Started in 2010 by a group of students who wanted to provide black alumni with a way to reconnect with their Alma Mater, Black Alumni Weekend was held this past weekend at Longwood. The weekend also provides alumni with a way to reconnect with each other and see the growth throughout Longwood University.
Program Coordinator for Disability Resources Cameron Patterson, '10, explained, "The goal [of the weekend] was also to give our alumni an opportunity to see and witness the great work that our students were doing here on campus."
Five main events filled the weekend for current students and alumni to take part in. The theme was "Looking Back to Move Forward." A service project was held throughout the town, including locations such as FACES, the Longwood Center for the Visual Arts, and the Fuqua School where people helped with Operation Christmas Child. A welcome luncheon and student showcase featured Dr. Ken Perkins, interim vice president for academic affairs, on Saturday to help usher in the guests on campus.
Patterson said Perkins shared some of the current university news with alumni such as construction projects and the evolving Academic Strategic Plan. Student groups F.I.E.R.C.E, a hip-hop dance group, and Ja'Dore, a jazz band, performed. These groups were a sight for many alumni who never thought of a hip-hop dance group being on campus.
A special Black Alumni Weekend Reception was held at the Robert Russa Moton Museum in town. At the reception, sponsored by the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, former Longwood faculty member Dr. Ednea Allen Dean, professor of social work and communication sciences & disorders, and current faculty member and Department of Social Work and Communication Sciences & Disorders Chair and Associate Professor of Social Work, Dr. Theresa Clark. Dean and Clark were both recognized for their contributions to the black student experience and continued support of diversity.
Saturday night featured the energetic showing of the 2011 National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHS) Step Show, titled "Last Greek Standing." On Sunday, BASIC had their fall concert, which featured numerous college choirs from across the Commonwealth as well as Longwood's own.
"The highlight for me was the forum," said Tara Carr,'10, admissions counselor. Alumni, current students and administrative officials sat on the panel discussion to discuss what Carr said was sort of like "the state of the black community." She said it was nice to feel as if the administration on hand were truly listening to the problems in the black community. She said there was more staff present at the forum this year than last.
Now working for the university, Carr said she is able to see how things look on the other side of the fence. She said on the other side of the aisle, she has a better understanding of what is happening. Carr said it is important for alumni from the 1980s or 1990s to come back to campus. "Longwood is so different. It has changed so much since they were here," she said.
She said one alumnus had not been back to Longwood in over 15 years and was amazed at how the black community had prospered. "It's important for them to reconnect with classmates and to also see how Longwood has grown and how it's improving."
Carr added how current students should embrace and understand the importance of the weekend. "It's important to have Black Alumni Weekend and other events like that." She said current students should see the success stories of other black students who made it and look to them for motivation.
Patterson said of all the events during Black Alumni Weekend, "most importantly alumni enjoy the opportunity to connect with current students. The black community here at Longwood has traditionally been a small community and because of this our alumni have always wanted to ensure that current students continue to receive support."
Carr also talked about the importance of networking during the weekend. She said the forum, reception and mixer were all perfect times to use networking skills because a large number of alumni had open job positions for students to apply to. The reception was hosted by the Office of Diversity & Inclusion.
Carr said she took a great deal away from the weekend. "Improving the black experience at Longwood is going to take effort on the student side, alumni side and the administration. The administration realizes that there is a problem, and they are actively putting things into place to help with not only recruitment of black students but also retention."
Patterson said the Office of Diversity & Inclusion will look into more ways to involve alumni when structuring future initiatives. "Our black alumni are committed, so they would enjoy any opportunity to get involved," he said.
Student Cierra Coles said, "It was important to the alumni as well as the current students because it gave everyone a chance to come together, network and give back to the community. This fun filled weekend gave the alumni the opportunity to look at their former Longwood College to where it now stands as Longwood University." She said she is looking forward to the weekend next year.
"We look forward to making Black Alumni Weekend a yearly event," said Patterson.
"The committee will begin work in the spring semester planning next year … We also appreciate the support that was provided by the Office of Diversity & Inclusion, the Office of Alumni Relations and various university administrators including President [Patrick] Finnegan who participated in the weekend's events.
