8th Annual PACC Scholarship Brunch
Casino Royale: All In for Education
A Legacy of Service, Scholarship & Impact
Saturday, September 26, 2026
12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Christ the King Church
13501 S. Tryon Street
Charlotte, North Carolina
Join the Panther Alumni Club of the Carolinas for our 8th Annual Scholarship Brunch, an afternoon of celebration, connection, and purpose as we continue investing in the next generation of Clark Atlanta University students.
This year's Casino Royale experience brings together alumni, supporters, community partners, and friends of Clark Atlanta University for one shared purpose: helping deserving students pursue their education and thrive at CAU.
The Panther Alumni Club of the Carolinas Scholarship Brunch was created with a simple but important purpose: to turn alumni support into meaningful opportunities for Clark Atlanta University students.
Now in its eighth year, the Scholarship Brunch has become one of PACC's signature fundraising events, bringing together the Clark Atlanta University community throughout North and South Carolina in support of student achievement.
Each year, the brunch provides an opportunity to celebrate our university, strengthen connections among alumni and friends, and raise funds that directly support scholarships and educational opportunities for deserving students.
What began as a scholarship fundraiser has grown into an annual tradition centered on service, legacy, access, and investment in the next generation of Panthers.
For PACC, scholarship support is more than presenting an award. It is about helping students begin and continue their Clark Atlanta University journey knowing that alumni are standing behind them.
Eight years later, the mission remains the same: open doors, create opportunities, and help the next generation move forward.
A Legacy of Scholarship, Service & Impact
The first brunch was held on September 23, 2018, in Charlotte with 103 guests. Eight years later, the tradition continues with more than $25,000 in scholarships awarded and 16 Distinguished Alumni Honorees recognized.
The inaugural Distinguished Alumni Honorees were Will Brooks (AU ’75), Katrina Jones-Young (CC ’80), Arion Herbert (CAU ’07).
Their recognition began a tradition of honoring Panthers whose leadership, service, and impact reflect the legacy of Clark Atlanta University and its predecessor institutions.
Every dollar raised helps support scholarships for Clark Atlanta University students from North and South Carolina.
Since its beginning, the Scholarship Brunch has brought Panthers together around one purpose: investing in the next generation.
2026 Distinguished Honorees
Honoring Leadership, Service & Impact
As part of this year's celebration, the Panther Alumni Club of the Carolinas is proud to recognize three Distinguished Honorees whose leadership, service, and commitment reflect the spirit of community and excellence we celebrate through the Scholarship Brunch.
Nicole Bell’99
Nicole Bell is a 1999 graduate of Clark Atlanta University with a degree in Business Administration and Marketing. A longtime alumni leader, she has served as President of the Charlotte chapter and remains active with the Panther Alumni Club of the Carolinas.
Nicole is the founder of The Mélange Collective, a strategy and execution consultancy, and is also a Certified AI Consultant and first-grade educator.
Ray Johnson
BIO COMING SOON
Jada Brown
Jada C. Brown is a Clark Atlanta University graduate with a dual Bachelor of Arts degree in Fashion Design and Merchandising. She has more than 15 years of experience in retail, merchandising, buying, product management, and e-commerce.
A dedicated advocate for CAU and HBCUs, Jada has served in alumni leadership in Charlotte and continues to support initiatives centered on community, inclusion, and women’s empowerment.
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