TMCF Partners With Mercedes-Benz To Invest In Future Leaders

Proceeds from Mercedes-Benz Golf Classic will benefit students in need at public Historically Black Colleges and Universities

(Press Release) Given today’s financial crisis, students across the country are experiencing financial aid cuts that can ultimately impede their progress of furthering their education. According to the Demographic Report, recently released by the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF), federal grants for students attending public Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) decreased, forcing students to rely on loans and scholarships - now more than ever - to pay for tuition.

To this end, Mercedes-Benz will host the Mercedes-Benz Golf Classic at the Atlanta Athletic Club, site of the 2011 PGA Championship on the Highlands Course, Monday, October 19, 2009 at 9:30AM. This event will benefit the students attending the 47-member public HBCUs that partner with TMCF.

“This is a great way to golf on one of the well-regarded golf courses in the country while contributing to a worthy cause that will aid in sending students to college,” said Dwayne Ashley, President & CEO, Thurgood Marshall College Fund. “Mercedes-Benz is a longstanding partner that continues to invest in the future through educating our nation’s next leaders.”

"Mercedes-Benz is pleased to expand its continuing support of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund through this event, which will support TMCF in directly impacting the lives of future leaders,” said Tommy Shi, Diversity and Inclusion Officer, Mercedes-Benz USA. "Participants of the Mercedes-Benz Golf Classic will help fund a student in need to reach his or her true potential."

A special thank you to The PGA of America and the Atlanta Athletic Club for helping in organizing the event.

For more information on the event, visit: www.thurgoodmarshallfund.org

About the Thurgood Marshall College Fund
The Thurgood Marshall College Fund, Inc., named for the late U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice, was established in 1987 and represents 47 public Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and 6 law schools located in 22 states and the US Virgin Islands with a population of over 235,000 students. Over the last 22 years, TMCF has awarded more than $100 million in leadership development, programmatic and capacity support, and scholarships enabling more than 12,000 students to attend public HBCUs. It is the only national organization of its type that provides merit-based scholarships and programmatic support to students attending the nation’s public HBCUs. TMCF also provides internship programs and joins corporate and foundation partners in providing leadership training and support to students preparing for undergraduate and professional schools. TMCF is a 501(c) (3), tax-exempt organization.