Unity Banquet

Unity Banquet Scholarship Application 2026

The Annual Unity Banquet & Scholarship Dinner celebrates the academic accomplishments and pursuits of our students and graduating seniors at Case Western Reserve University (CWRU). The evening also serves as a scholarship fundraiser to assist students experiencing financial hardship and to support retention efforts.

2026 Event Information

The Theme of this year's Unity Banquet is "Our Common Thread" - Building Community through Sharing Core Values.

Our Keynote speaker, Dr. Walter Kimbrough PhD, will challenge us to ask the question;

"Is A Beloved Community Impossible?”

A native of Atlanta, Dr. Walter M. Kimbrough was his high school salutatorian and student body president and went on to earn degrees from the University of Georgia, Miami University in Ohio, and a doctorate in higher education from Georgia State University. He has enjoyed a fulfilling career in student affairs, serving at Emory University, Georgia State University, Old Dominion University, and Albany State University. At age 37, he began a seven-and-a-half-year tenure as president of Philander Smith College, followed by ten years as president of Dillard University. In addition, he spent a year as the interim president of Talladega College. Dr. Kimbrough currently serves as the Executive Vice President for Research and Member Engagement at the United Negro College Fund (UNCF).

The Office of Multicultural Affairs is excited to have Dr. Kimbrough as a part of our 36^th Annual Unity Banquet!

This year our community’s very own Lieutenant Sarah Shendy of the Case Western Reserve University Public Safety Department will introduce Dr. Kimbrough.

Lt. Shendy is a community safety advocate, with over 17 years of law enforcement experience and youth advocacy work. With an ongoing list of accomplishments, Lt. Shendy notably served as Ohio's first known Egyptian-Muslim female sergeant. Her leadership and presence extend into a global impact space creating connections between culture and community, and care for those looking to connect their personal journey to their passion and, their purpose.

We are happy to have Lieutenant Sarah Shendy as a special guest and “Friend of OMA” this year!

Student Transportation

This event has been moved to the Thwing Student Center Ballroom for your convenience.

For those who are interested in securing a ride over to the event from one edge of campus to the other, feel free to use the transportation options readily available on campus. Free Transportation Options to fit your needs. This link will also provide parking information.