The annual President’s Gala at Howard Community College was a grand celebration that brought together over 400 luminaries from various sectors to support student scholars and the opening of the Kahlert Foundation Complex. The event, which took place on April 6, 2024, was a huge success, raising over $330,000 in scholarship funds and setting a new record for the Foundation. Key Highlights
• Over 400 guests attended the gala, including government officials, industry leaders, faith community representatives, and nonprofit sector professionals. • The event raised over $330,000 in scholarship funds, a Foundation record-breaking total for an in-person foundation fundraising event. • The successful gala underscores a single-year total of more than $4.8 million raised through events, donations, and support of institutional endowment funds. • The HCCEF has raised over $27.5 million in the last decade. The gala was held at Power Plant LIVE! in downtown Baltimore, where guests had the opportunity to interact with scholarship recipients, faculty, and staff from the college to get first-hand accounts of the investment impact. Maryland Congresswoman Sarah K. Elfreth and Howard County Executive Calvin Ball addressed the crowd on Howard Community College’s value and the role of two-year education in Maryland’s growth and progress. Collaboration Between Industry and Education
• HCC is a catalyst for prosperity for its graduates, their families, and employers growing businesses in Howard County. • The gala is a strong example of collaboration between higher education and industry in one of the country’s fastest-growing regions. • Officials say the event is a testament to the power of partnerships between educators, industry leaders, and government officials. The Foundation honored philanthropist Greg Kahlert, BGE, and the Silas Craft Collegians Program for their historic support of student success. The Kahlert Foundation has committed over $3.4 million to support the college’s scholarships, programs, and capital projects. Over the last 20 years, BGE has donated more than $500,000 to HCC. The Silas Craft Collegians Program
• The program honors the iconic Howard County educator who pioneered educational access for African Americans during eras of segregated teaching and learning in the state. • The program is the largest scholarship learning community at the college and emphasizes student advising, mentoring, leadership development, and service learning as key assets for degree completion. Historic Milestone
• This year’s President’s Gala was a true celebration of the community’s generosity and commitment to student success. • The event raised over $4.8 million, the highest level of support the Foundation has ever received. Record-Breaking Fundraising
• The HCCEF has raised over $27.5 million in the last decade. • Since 2021, HCC has raised more than $42 million in public and private funding for various projects. Community Impact
• HCC has made significant contributions to the community, including the construction of a workforce development center, the opening of a Boys and Girls Club on campus, and the launch of a juvenile justice educational intervention program. • Enrollment at HCC has grown by over four percent since 2021. Quote from Dr. Daria J. Willis
“I am truly grateful for the support of our sponsors, particularly BGE and Maryland Live! Hotel and Casino, and the Cordish Companies for their amazing investment in this event and our students’ futures. We face some challenges in the months and years ahead as we navigate changing educational policies and economic shifts, but the evening showcased the best of Howard County coming together to ensure that our students can move boldly into their lives and careers, knowing that we will always meet them where they dream.” – Dr. Willis, HCC President
Quote from Anne Johnson
“This year’s President’s Gala was a true celebration of our community’s generosity and commitment to student success. To raise over $330,000 in one evening-and to hear such overwhelming excitement from guests and sponsors-speaks volumes about the power of innovation, collaboration, and shared purpose. We’re breaking records and building momentum that will impact students for years. I’m deeply grateful to our team, supporters, volunteers, and everyone who believes in our mission.” – Anne Johnson, Executive Director of the HCCEF
The President’s Gala at Howard Community College is a testament to the power of collaboration and community support. The event’s success demonstrates the impact of partnerships between educators, industry leaders, and government officials on student success and community growth. As the college continues to raise funds for various projects and initiatives, it is clear that the President’s Gala will remain a vital component of the college’s fundraising efforts.
The President’s Gala at Howard Community College
