HOUSTON (March 16, 2017) – Judy Smith, president of Smith & Company, a top strategic and crisis communication firm in Washington, DC, will serve as keynote speaker for The Maroon & Gray Affair, a black-tie fund-raiser for Texas Southern University. The gala will be held on Saturday, April 29, 2017 at the Marriott Marquis Hotel Houston.

Smith’s career as a ‘professional fixer’ was the impetus for the groundbreaking television series, Scandal, starring Kerry Washington. Smith is co-executive producer of the show, sharing her technical expertise with Scandal’s award-winning creator, Shonda Rhimes. Scandal is currently in its sixth season on ABC.

The Maroon & Gray Affair draws inspiration from the University’s hallmark colors to present an evening of elegance in support of student scholarships and programs. TSU First Lady Loren Lane is chairing a committee comprised of a virtual “Who’s Who of Houston,” including Pamela Huewitt, Roslyn Mitchell, Gerald Smith, Argentina James, and other notable figures. The gala is in line with Mrs. Lane's vision to aid young scholars who, in turn, will contribute to the city, the nation and the world.

“Our goal is to improve our annual graduation and retention rates by providing our students with a bridge over their financial challenges. This University wants to do everything in its power to support these incredible young people so that they can matriculate unencumbered from the start of their freshman year to the moment they walk across the graduation stage in four years,” said Dr. Austin A. Lane, 12th president of Texas Southern University.

The Maroon & Gray Affair will feature a tribute to students and alumni, live entertainment and a silent auction. For more information about sponsorships, VIP tables or individual tickets, contact TSU’s Office of Development, visit www.tsu.edu or call TSU at 713-313-6844 or 713-313-1363.