News Release
Wilmington University President Dr. LaVerne T. Harmon Given Prestigious NAACP Award
The President was honored for her integrity, work ethic, and dedication to students
The NAACP 2018 Excellence in Education Award was presented to Wilmington University President Dr. LaVerne T. Harmon on Nov. 4, 2018, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Wilmington, Delaware.
Themed “Defeat Hate-Vote,” the NAACP’s 54th Annual Freedom Fund Banquet celebrated individuals who inspire hope, justice and peace, as well as those who cultivate programs in education, healthcare, humanity, youth advocacy, religious affairs and community service. Dr. Harmon was honored for her outstanding accomplishments in education.
“The very fact that Dr. LaVerne Harmon advanced from being a student to President of Wilmington University indicates that she is full of raw talent, has the ambition to achieve educational advancement, and has the ability to lead with passion and confidence — clearly in a class by herself,” says NAACP Wilmington Branch President Charles E. Brittingham. Mr. Brittingham also serves as vice president of the NAACP Delaware State Conference of Branches.
“It was an honor to receive an award from an organization that has fought tirelessly for equality,” says Dr. Harmon. “I’ve been fortunate to work at a university that serves diverse students and offers academic opportunities to all, regardless of race, age or gender. The NAACP’s goal of removing barriers of racial discrimination is especially meaningful, not just to me, but to all of my colleagues at Wilmington University.”
Founded in 1909, the NAACP is the nation’s oldest and largest civil rights organization. Thousands of its workers, volunteers, leaders, and members continue to fight for justice. Alice Moore Dunbar, a former Howard High School teacher, author, and former wife of author and poet Paul Lawrence Dunbar, chartered the Wilmington branch in 1915.
Dr. Harmon also received the 2018 Person of the Year Award from the Associazione Regionale Abruzzese Delco at its 27th annual dinner on Oct. 28, 2018, at the Heritage Ballroom in Holmes, Pennsylvania. The association honored Dr. Harmon for her support of Italian-American culture, as well as Wilmington University’s sponsorship of regional Italian-American radio shows. Men and women of Italian birth, Americans of Italian descent and others interested in Italian culture and language form the Associazione Regionale Abruzzese Delco, the region’s most prestigious Italian-American organization. The DaVinci Society, in partnership with the Associazione Regionale Abruzzese Delco, awarded a full Wilmington University scholarship to Dominic Marino, who is studying Game Design.
About Wilmington University
Wilmington University is one of the fastest growing and most affordable private, nonprofit universities in the region, offering undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and certificate programs in online and traditional formats. An accredited and respected leader specializing in exemplary student service, Wilmington University offers convenient and flexible options designed to prepare students for success in an increasingly competitive marketplace. Now celebrating its 50th year, the University has never wavered in its mission to offer opportunities to all who wish to transform their lives through quality education. For more information, visit wilmu.edu.
