Black Alumni Chapter

Chair
Sharman Davenport
CAS 1980

Vice Chair 
Patrece Hamblin
SEHS 1997

Treasurer
Angie Banister
SBA 1995

Secretary
Tia Cobb
SEHS 1989

In 1974, the Black Alumni Association was established to broaden access to opportunities and promote equity for black students. Now known as the Black Alumni Chapter of the Oakland University Alumni Association, the group focuses its efforts on recruitment and retention and engaging in purposeful dialogue with senior university leadership in an effort to strengthen the university's overall cultural competence with respect to black students and staff and to position the BAC as a valued strategic partner within the Oakland University Community.

For five decades, the BAC has worked in close partnership with the university to address initiatives such as:

1. Assisting with the establishment of three university endowments
2. Planning and facilitating key university initiatives
3. Bridging gaps so students fulfill their academic goals
4. Fostering connections with the alumni community
5. Strengthening cultural competence and advocating for inclusion, diversity and equity

The Oakland University Black Alumni Chapter is a critical partner as the university continues to grow in both size and reputation within the higher education landscape across Michigan and beyond. The ongoing commitment and contributions of the BAC are critical to the success of black students and alumni, now and in the future.

The Legacy 74 Giving Society was recently established to honor the 50 years of dedication and commitment of the Black Alumni Chapter to Oakland University. This giving designation purposefully aligns philanthropic efforts of the BAC with the goals and objectives that support the Black Alumni Chapter mission:

"To enrich and engage the lives of black alumni, students and friends to promote Oakland University and foster a culture that advances diversity, equity and inclusion."

This exciting year of celebration and reflection provides the perfect opportunity to support this important effort, ensuring another 50 years of student success. 

The Black Alumni Chapter has chosen the sankofa bird in our Legacy 74 branding. Sankofa is an Akan term that means, "to go back and get it." The Sankofa bird symbolizes how we are reaching back to give, so others can reach their educational goals.

Giving Opportunities

Supporting any of the Black Alumni Chapter funds at any level qualifies you as a member of the Legacy 74 Giving Society.

Giving Funds:

• Black Alumni Affiliate Gift Fund (30012)
• CMI - Student Retention Gift Fund (31099)
• Manuel Pierson Endowed Fund (61061)
• The Dr. Karl D. Gregory Endowed Scholarship (61664)

Give Now