A message from Karyn Aguirre, Black Colleagues Association president:
The Illinois State University Black Colleagues Association (BCA) was established in 1987 and rebirthed in 1997. As president, my desire is for BCA to continue its legacy by building upon the foundation laid and enduring as a viable and integral association. I want to personally thank past leadership for recommendations and assisting in constructing a board of directors reflective of the membership and those who exemplify Redbird pride and commitment to BCA.
BCA is now “red-igniting” under new leadership. The membership elected a new president, vice president, corresponding secretary, and recording secretary to join the current BCA treasurer at the annual meeting in December 2015. I am excited to serve with these phenomenal women. I also appointed a full group of dedicated individuals to serve as the 2016–2017 board of directors.
The board has been in the process of refining our purpose to provide our alumni with an association committed to its members, the students, faculty and staff. We have worked tirelessly to review and amend our governing document and promote understanding of the BCA and University affiliation. We ask for patience and continued understanding as we work with the University to develop and sponsor programs and events to promote fellowship and networking opportunities that align with University policy. One program we look to bring next year is a BCA family picnic and continue to sponsor events throughout this year as well.
This year alone, we are proud to have contributed to Umoja: Celebration of Black Graduates, volunteered at various events for prospective students, sponsored a meet-and-greet for admitted African American students, have three past BCA presidents on the Illinois State University Alumni Association board of directors, and attended several alumni events. The BCA board has also created two ex-officio positions for undergraduate students to promote early student engagement in BCA, increased scholarship awards, and has continued to support events and make our presence known.
That being said, I invite you to share our commitment and making a contribution to BCA and become involved! I, along with the board of directors, look forward to connecting with BCA members at the President’s Reception for BCA on September 9. Here we also will have the opportunity to extend a warm welcome to newly appointed Vice President for the Division of Student Affairs Levester Johnson. Also please remember to make plans to attend Homecoming 2016 (look for the BCA Weekend Package) and future alumni events.
