Reflecting on 2022 momentum, Black Colleagues Association (BCA) President Daniel Pierson ’81 is asking alumni to engage more deeply to support Redbirds this coming year.
“I’m proud of what we have accomplished this year,’’ Pierson said during the December BCA annual meeting. “How do we grow our revenue and engagement? One helps the other as we pursue our mission.”
By all accounts at the meeting, attended by more than 40 alumni in person at Murray Language Academy and virtually, both giving and participation were up in 2022, two years after the pandemic shut down all activities across campus and the world.
“An average of $46,000 was raised in the last three years with gifts made to the Association,” said Kris Harding, M.S. ’94, executive director of Alumni Engagement, noting $35,000 had been raised over Homecoming 2022 weekend. “It was a lot of fun coming back together, and our participation numbers were even higher this year.”
Pat Vickerman, vice president for University Advancement, reported $90,000 of the University’s annual campaign came from the BCA and other Black alumni, 11,000 of whom are living. Vickerman complimented the BCA as a model affinity group.
“You have been leading the charge for some time now,’’ he said.
Pierson said he was grateful for the recognition and looks forward to continuing to support current and future Redbirds through scholarships and student mentoring.
In other annual meeting business, the following officers were appointed for the next year:
- Community Liaison: Nicole Higginbothan ’95, M.S.14
- Bylaws and Operating Code: Pamela Clanton ’83
- Communications Chairs: Zion Banks ’85, Caryn Lee ’94
- Membership Chairs: Daniel Jackson ’18, Beverly Glinsey ’81
- Programming & Events Chair: Michelle Ford ’86
- Homecoming Chairs: Aja Holmes ’00, M.S. ’02, Canakkale Edwards ‘90
- Scholarship Chairs: Eyvonna Hemphill ’80, Joletta Gladney-Martin ’87
- Campus Liaison: Quanisha Kumi-Darfour ’06
- Annual Picnic Committee Chair: Sandra Kelly ’77
- Mentorship Committee Chair: Angelyn Anderson ’95, M.S. ’97
- SOAR Committee Chair: Cliff Gillespie ’88
