One hundred years ago, Dr. James E. Shepard, a visionary business and educational leader, opened a school to a handful of students on the outskirts of Durham, North Carolina. A century later, Shepard’s National Religious Training School and Chautauqua – now called North Carolina Central University -- trains thousands of students each year, drawn from every corner of the globe.

As part of our yearlong centennial celebration, Chancellor Charlie Nelms and the Board of Trustees of North Carolina Central University invite you to attend the Centennial Gala, May 22, 2010, at 6 p.m., at the Durham Performing Arts Center, 123 Vivian Street, Durham.

This formal evening will feature two memorable highlights. Branford Marsalis, the renowned jazz saxophonist, will be the evening’s entertainment, along with pianist Joey Calderazzo, Dr. Ira Wiggins and the noted NCCU Jazz Ensemble. A member of the famous musical Marsalis family, Branford is a master of a variety of genres, has made numerous albums and founded his own record company.  He and Calderazzo are artists-in-residence in the Jazz Studies program at NCCU.

The other high point of the evening will be the conferring of the Shepard
Medallion. A new honor created by Chancellor Nelms to mark the Centennial, the
specially-made Medallion will be awarded to select individuals whose
contributions to the university, their professions or their community exemplify
the motto of North Carolina Central University, "Truth and Service."

Sponsorship Levels

Medallion Sponsor $10,000

  • 20 Gala tickets
  • Full-page advertisement/acknowledgement in the Gala Program
  • Listing in all pre- and post-event promotional materials
  • Your logo on the Gala Web Page
  • Company name and logo prominently displayed at the Gala
  • Listing in all pre- and post-event promotional materials
  • Reserved seating for the Jazz Concert and Medallion Ceremony

    Gala Sponsor $5,000

  • 10 Gala tickets
  • Half-page advertisement/acknowledgement in the Gala Program
  • Listing on the Gala Web Page
  • Listing in all pre- and post-event promotional materials
  • Reserved seating for the Jazz Concert and Medallion Ceremony

    Jazz Sponsor $2,500

  • 8 Gala tickets
  • Half-page advertisement/acknowledgement in the Gala Program
  • Reserved seating for the Jazz Concert and Medallion Ceremony

    Maroon & Gray Sponsor $1,500

  • 6 Gala tickets
  • Company name listed in the Gala Program
  • Reserved seating for the Jazz Concert and Medallion Ceremony

Become a Gala Sponsor

Through your sponsorship of the Centennial Gala and the inaugural presentation of the Shepard Medallion, your company or organization will reach thousands of NCCU alumni, faculty, staff and students. We offer levels of sponsorship as well as the option for a customized partnership.

Please make your check payable to:

  • NCCU Foundation – Gala Fund T01343
  • Mail to: NCCU Foundation, Inc.
  • P.O. Box 19363, Durham, N.C. 27707
  • The deadline to receive ads is May 7, 2010.
  • Please send your camera ready ad to pvbrown@nccu.edu.
  • A portion of your contribution may be tax deductible.
  • Please consult with your financial advisor or tax consultant.