General Mills, Tom Joyner create alliance - noteworthy news - financial contribution for historically Black colleges and universities - Brief Article

Black Issues in Higher Education, May 9, 2002

MINNEAPOLIS, MINN.

An invaluable connection was made recently when General Mills Inc., maker of Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Trix and Honey Nut Cheerios cereals, announced its partnership with nationally syndicated radio celebrity Tom Joyner.

To launch its affiliation, the Minneapolis-based company presented a check for $600,000 to the Tom Joyner Foundation--the largest level of support by any firm in the history of the organization, which provides money directly to HBCUs for the purpose of helping students complete their education.

"Tom Joyner's commitment to education and to the community is unparalleled, and General Mills Inc. shares his vision," says CeLois Steele of General Mills Community Relations.

"We consider it an honor to partner with Tom Joyner and his Foundation--and we look forward to helping him make a difference by helping students in financial need at historically Black colleges and universities."

"To say we're pleased with General Mills' support of The Tom Joyner Foundation would be an understatement," Joyner says.

"And because every cent of every donation made goes directly to students, this level of corporate support packs a powerful financial punch for the HBCU. It is greatly needed and genuinely appreciated."