Denmark Technical College hosts Thurgood Marshall College Fund for College Takeover Day
October 17, 2024
Denmark Technical College (DTC) welcomed the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) to campus on Oct. 10 for an enriching College Takeover Day, marking the college’s official entry into the prestigious TMCF network. This daylong event provided students, faculty and staff with an immersive experience aimed at enhancing academic and professional development while fostering a strong sense of community.
TMCF is a nationwide nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting students, faculty and staff at public HBCUs through scholarships, enrichment activities and professional learning opportunities. Denmark Tech is one of the first two-year HBCUs to be admitted into the TMCF network, demonstrating the organization’s commitment to supporting state-funded HBCUs regardless of program length.
DTC and TMCF leadership in front of Blatt Hall
“Being included in the Thurgood Marshall College Fund is a tremendous honor for Denmark Technical College as a two-year HBCU. Historically, TMCF focused on four-year institutions, and while those schools are crucial to the HBCU legacy, the inclusion of two-year HBCUs signals a monumental shift,” Willie L. Todd Jr., Ph.D., president and CEO of Denmark Technical College, said. “It demonstrates TMCF’s commitment to supporting all HBCUs, whether they are two-year or four-year. Our students, faculty and staff at Denmark Technical College face many of the same challenges as those at four-year institutions, but often with fewer resources. This partnership acknowledges the unique needs of two-year HBCUs and validates the critical role we play in offering accessible, high-quality education and workforce development to underserved communities. We are excited to be part of a network that recognizes our potential and stands with us to ensure that all HBCUs, regardless of their size or scope, receive the support they need to not only survive but to thrive.”
TMCF’s College Takeover Days are signature events held at each HBCU that joins the network. The day’s programming included presentations and networking opportunities aimed at equipping the college with the tools for success in both their academic pursuits and future careers.
“We’re thrilled to partner with Denmark Technical College and excited to spend time on their campus,” Dr. Harry L. Williams, president & CEO of TMCF, said. “This collaboration is strengthened by the visionary leadership of the college and the incredible dedication of its faculty and staff. Through the power of partnership, we’re able to achieve something we’re all striving to do: support students as they work to achieve their academic and career goals.”
TMCF executives with DTXC student leaders
As DTC’s mission to engage, educate and empower students takes center stage, the College Takeover Day solidifies Denmark Technical College’s place within TMCF’s extensive network of opportunities designed to foster growth, leadership and development for the next generation of scholars and professionals.
“As we embark on this journey together, we are not just building futures. We are transforming lives,” Todd said. “This partnership with the Thurgood Marshall College Fund empowers our students and reinforces our commitment to creating pathways for success. By working as a team, we can ensure that every student at Denmark Technical College has the opportunity to reach their full potential.”
About Denmark Technical College
Denmark Technical College is a two-year HBCU in rural Bamberg County, South Carolina. With a mission to engage, educate and empower students, Denmark Tech serves over 1000 enthusiastic learners, focusing on technical career training, associate degrees and a four-year college transfer program. Additional information about Denmark Tech can be found at www.denmarktech.edu.
About the Thurgood Marshall College Fund
Established in 1987, the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) is the nation’s largest organization exclusively representing the Black College Community. TMCF member schools include the publicly supported Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Historically Black Community Colleges, and Predominantly Black Institutions, enrolling nearly 80% of all students attending Black colleges and universities. Through scholarships, capacity building and research initiatives, innovative programs, and strategic partnerships, TMCF is a vital resource in the K-12 and higher education space. The organization is also the source of top employers seeking top talent for competitive internships and good jobs. TMCF is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, charitable organization. For more information about TMCF, visit www.tmcf.org.
