Categories: Audrey Bernard,
The stellar 40th Anniversary Gala for Oliver Scholars gathered together the crème de la crème of A-list leaders, supporters, and alumni in a beautiful night of purposeful celebration that raised $1 million to further the organization’s mission of empowering Black and Latinx students from underserved communities in New York City.
The funds will help continue efforts to provide these students with opportunities for scholarships, leadership, and service, ensuring the next generation of leaders is equipped for success.
The evening was exquisite from start to finish! As black-tie guests entered the affluent Cipriani 42nd Street in Grand Central, they were greeted by waiters attired in white dinner jackets who served Cipriani’s classic Peach Bellinis on silver trays. Then, they enjoyed superior libations and passed hors d’oeuvres before being seated in the elaborate venue’s ballroom for a delicious dinner. From the stage, Dr. Danielle R. Moss-Cox, CEO of Oliver Scholars, welcomed guests with a message of gratitude. “I am so delighted that you are sharing with us as we celebrate this incredible milestone. Your presence, along with your generous support means another generation of Oliver Scholars get to reach their full potential. Together, we are shaping the leaders of tomorrow and creating positive change that will impact generations to come.”
The historic event honored Kwanza Jones and José E. Feliciano as Champions of Excellence for their dedication to the organization’s mission. “We honor this year’s Champions of Excellence, Kwanza Jones and José E. Feliciano, whose philanthropic efforts have greatly impacted education and empowerment,” said Dr. Cox.
Jones and Feliciano are life and business partners. In 2014, they founded the Kwanza Jones & Jose E. Feliciano Initiative, a philanthropic grant-making and investment organization that strategically partners with no-profits and for-profits to ensure maximum impact. Oliver Scholars also recognized the achievements of the Alumni Awardees whose stories exemplify the impact of the program. Following the pristine program perfectly hosted by Shirley Rumerick ‘95, attendees were thrilled to the bone with soulful performances by such artists as Doug E. Fresh and Jeff Redd.
The gala was attended by Oliver’s alumni, some who have been featured in the 40 for 40 Alumni Spotlight Series providing a powerful reminder of the community’s growth over the past four decades. Their success highlights the long-term impact of the organization’s work, which has helped hundreds of students achieve academic and professional success.
Buoyed by the success of the gala, Oliver Scholars now turns its attention to Nomination Season, a critical time in the organization’s year when efforts are made to identify and recruit talented students who can benefit from the program. Through this initiative, Oliver Scholars seeks high-achieving Black and Latinx students who demonstrate academic excellence and leadership potential.
“We are embarking on an exciting journey to discover the next generation of leaders,” said Dr. Cox. “Nomination Season is a time of great promise as we seek out and support exceptional students who might not otherwise have access to such opportunities. Our goal is to empower those who will make lasting contributions to their communities and beyond.”
The organization is now accepting applications from seventh-grade students who meet the following criteria: A 90% overall GPA, a score of 600 or higher on New York State standardized tests, and demonstrated leadership potential through school involvement. Oliver Scholars invites students from all New York City districts to apply. The program has a longstanding record of placing students in top independent schools, followed by college admissions to some of the nation’s most prestigious institutions. The goal is to ensure long-term success for each Scholar, offering support that spans up to ten years, from the initial recruitment phase to pre-career training.
Since its founding, Oliver Scholars has provided millions in financial aid annually to its Scholars through partnerships with elite schools. This year alone, 91% of its graduates gained admission to top-100 colleges and universities as ranked by U.S. News & World Report. The program maintains a 100% high school graduation rate, and 96% of Scholars report that academic preparedness increased due to their participation in the program. Over the past four decades, Oliver Scholars has consistently placed more than 30% of its students in Ivy League universities, cementing its role as a transformative force in the lives of Black and Latinx students in New York City.
Photos by
Rowena Husbands
for Oliver Scholars
