Virginia Union University students will take center stage and five honorees will be recognized for their contributions during the upcoming Legacy Awards and Scholarship gala on Friday, March 31.

VUU’s eighth Legacy Awards gala is hosted by Mayor Levar M. Stoney at the Greater Richmond Convention Center at 7 p.m. The event allows VUU students to highlight their skills and share their post-graduation plans, while the university raises revenue for scholarships.

“It is imperative that those of us who are blessed give back to others,” said VUU President and CEO Hakim J. Lucas in a statement. “This event is just one of many ways we can tangibly, financially contribute to the lives of our students and ensure that financial barriers do not prevent students from receiving a quality education.”

Honorees will include Lucille M. Brown, a former woman superintendent of Richmond Public Schools, who will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award, and Virginia Hispanic Chamber Founder and CEO Michel Zajur, who will receive the Community Leader Award.

Victor Branch will receive the Corporate Leader Award for his work as the first African-American president for the Bank of America’s Richmond region, and the HBCU Impact Award will recognize the Altria Group. Also, the VUU National Alumni Association will receive the Beacon of Light Award.

For more information, please visit www.vuu.edu/giving/legacy-awards-gala, or call 804-342-3938.