To say the inaugural TCU Black Excellence Gala was a success would be an extreme understatement. 

Ask the right people, and they might even say they felt like they were at the “Black Grammys.” 

Whether it was hearing stories about overcoming discrimination, breaking down barriers or the many individual accolades over the years that have pushed the university forward, it was hard for those at Van Cliburn Hall on Sept. 9, 2023, to not experience goosebumps. 

Or maybe it was the curtain call performance of Melodies from Heaven, which had the entire sold-out crowd on their feet dancing and clapping together. 

“This event was an important way to honor the extraordinary accomplishments and impact of our Black students, faculty, staff and alums, and together, preparing for how we might shape the future,” TCU President Daniel W. Pullin said. 

Planning for the gala began almost a year in advance through the support of a 17-person committee comprised of Black alumni and current TCU students, faculty and staff, as well as a host of other campus and community partners. 

“The event served as a celebration of achievements, inspired hope, engendered connectedness, and provided a sense of belonging,” said Black Excellence Gala executive committee members Aisha Torrey Sawyer, director for diversity and inclusion initiatives; Candice Payne ’01, assistant vice chancellor for finance; and Tracy Reneé Williams ’04 (MS ’08), past president of the TCU National Alumni Board. 

Another priority of the gala was fundraising for the Black Alumni Alliance Scholarship, which was established in 2002 to empower talented students. The event raised $125,000. 

“The impact of the scholarship will be felt for generations, as the scholarship recipients go on to make their marks in their respective fields and give back to their communities,” the executive committee said. 

The night also included awarding five people who have been instrumental in championing Black excellence. Hear from those Horned Frogs below on what Black excellence means to them. 

Trailblazer Award: Ann Tasby  

Designated for a current faculty or staff member who has demonstrated a commitment to supporting and representing the Black TCU community through campus involvement beyond the employee’s inherent job responsibilities. 

Tasby is the director of inclusive excellence and instructor of accounting in the Neeley School of Business. 

Ann Tasby said receiving the Trailblazer Award was “incredibly emotional” because “it really is the community I’m hoping to add value for.” Courtesy of Rhedeont Photography

How did you feel about being honored with the Trailblazer Award? 

It was incredibly emotional for me, not just to be awarded but to accept the award in front of that crowd because it really is the community that I’m hoping to add value for. And for them to recognize me as having done that, it was incredible.  

What attracted you to TCU and how would you describe your experience working at the university?  

What drew me to TCU was an opportunity to do something that I’ve had a passion about since I was 5, which is teaching, as well as the opportunity to pour into the lives of our students. It has just been an amazing experience for me because of the powerful community that we have that has welcomed me from the very beginning. Also, the opportunity in my evolved role that allows me to change lives and have a generational impact is what keeps me here.  

What message did the Black Excellence Gala send to the larger TCU community?  

It was an opportunity for all of us to see each other in our full glory, and I think it helped to create even a greater sense of community amongst us. It was a catalytic encounter that made us all think, “OK, how can we do more? How can we be more connected? How can we support each other more?”  

It’s also important to note that the committee created this incredible experience that was authentically Black. From the opening prayer to the Word of Truth Gospel Choir kicking it off to wrapping it up with Melodies From Heaven,what?! it was phenomenal. It was also an opportunity for the allies in the room to have a true experience that celebrated Black excellence in an authentic way. 

What does Black excellence mean to you? 

It’s a combination of things. It’s about being your authentic, best self and using the best of you to bring out the best in others. We have the responsibility to not only recognize that others are counting on us to be our very best, but to actively look to actively sow into the lives of others.  

Student Spotlight Award: Sheree Pollock 

Designated for a current undergraduate or graduate student who has demonstrated acts of leadership and service to historically disenfranchised populations, either at TCU or within their local community. The student will be fully committed to cultivating a sense of belonging amongst their peers and working towards creating a positive change in their communities. 

Pollock ’24 is senior criminal justice major who is serves as a support operations specialist in the U.S. Army Reserves. 

Sheree Pollock said that accepting her award was a surreal moment because “to be on the stage and looking out at my peers and the people who didn’t know me, I was like, ‘I really did this.’ ” Courtesy of Rhedeont Photography

How were you informed that you were an awardee for the Black Excellence Gala? 

I was actually on duty, standing in formation. In the Army, you’re not supposed to move in formation. I got an email from the Black Excellence committee saying “congratulations,” and I about fell on my knees in formation. I was just going to thank God because, honestly, there were so many talented individuals who all deserved the award. 

How did it feel to accept your award in front of your family, friends, colleagues and students? 

It just felt so surreal because I was expecting being in the audience looking at my peer who was going to be on stage. So, to be on the stage and looking out at my peers and the people who didn’t know me, I was like, “I really did this.” 

How has your experience at TCU been considering you are a transfer student?  

I love TCU. This is my third school, and the fact that I’m still here says a lot for me because being a military brat growing up, I went to 13 different schools before I went to college. So, I have commitment issues when it comes to places. The fact that I still want to be at TCU says a lot for me as a person mentally and physically. I like it here. 

What does Black excellence mean to you? 

To me, Black excellence is a role model that embodies values and behaviors that are worth emulating. It entails that I am inspiring others through positive actions, encouraging growth and making a meaningful impact on their lives, fostering a better future. To me, Black excellence celebrates the triumph over historical adversities and promotes positive representations that will continue to empower future generations to aspire and succeed. To me, Black excellence challenges prevalent stereotypes, promotes inclusivity and emphasizes the importance of recognizing and valuing diverse talents and perspectives.  

