Founder’s Day at Cheyney University
Each year, Cheyney University proudly celebrates Founder’s Day, honoring the bold vision and enduring legacy that began in 1837. As the nation’s first Historically Black College and University, Cheyney’s story is one of resilience, excellence, and generations of leaders shaped by purpose and pride. Founder’s Day brings our community together to reflect on where we’ve been, celebrate how far we’ve come, and recommit to the future we’re building—together.
Join us as we gather to celebrate Cheyney’s 189th Founder’s Day through fellowship, reflection, and celebration!
Event Details
Wednesday, February 25, 2026 1PM ET
Cheyney University – Marian Anderson Music Center
Keynote Speaker
Mark H. Morial, President and CEO, National Urban League
Marc Morial, one of the few national leaders to possess “street smarts,” and “boardroom savvy,” is the transformative President and CEO of the National Urban League, the nation’s largest historic civil rights and urban advocacy organization.
He served as the highly successful and popular Mayor of New Orleans as well as the President of the U.S. Conference of Mayors. Marc previously was a Louisiana State Senator and was a lawyer in New Orleans with an active, high-profile practice.
He is a leading voice on the national stage in the battle for jobs, education, housing, health, voting rights, equity, and entrepreneurship.
Founder’s Day Recognition
HBCU Advancement Award
Lauren Sills
Head of Operations & Strategic programs, NBA Foundation
Lauren is a corporate philanthropy and social responsibility executive serving as Head of Operations and Strategic Programs for the NBA Foundation, where she leads board governance, operations, grantmaking, and revenue-generating initiatives supporting a $300M Foundation strategy. She oversees a $160M+ grantmaking portfolio and works with more than 350 nonprofit partners across the U.S. and Canada, advancing economic opportunity for youth ages 14–24 through rigorous review, measurement, and accountability at scale.
Cheyney University Lifetime Achievement Award 2026
Charles Grantham
First Executive Director of the National Basketball Players Association
Mr. Grantham played a pivotal role in the advancement of the National Basketball Association (NBA). The former union executive with the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) from 1976 to 1995, he served as its first Executive Vice President from 1978 to 1988 then its first Executive Director from 1988 to 1995. He transformed the NBPA from a mere bargaining unit to a multifaceted organization designed to enhance the League’s image and protect the NBA’s greatest asset, its players.
Celebrate with Us
Honor the Legacy. Invest in the Future.
Founder’s Day is more than a celebration — it’s an opportunity to invest in Cheyney’s enduring mission and the students who carry it forward. Support this historic occasion by choosing a giving option that reflects your commitment to the nation’s first HBCU.
Ways you can support: