A Full Circle Moment: Bennie Achievement Award Winner Bryan Rand Honors His HBCU Roots With A $1 Million Donation To Morehouse

Bryan Rand’s journey from a bright-eyed student at Morehouse College to a successful business leader is a powerful reminder of the impact that education, and Morehouse in particular, can have on someone’s life. For the founder & CEO of Rand & Co Holdings, LLC, the decision to attend the HBCU wasn’t just about academics, it was about finding a place that would mold him into a leader. Unlike his peers who flocked to Big Ten schools or local state universities, Rand was drawn to Morehouse after considering prestigious institutions like Northwestern and the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School. The deciding factor for Rand was how Morehouse aligned with his goal of breaking into Wall Street, alongside the financial aid package that sealed the deal.

“Morehouse built a pipeline, it was kind of a West Point for Black male leadership, and that was exciting to me,” he told OffTheYard. “And when I received an academic scholarship that made it crystal clear.”

At Morehouse, Rand found more than just a college education; he became part of a community that challenged him to reach his fullest potential. While he had stood out in high school as an African American with the highest GPA and SAT scores, at Morehouse, he was one of many high-achieving students in an environment where both peers and professors constantly pushed you to excel.

“Excellence was the standard,” said Rand to OffTheYard. “Being around smart, ambitious folks—it was cool to be smart. We had a healthy competition to excel in the classroom and I feel like I brought that to the rest of my life. I give so much credit to the professors and career placement offices, and students ahead of me that built some of these pipelines where when people are seeking junior talent, Morehouse is one of those places.”

Morehouse’s transformative impact on Rand extended far beyond the classroom and included the school’s “Crown Forum” where students heard from global thought leaders in business, philanthropy, religion, and entertainment on Thursdays.

This constant exposure to influential voices, combined with an unyielding expectation of excellence, shaped Rand’s view of what was possible. 

“There’s this expectation that if you go and perform at the level of your capability, you’ll be one of the guys up there,” said Rand. 

The businessman told OffTheYard that Morehouse didn’t just prepare him for a career; it expanded his world in ways he hadn’t imagined. 

“I grew up in a healthy, two-parent household where my parents were college grads, but I didn’t have a passport, I had never been to New York City when I got to Morehouse,” he recalled. “I had never picked up a golf club before I got to Morehouse, and now that’s 50% of my life.” Morehouse, he says, “transformed what I believe was possible,” opening doors to experiences that would become fundamental to his personal and professional growth.

Fast forward to 2025, and Rand’s bond with Morehouse has come full circle, as he now works to transform the school that once transformed him. During February’s “Candle In The Dark” gala celebrating Mother Morehouse’s 158th founders’ day, he made a whopping $1 million donation to the school. The funds will support scholarships, academic programs, and infrastructure improvements, helping future generations of students continue to benefit from the same transformative experience Rand had.

“My wife and I were so happy to make this donation to Morehouse, because I want folks to get that [same] experience but the cost of private HBCU education at this point has changed that value proposition for a lot of people,” he told OffTheYard. “So we did our part. 

Not only that, but during the gala he become an integral part of the Morehouse legacy by receiving the Bennie Lifetime Achievement Award. Named in honor of Benjamin E. Mays, Morehouse’s sixth president, the award honors alumni who have achieved extraordinary success and demonstrated exceptional leadership in their respective fields. For Rand, the recognition was deeply humbling. 

“I’ve had multiple friends who said, ‘You realize this is better than a Nobel Prize, right?’” Rand said with a laugh. “To be honored in this fashion, and to do it at a relatively young age, to have that platform to give flowers to my loved ones, and for Morehouse to receive them—it’s an incredible feeling.”

Ultimately, for the philanthropist, the case for HBCUs has never been clearer, especially in the face of arguments calling for the dismantling of DEI efforts. He believes these institutions are uniquely positioned to nurture leaders who are both capable and deeply invested in their communities.

“The scoreboard is pretty clear here,” said Rand to OffTheYard. “These institutions were purpose-built to cultivate leaders in a community that, without a doubt, needs strong leadership and high performers now more than ever.” 

He also expressed skepticism about turning this responsibility over to institutions whose priorities can shift with external pressures. 

“I voted with my feet,” said Rand, proudly sharing that he sent his son to Morehouse. “This is a special time in our special purpose and mission, HBCUs have a unique and vital role to play in this moment.”