table with seven seats for use by your unit and three seats that will be used for students, community members, and external guests. We encourage you to invite faculty, staff, alumni, and students from your unit to join as your guests at the dinner.   Please send the attached registration form including the names of your seven guests to: Dr. Sheila Smith McKoy, Director of the African American Cultural Center, no later than Friday, February 21, 2013.

Active participation and support from the colleges, administration units and corporate sponsors reflects the strong commitment our entire community has made towards enhancing diversity on campus.

Please contact Dr. Sheila Smith McCoy at (919) 513-2446 or ssmckoy@ncsu.edu if you have any questions or concerns.  Thank you for your continued support of the African American Cultural Center and of diversity at North Carolina State University.