The Hornet Tribune

Issue date: 11/4/09 Section: News

By being October's School of the Month for the Tom Joyner Foundation, CAU was able to reap the benefits of alumni and corporation giving, student scholarships and nationwide recognition. The foundation began in 1998 and has helped raised tens of millions of dollars for HBCU's around the country.

Clark Atlanta University students, faculty, and alumni have been encouraged to participate in "The Drive One For Your HBCU's," event.

In an effort to raise money for Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Ford, in conjunction with the Tom Joyner Foundation, has decided to give up to $250,000 in reward and scholarship money to Historically Black Colleges and Universities whose students participate in their challenge.

Participants have been asked to go to any Ford dealership and test drive one of Ford's cars, such as the new 2010 Ford Taurus, in support of their college or university. Donations will be issued for every test drive, and given to the Tom Joyner Foundation.

According to reuters.com, Ford hopes that the challenge will encourage other programs in an effort to raise funds for education amongst various HBCU's. Ford's Multicultural Marketing Manager, Crystal Worthem, stated that the company wanted fans to get out and take a spin in their newest products, while also raising funds for their favorite HBCU, according to reuters.com

Moreover, Tom Joyner announced his appreciation for the partnership, according to reuters.com. "I am pleased that we are going to be working together with Ford to raise awareness and raise funds for the students attending these schools, stated Joyner.

According to PR-USA, Joyner, who is known for his nationally syndicated radio show, "The Tom Joyner Show," has already given thousands of dollars away to students through his foundation. In partnership with Newell Rubbermaid, The Tom Joyner Foundation has issued $2,500 scholarships to four CAU students, as apart of its "School of the Month" campaign. These winners included senior, Jessica Bailey, sophomore, Terri Abney, freshman Tanza Bibbs, and Latasha Cardwell.

Senior mass media arts student, Tenille Johnson, stated that she felt that the donations would be very beneficial to the school. "It's good to see people giving back, especially in this rough economy," Johnson said.

Marissa Daniels, a sophomore majoring in Mass Media Arts, also agreed that the funds would be beneficial for the school. "I am glad that people are helping students alleviate some of the burdens involved in trying to get an education," she said.

The Tom Joyner Foundation has raised more than $55 million in the last decade for HBCU's around the nation, according to PR-USA. Students are urged to go to and Ford dealership and test drive so that they can help insure the financial future and educational programs for their institutions.

Visit www.cau.edu/TJSOTMmain.aspx for more information concerning how the foundation works and the specific CAU campaigns.

Page 1 of 1

Article Tools