Getting together with old friends and classmates is always a good time, but when you can do it and raise $1 million for future generations of students, it’s even sweeter.
That’s exactly what the Tyrone E. Winfrey Hall of Fame Alumni Gala has represented for the Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD) Foundation for the past couple of years, and 2025’s event won’t be any different.
Celebrating the life and legacy of Tyrone E. Winfrey Sr., the event is more than a fundraiser; it is a heartfelt tribute to a man whose life and work continue to reverberate through the lives of countless Detroit students and alumni. Set to be an unforgettable evening, the May 3, 2025 Homecoming Gala will honor Winfrey’s tireless dedication to education, youth development, and community service, while raising funds to support DPSCD’s 53,000 students.
Born and raised in Detroit, Winfrey was a product of the very public schools he would later dedicate his life to improving. His academic journey began at Hampton Elementary School, continued through the hallowed halls of Cass Technical High School, and eventually laid the groundwork for his unshakable commitment to education and community engagement. It was clear from an early age that Winfrey had a unique sense of purpose—one that led him to influence not only his community but also the broader state of Michigan.
With this year’s theme, “Legends and Lights: A Star-Studded Homage to DPSCD’s Legacy,” the gala invites guests to step into a night where every attendee feels like a star. The evening will feature immersive entertainment, captivating live performances, exquisite cuisine prepared by alumni chefs, and a tribute to DPSCD’s brightest stars, all while raising funds to support equitable educational opportunities for Detroit’s students.
“From the moment guests arrive, they will be immersed in an unforgettable experience that reflects the excellence and creativity of DPSCD,” said Kerrie Mitchell, President and CEO of the DPSCD Foundation. “This is more than a fundraiser—it’s a celebration of the impactful power of education and a testament to the talent and brilliance that Detroit’s public schools cultivate. With 90% of this event produced by DPSCD alumni, it’s also a powerful example of how our community comes together to uplift the next generation.”
Though his professional journey would take him far beyond the confines of Detroit, his heart always remained in the city. His work as an advocate for youth, a passionate promoter of higher education, and a committed community leader was a direct extension of his own experiences as a DPS student. Winfrey was one of those rare individuals who fully understood the importance of education, not just as a means to secure a better future, but as a vital tool for empowering communities, creating opportunities, and lifting up generations of young people. His commitment to this cause never wavered, and he made it his mission to guide others toward realizing their potential.
This year’s gala promises to be a celebration of Winfrey’s life and his deep connection to Detroit’s educational community, and the DPSCD Foundation, through this event, aims to surpass in 2025 what they did in 2024 by raising more than $1 million to fund programs that support the district’s 53,000 students, helping them access the educational tools and resources they need to thrive.
The foundation’s mission is clear: to create opportunities for Detroit’s youth and to strengthen the community through education. The Come Home Hall of Fame Gala, with its focus on honoring Winfrey’s legacy, serves as a reminder that education is not just a personal pursuit — it is the foundation upon which Detroit’s future is built. The funds raised will go directly toward supporting initiatives such as scholarships, extracurricular programs, and college readiness initiatives, all designed to give Detroit students the resources they need to succeed academically and beyond.
A Call to Detroit’s Alumni: Coming Home
The “theme of the gala is an invitation to all Detroit Public Schools alumni to return to their roots. For many, attending the gala will be an emotional homecoming, as they revisit the city that shaped their lives and reflect on the role their education played in their personal success. Alumni who attend the event will be part of a larger movement to uplift the next generation of students, following in the footsteps of Tyrone E. Winfrey, whose own journey began in those same school buildings and continued to shape the landscape of education for young people in Michigan and beyond.
Winfrey’s impact as a mentor, advocate, and educational leader has made a profound difference in the lives of countless students, and his efforts to bring higher education closer to home remain a hallmark of his legacy. He worked tirelessly to ensure that Detroit’s students had the resources, guidance, and opportunities they needed to succeed in higher education and beyond. Whether it was through his work at Michigan State University or the University of Michigan, Winfrey dedicated his life to helping young people pursue their dreams and achieve success in whatever field they chose.
