April 25, 2025 ̶ ̶ ̶ On Wednesday, April 23, the Benjamin L. Hooks Institute for Social Change at the University of Memphis honored organizations and individuals who have made impactful contributions to the greater Memphis community in their respective fields at the Pillars of Progress Awards Gala in the Ballroom of the Maxine A. Smith University Center.
Honorees included A2H – Engineers Architects Planners, Just City, the Memphis Business Journal, The Honorable Bernice B. Donald (United States Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit (ret.)) and member, Burch, Porter & Johnson; Dorothy Cleaves, Truist Bank; and Dr. Andy Meyers, University of Memphis (ret.). Presenters of the awards to honorees were Daniel Kiel, FedEx Professor of Law, Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law; Anthony Weekly, Chief Community CRA Officer, Truist Bank; Dr. David Russomanno, Provost, UofM and the Honorable Andre Mathis, United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit.
The evening featured dinner, live music, vocal performances, awards presentation and archival footage of the Hooks Institute’s namesake, Benjamin L. Hooks. The Hooks Institute also paid tribute in memory and honor of the late Dr. Thomas Nenon, former professor, dean of the College of Arts & Sciences, and provost of the University of Memphis.
Proceeds from the event will support the Hooks Institute’s vital programs, including community engagement, faculty research, student success initiatives and the preservation of civil rights history.
The Pillars of Progress Awards Gala was sponsored by Nike, Cigna, Memphis Grizzlies, Pinnacle Financial Partners, Friends of Just City and Regional One Health. Gala supporters include the College of Arts & Sciences, the Division of Research &Innovation, faculty friends of the Hooks Institute, Herff College of Engineering, the Office of Governmental and Community Affairs and the School of Urban Affairs and Public Policy. The Hooks Institute deeply appreciated this support.
About the Benjamin L. Hooks Institute for Social Change
The Benjamin L. Hooks Institute implements its mission of teaching, studying and promoting civil rights and social change through research, education and direct intervention programs. Institute programs include community outreach; funding faculty research initiatives on community issues; implementing community service projects; hosting conferences, symposiums, and lectures; and promoting local and national scholarship on civil and human rights. The Hooks Institute is an interdisciplinary center at the University of Memphis. Contributed revenue for the Hooks Institute, including funding from individuals, corporations, and foundations, is administered through the University of Memphis Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization.
Media Contact:
Amy K. Ruggaber, Assistant Director
The Benjamin L. Hooks Institute for Social Change
University of Memphis
