The annual Curtis Wilson Scholarship Fund Dinner honors the legacy of the late Cleveland State University educator. The event is held each year in the spring.

Named in honor of the late Curtis Wilson, who was the director of Cleveland State’s Black Studies Program and an assistant professor of history, the annual fund-raiser provides scholarships to two Cleveland Metropolitan School District high school seniors who plan to attend Cleveland State.

The event also commemorates the late Wanda M. Coleman, a former staff member in Cleveland State’s offices of Alumni Affairs and Minority Affairs and Community Relations, through the presentation of two Wanda M. Coleman Continuing Student Awards to current students for their community service.

In addition, the Frank C. Adams Cultural Award will be presented to a Cleveland State student who has demonstrated cultural and creative ability in the performing arts. The award commemorates the late Frank Adams, former coordinator of the University’s African American Cultural Center.

The annual scholarship dinner includes a tribute to African American achievement with the presentation of Kente graduation stoles to Cleveland State’s Black graduates. In addition, the Distinguished Black Faculty and Staff Awards recognize individuals for outstanding service to the University.

The Curtis Wilson event is sponsored by Cleveland State’s Black Alumni Organization, Black Faculty and Staff Organization and Office of Diversity and Multicultural Affairs.