Legacy of Leadership

Fifty years ago, Manuel Pierson, dean of student services, empowered the university’s students to develop an alumni chapter that would ensure Black students were properly supported while offering them a platform to be heard by Oakland University leadership.

Since then, the Black Alumni Chapter (BAC) has enriched and engaged the lives of African American alumni, students and friends to promote OU and foster a culture that advances diversity, equity and inclusion.

Their milestone anniversary and decades of hard work were celebrated during Alumni Reunion Weekend on Friday, October 18 at the Oakland Center. The festive evening included music, comedy, dancing, dinner and drinks.

Recently, BAC board members and members at-large reflected on the chapter’s storied past and their hopes for the future.

Eleanor Reynolds, SEHS ‘74, has been part of the organization since the beginning. “As a 1974 grad, I was grateful and sincerely appreciative when Dr. Pierson acknowledged and celebrated our accomplishment by organizing the Black Alumni Association,” she says. “As my career at Oakland continued after graduation as a member of the University Housing staff, I wanted to assist in continuing the recognition and celebration of Black graduates and alumni through this organization. It is so gratifying that our association has withstood the test of time, remaining strong and resilient.”

The chapter has seen enormous success over the past several years in establishing funds to support scholarships.

Chair Sharman Davenport, CAS ‘80, says, “I am proud of the accomplishments we have been able to achieve over the past several years including helping to establish the Dr. Manuel H. Pierson and Dr. Karl Gregory Endowments; and we have established a BAC Giving Society. These fundraising approaches ensure our ability to continue providing scholarships for students while supporting the Keeper of the Dream Scholarship and the Oakland University Retention and Student Book Funds.”

The chapter also works closely with the university’s Alumni Ambassador Program which brings alumni back to campus to serve as role models and mentors while helping students navigate the educational system.

“Current students need to see people who look like them on the other side,” Shalonda Dennis, SBA ‘07, says of the importance of the program. “Students get to meet alums who can mentor them and possibly help with their professional development.”

Secretary Tia Cobb, SEHS ‘89, adds another benefit, “Involvement with the students is a way to ensure the BAC stays functional and continues to provide for and support the current students. It is important to stay connected to the university to ensure we have a strong presence on campus and to show the students we are committed to helping them.”

The Legacy 74 Giving Society was recently established to honor the 50th anniversary of the BAC. It provides an opportunity for alumni to give back so others can reach their educational goals. This giving designation purposefully aligns philanthropic efforts of the BAC with the goals and objectives that support the Black Alumni Chapter mission which is: “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.”

Vice Chair Patrece Hamblin, SEHS ‘97, is particularly proud of being part of its inception. “Legacy 74 has given me an opportunity to not only give to what matters most to me, but to encourage others to do the same. I see this as putting your money where your mouth is and planting seeds that will feed academic outcomes for future generations.”

While proud of their past accomplishments, the Black Alumni Chapter isn’t done yet. This 50-year mark is only the beginning of great things to come.

Treasurer Angie Banister, SBA ‘95, says, “What excites me most about the next 50 years is seeing the next generation of Black alumni become more engaged in the chapter and bring forth new ideas that will take the chapter to the next level.”

Stephanie Lee, SEHS ‘20, ‘17, CAS 1993, says. “I think the board has worked hard to diversify its members in many ways. We are building a legacy that will last for another 50 years.”

Learn more about Legacy 74 Giving Society and how you can help leave a legacy visit.