The 2024 Black and Gold Celebration raised more than $51,000 for the Black Hawk College Foundation.
The event featured the 2024 BHC Alumni Hall of Fame induction, a silent auction and live music by the BHC Jazz Ensemble. Reggie Freeman, BHC Alumni Hall of Fame member and mayor of East Moline, entertained and enlightened as the keynote speaker.
“We are thrilled with the outcome of the Black and Gold Celebration,” said Zenaida Landeros, executive director of the Black Hawk College Foundation.
“We were able to add $51,352 to fund student emergencies, student scholarships, and mini-grants for staff and faculty,” she said.
Alumni Hall of Fame
The BHC Alumni Hall of Fame added eight new members at the celebration.
Inductees must have completed at least 30 credit hours at Black Hawk College and are selected based on two criteria – outstanding distinction and success in their chosen field and humanitarian service that has proven beneficial to society.
The 2024 inductees are:
- Omar Aceviz
- David L. (Dave) Emerick, Jr.
- Molly Tiernan Foley
- Paul “P.J.” Foley
- Troy Lewis
- Adrian Madunic
- Diann Moore
“All of these alumni took advantage of their time at Black Hawk College and made their mark in our community,” Landeros said. “It was an honor to induct them into the Hall of Fame.”
At the event, the BHC Foundation’s board of directors surprised Landeros – a 2004 BHC grad – by also inducting her into the Alumni Hall of Fame.
2024 Black and Gold Celebration sponsors
The Black and Gold Celebration could not have happened without the support of many generous sponsors.
“We extend our gratitude and appreciation to our sponsors,” Landeros said.
“We had more than 50 silent auction items plus individuals who additionally gave specifically to support our student emergency fund and mini-grants,” she said.
Changing Lives Sponsor:
Demonica Kemper Architects
Building Community Sponsors:
Bally’s Quad Cities, IHMVCU, Christy & Steve Layer, Group O, Pappas Wright and Tyson Foods
Hope & Inspiration Sponsors:
Ascentra Credit Union, IMEG, Metrolink and TriCity Building Trades Council
Helping Hands Sponsors:
Crawford Company, Lori & Dave Emerick, Honorable Linnea Thompson & Allen McCaulley, Russell and Wes & Susan Llewellyn
BHC Friends:
Dr. Richard Bush & Suzanne Mohler, Rose Vasquez and Steve & Mia Frommelt