His vision extended far beyond the classroom. Winfrey believed that education was the key to breaking cycles of poverty, inequality, and disempowerment. His work in creating programs and partnerships that connected local students to universities and other post-secondary opportunities was groundbreaking. He knew that by bringing higher education into the community, by creating pipelines for success, he could help Detroit students see a world of possibilities.
The Spirit of Community: Honoring Winfrey’s Values
The gala is not only a celebration of Winfrey’s personal accomplishments, but also a reflection of his enduring values. Winfrey’s commitment to service, mentorship, and community has inspired generations of educators, students, and community leaders. His passion for Detroit, for its students, and for its future, has never wavered.
It will be a night filled with thoughtful and touching moments, laughter, and memories of a man who made a lasting impact not just on the institutions he worked for, but on the hearts of everyone he met.
“This gala is not just about raising money – it’s about celebrating a vision that Tyrone had for Detroit’s future,” said Dr. Nikolai Vitti, DPSCD Superintendent. “Tyrone was a tireless advocate for education and a firm believer that every student, regardless of background, deserves the chance to succeed. We are so proud to honor him by continuing the work he began, and this gala is a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when we come together as a community. The Hall of Fame Gala is a beacon for what’s possible when we come together to support education. This event not only celebrates the alumni who inspire us with their achievements, but it also raises supplemental funds needed to expand opportunities for our students and ensure their success.”
With more than 800 people in attendance for 2024’s event, supporting the mission of the DPSCD Foundation helped catalyze impactful initiatives across all Detroit schools, including:
- Career Pathway Programs – Hands-on experiences preparing students for the workforce.
- Work-Based Learning Opportunities – Paid internships for students to build real-world skills.
- STEM Enrichment – Programs to nurture innovation and problem-solving.
- Health Hubs – Serving over 100,000 students and families annually with essential resources.
- Essential Resources – Providing washers and dryers to all 105 DPSCD schools to remove barriers for students and families.
- Scholarships – Awarding $250,000, the highest amount ever offered by the Foundation, to help students access higher education.
This year, proceeds will continue to fund these initiatives while also driving transformative projects, including expanding career pathways, enhancing dual enrollment opportunities, and fostering innovation within Detroit’s public schools.
The 2025 event will feature expanded talent, new partnerships, and a vision that captures the brilliance of DPSCD’s legacy while raising money to support its future.
In addition to honoring Winfrey’s memory, the gala will serve as a celebration of Detroit’s resilience. It is a reminder that no matter the challenges faced, Detroit’s spirit remains strong, especially when the community comes together to support its youth. The DPSCD Foundation has made incredible strides in recent years, and the gala will be a testament to the progress that has been made—and to the much-needed work that remains to ensure every Detroit student has access to a high-quality education.
The gala is not just a tribute to his memory; it is a call to action, and an opportunity for alumni, community leaders, and philanthropists to invest in Detroit’s future. Every dollar raised will go directly toward programs that ensure Detroit’s students have access to the tools and opportunities they need to succeed.
Through Winfrey’s leadership and the continued work of the DPSCD Foundation, Detroit’s students are being given the resources they need to rise above challenges and achieve their dreams. The gala, like Winfrey’s legacy, will shine a light on the power of education to transform lives and communities.
As alumni, educators, and community leaders gather, the Come Home Hall of Fame Gala will serve as a powerful reminder of what can be accomplished when a community unites to invest in its future. Through this celebration of Tyrone E. Winfrey’s life and work, the city of Detroit reaffirms its commitment to providing the best possible opportunities for its children—ensuring that Winfrey’s vision continues to live on in the hearts and minds of future generations.
Event Details
- Date: Saturday, May 3, 2025
- Time: General Admission begins at 8:00 p.m.
- Location: Soon-to-be-announced iconic DPSCD school
- Tickets for the gala are available at www.halloffamedetroit.org.
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