LeMoyne-Owen College kicked off its 2025-2026 Annual Fund Campaign with a week of events culminating with the Annual 807 Giving Day Telethon. As the nation’s fifth-oldest HBCU, the 807 Day Telethon represents the college’s single largest day of giving and its commitment to providing a transformative educational experience and preparing students for leadership, scholarship, service, and success.
Through the generous support of alumni, friends, faith communities, corporations, foundations, clubs/organizations, faculty, staff, and students, the 807 Week yielded a record $170,000.00.
“Giving to LeMoyne-Owen College helps support our institution, which has cultivated changemakers in Memphis and beyond for 163 years and continues to prepare students to become future leaders. We are very thankful for the support we have received as we advance our commitment to providing an excellent liberal arts education for our students,” said Dr. Rosalyn R. Nichols, Associate Vice President of Donor Prospect and Strategic Engagement.
The LeMoyne-Owen College historic campus at 807 Walker Ave hosts a week of 807 Giving activities, which includes the Worship on Walker service on Sunday, the Magic Monday Mixer for alumni and friends, and Thursday’s 807 Giving Day live-streamed telethon event.
The 807 Day telethon live-streamed from 8:07 a.m. to 8:07 p.m. on the college’s social media platforms and LOC TV, celebrating check presentations and online contributions, in recognition of the strong support of investors in our students and their bright future.
“We extend our gratitude to everyone who has invested and supported LeMoyne-Owen College throughout our 807 Giving campaign,” said President Christopher B. Davis. “No matter the size of the donation, every dollar given helps ensure our college, the fifth-oldest HBCU in the country, can further its work as a beacon of excellence and success.”
Dr. Clarence Christian, a 1968 graduate and one of many graduates involved in activism and justice, as he presented his generous donation during 807 Giving Day with his niece Kimberly Bailey, Vice President of Information Technology & Chief Information Officer.
2025-2026 LOC Royal Court members Khadajah Kimbrough, Miss. LeMoyne-Owen College, Kevin Bland, Mr. LeMoyne-Owen College, and Angelique Hawkins, Miss UNCF
Members of the 2025-2026 Royal Court shared their experiences as students and the college’s efforts. “I’ve experienced being impacted and feeling the love from professors, administration, and staff – constantly getting reassurance that you are worth being educated and loved in a community that has been surrounded by Black excellence since 1862,” said Miss UNCF Angelique Hawkins.
“For a lot of peers and me, it is not possible without generous donations from donors. We can continue our classes, and get classes paid for that we may not have been able to pay for,” said Mr. LeMoyne-Owen College Kevin Bland during the event. “It’s vital for myself, my queen, and everyone else to not only be here, but to give as well.”
Khadajah Kimbrough, Miss LeMoyne-Owen College, also discussed the college’s impact on her growth personally and academically. “I was a transfer student to LeMoyne-Owen College, and it’s the best decision I’ve ever made in my life,” she said. “I came back home and have been molded to be the woman that God has called me to be, and it is because my institution continuously pours into me – and that is what I call the ‘village’.”