On Thursday, March 13, Virginia Union University (VUU) recently held its annual Legacy Awards Gala. The event celebrates achievements, leadership, and philanthropy within the university and the Richmond community, raising $290,000 to support VUU’s mission and programs.
The evening began with a warm welcome from Richmond Mayor Danny Avula, our esteemed host, who highlighted the university’s profound impact on the city and beyond.
“One of the things I believe deeply in is that our path to healing as a city, and as a nation, is telling our stories…VUU is one of those incredible stories,” Mayor Avula said.
He continued, “This institution grew out of a school that was started at the site of a former slave jail and was founded to provide newly freed African Americans with access to higher education. From those beginnings, this university has grown and evolved, shaping generations of leaders who have transformed Richmond, the nation, and the entire world.”
The program also featured inspiring words from the evening’s co-hosts, Mister and Miss Virginia Union University, Keyondre Hunt ’25, and Destiny Love ’25. The VUU Choir set a patriotic tone with powerful performances of the “Star-Spangled Banner” and the Negro National Anthem, “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”
Student Government Association President Rodney Manning and VUU Board of Trustees Chairman Dr. W. Franklyn Richardson also shared their thoughts on the university’s legacy and future.
“Tonight is about more than just celebration—it is about reflection,” Manning said. “It’s about recognizing the sacrifices, achievements, and perseverance of those who paved the way for us while acknowledging the responsibility we now carry to continue that work.” Dr. Richardson added.
“We gather not just to celebrate the achievements of our exceptional alumni, students, faculty, and community leaders but to reaffirm our commitment to the future of Virginia Union University. To all of our honorees tonight, we thank you for your hard work, vision, and commitment to making a difference. You are the shining example of what VUU stands for.”
Darryl Atkinson, Vice President of Retail and HBCU Support at Follett Group, a presenting sponsor, echoed these sentiments.
“At Follett, we want to provide students with the best learning materials and resources at VUU and HBCUs everywhere. We are so happy to support such an amazing university,” Atkinson said.
The evening continued with a delightful dinner with VUU’s Jazz Band performances. A highlight of the night was VUU President and CEO Dr. Hakim J. Lucas’s presentation of prestigious awards.
Dr. Lucas also recognized VUU’s football team, which was celebrating its second consecutive CIAA championship victory.
Another memorable moment was the Ray of Light Award presentation to Dex Robinson, a trailblazing creative director and designer of the VUU Panthers Yardrunner Air Force 1 sneaker, whose journey began on the historic campus.
“I’m incredibly proud of my time at VUU, which provided me with the opportunity to further my education,” Robinson said.
“This collaboration is about more than fashion — it’s about representing where I come from.”