Game Changer Award: Zoranna Jones 

Designated for a current faculty or staff member of the university who has demonstrated a commitment to supporting and representing the Black TCU community through campus involvement beyond the employee’s inherent job responsibilities, including engaging, leading and/or creating opportunities for underrepresented demographics on campus. 

Jones ’98 (MS ’07) is the assistant Dean for the College of Science & Engineering. 

“With this being the sesquicentennial and it being the first gala and this excellent committee acknowledging the work that Black people have done, it’s just amazing,” Zoranna Jones said of being honored at the Black Excellence Gala.  Courtesy of J McClure Photography

How did you feel when you were informed about your award and then how did it feel to accept it?  

With this being the sesquicentennial and it being the first gala and this excellent committee acknowledging the work that Black people have done, it’s just amazing. The gala was such a lovely time. I was kind of in awe that one, TCU is honoring the contributions of Black people at TCU, but in that space, in the Van Cliburn Hall, and with leadership and trustees in full support, like TCU was fully supporting financially in this space, that opportunity was pretty surreal.  

What was your experience like as an undergraduate at TCU?  

I was a first-generation college student, so I did not know how to navigate that space very well, and TCU was more predominately white than it is now. It was a culture shock, but I was fortunate that I had found several mentors and people who really supported and encouraged me.

I had some friends who didn’t have the same experiences that I had, so when we walked away from TCU, they felt different about TCU than I did. When I was blessed with the opportunity to come back and work at TCU, it’s been kind of my goal that more people have the experiences that I had than those who didn’t have a positive experience because TCU does have a lot to offer. I think the reason I had the experience I had was I just happened to connect with the right people who were willing to work with me and guide me so that I could be successful.  

What does Black excellence mean to you?  

Black people performing at their very best, being their best, shining. I was always encouraged that I had to work five times as hard, 10 times as hard, like just bringing it all day, every day. What I feel like with Black excellence, it’s us just being our authentic, hardworking, “we got this, we can do it” type attitude to everything that we do.  

Alumni Legacy Award: Horatio Porter 

Designated for an alum who exhibits extraordinary talent, has attained a high-level of success post-graduation, engages in impactful community involvement and is a major supporter of the Black TCU community and the university overall through volunteer participation and giving contributions. 

Porter ’92 (MBA ’94) is the chief financial officer of the North Texas Tollway Authority.  

Horatio Porter said he was almost in tears after learning he would receive the. Alumni Legacy Award. “I just couldn’t believe that colleagues, friends and peers would bestow that level of recognition on a kid from the inner city of Fort Worth,” he said. Courtesy of Rhedeont Photography

How did it feel to be named an awardee and to accept your award at the Gala? 

I was literally blown away, almost in tears. I just couldn’t believe that colleagues, friends and peers would bestow that level of recognition on a kid from the inner city of Fort Worth. I was utterly shocked at the number of people who were there at the Gala and then immensely proud of the program. It felt like I was at a professional awards ceremony, like watching the Grammys or the Emmys.  

Did you ever think TCU could pull off a program of this magnitude and purpose?  

I always knew that we had the excellence, Black excellence, at TCU. What I wasn’t sure is if the university would pause to recognize it. I’ve known from my days, even as a freshman back in 1988, I knew there were amazing talents on all levels at TCU whether they be athletic, academic or otherwise. To see that here we are now recognized, I’m really proud to see how much TCU has grown.  

What brought you to TCU and how would you describe your experience? 

Being raised in a single-parent household, I had three younger sisters and I wanted to stay close to my mom and my sisters, and it was fitting that TCU gave me that proximity to home. It also gave me exposure to a world-class track program as well as a soon-to-become top-tier business school, which allowed me to check three very important boxes in my life, and in doing so, created a unique launching pad where I am today.  

What does Black excellence mean to you? 

I think it’s the culmination of the sacrifice, struggle and perseverance that Black people have endured to deliver what they’re capable of doing in spite of all.  

Pinnacle Alumni Award: Fayneese Miller 

Designated for an alum of the university who exhibits extraordinary talent, has attained a high-level of success post-graduation from TCU, and has a significant impact as a leader through their professional, philanthropic, and/or civic engagement. 

Miller MS ’79 (PhD ’81) is president of Hamline University. She plans to retire in June 2024.

Pinnacle Alumni Award winner Fayneese Miller gave a gift of $25,000 to the Black Alumni Alliance Scholarship. Courtesy of Rhedeont Photography

What made you pledge a gift of $25,000 to the Black Alumni Alliance Scholarship?  

I’ve given small amounts of money to TCU over the years, but that’s the first time I’ve given as much money as I’m giving to TCU. That’s because of the event that was held, the quality of the event and what I saw when I was there, the progress that I saw, and I want to be part of that. If I can help students in some way continue their education by providing some financial assistance, that’s what I want to do. So, my charge is to those of us who went to TCU and left many years ago and haven’t been back because of our own experience, think about what’s there now and how we can help the next generation of learners and doers and leaders by giving back.  

In your acceptance speech, you talked about how difficult your experience was as a student. What made it so difficult?  

Even though we were a desegregated or integrated society, there were still some who had difficulty with us being in programs, so it was difficult for me to have to navigate my way through that environment and to know that not everyone wanted me there. I earned my spot at TCU; I wasn’t given anything. I had earned it based on my academic credentials, but I had to navigate that environment and that was tough.

I learned early on that if there’s no seat at the table, bring your own. If people don’t allow you in, push them aside and say “make room” so you can squeeze yourself into whatever space. That was an important thing for me to keep in mind that I was there because I belonged.  

What does Black excellence mean to you? 

Black excellence means that we are showing up in every aspect of every area in this nation. It also means that we are claiming the space that we were not allowed to claim, not because we weren’t good enough, but because we were kept out.