Student Experience Fund Exceeds Goal Black Alumni Contribute Over $13,000.
In connection with the Black Alumni Reunion 2019 in March, the Black Alumni Working Group and members of the W&L Board of Trustees encouraged alumni to donate to the Student Experience Fund.
The fund was created to support at least two undergraduate students in the 2019-20 academic year to take advantage of a high-impact, outside-the-classroom opportunity. Some examples include a trip sponsored by the Career and Professional Development office to learn about industries and job opportunities in a major city, a summer internship or a faculty-mentored summer research experience.
Thanks to your generosity, we have raised $13,547!
“The reunion on campus brought together Black Alumni across generations to reminisce and celebrate our accomplishments,” said Cynthia Cheatham ’07, chair of the Black Alumni Working Group. “Black Alumni are committed to supporting student success in the classroom and cultivating future leaders. This fundraising effort was an opportunity to pay it forward to current students.”
The funds will be awarded to students receiving financial aid whose enrollment promotes and expands student body diversity, with preference for students who demonstrate interest in African American culture and studies. The students chosen will know that their grants are thanks to the generosity of Black Alumni.
Beau Dudley ’74, ’79L, executive director of Alumni Engagement, is pleased with how many alumni returned for the reunion and the fundraising effort. “We are taking real steps to engage alumni of color. There is more work to do, as discussed in John X. Miller’s article included in the current W&L Magazine. The Black Alumni Reunion was a success, and the success of the first official philanthropic effort by Black Alumni is an important milestone.”
In future editions of Inside W&L, we’ll share specifics on the students who have been selected for the opportunities and how they benefited. Consider contributing to the Student Experience Fund to support students for the 2020-2021 academic year.
Please accept W&L’s heartfelt thanks for your commitment to your alma mater and its students.
