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Race and Social Policy/Africana Studies Lecture Series

For more information contact Ellington Graves, egraves@vt.edu

 

Task Force on Race and the Institution

The task force, convened in October 2006, is examining issues of race and racism at Virginia Tech, with a goal of identifying key issues and proposing specific actions that will enhance our opportunities to make lasting progress.

 

 

About Us:

Virginia Tech's Black Alumni Organization (BAO) is of one of the Virginia Tech Alumni Association's alumni constituency programs. These programs are built around a group of alumni who share a common bond - such as class reunion years, academic colleges and departments, the Corps of Cadets and specific ethnicity groups.

The BAO often implements specific projects of interest to the university, local alumni chapters and constituency groups. A primary focus of the BAO is the recruitment and retention of minority students at Virginia Tech.

The BAO is committed to serving and uniting African-American and African-descended alumni for the purpose of advancing the interests of the university while recruiting, mentoring and retaining African-American students in all academic fields. The group strives to build an identity and greater sense of belonging for these students and alumni and to raise awareness of their achievements and organizations through networking, the promotion of the history of African-Americans at Virginia Tech and participation in the university community.

The BAO endeavors to celebrate the rich history of Virginia Tech's Black alumni through building upon the best African-American traditions and accomplishments. The BAO strives to provide an organized network for Black alumni and students that facilitates ongoing professional growth, relationship building, and community action through educational, social and developmental opportunities.

BAO Goals and Objectives:

• Enhance the professional and personal development of Black alumni and students through networking opportunities, mentoring, and community building.
• Increase the recruitment and retention of Black students and create a stronger sense of collegiate pride among Black students and alumni.
• Serve as a liaison to strenghten the Black community of Virginia Tech.
• Support the continued growth and development of the university as an exemplary institution.
• Help fund programs such as alumni scholarships and other projects and initiatives benefiting Black students.
• Facilitate a high level of volunteerism so that the BAO, the Alumni Association, the university and the community-at-large benefit from Virginia Tech's diverse interests, talents and backgrounds.
• Encourage investment in and support of the university in its successful pursuit of excellence in teaching, research and service.

Constituency programs such as this encourage alumni to help recruit a new generation of students from a diverse worldwide population served by Virginia Tech. The Black Alumni Organization welcomes alumni, friends, students, parents, faculty, and staff. As more people become active, the BAO is able to offer more programs and services in support of the university and its students.