To kick off the Black Colleagues Association Chicago weekend, the group invites fellow alumni, family, and friends to come together to honor Andrew Purnell Jr. ’57 at a special reception taking place at the Oak Lawn Hilton.
As a graduate of Illinois State Normal University, Purnell spent his life advocating for equity, particularly for Black students. Along with his peers, he formed the University’s first National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) chapter to help diminish discrimination on campus and in the Bloomington-Normal community. His advocacy work for the University continued as an alumnus where Purnell served on the Alumni Association Board of Directors. In November 1984, with 40 other Black alumni, the Alumni Association formally chartered the affinity group the Illinois State Black Colleagues Association (ISUBCA).
When: 7-9 p.m., Friday, June 24
Where: Oak Lawn Hilton, 9333 S. Cicero Ave, Oak Lawn, IL
Space is limited. Registration is required by June 22 online or by calling Alumni Engagement at (309) 438-2586. To continue a celebratory weekend, ISUBCA will also host its annual cookout on Saturday, June 25 at Dan Ryan Woods in Chicago.
