Black Alumni Week goes virtual, welcomes 500 alumni during successful week

The Auburn Alumni Association welcomed 500 alumni to the first virtual Black Alumni Week Sept. 28-Oct. 4, with several activities highlighting a successful weeklong celebration.

It marked the sixth Annual Black Alumni Weekend, first Virtual Black Alumni Week and the fifth year for the annual Awards Ceremony that was started in 2016. By thriving despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the celebration was a consummate success and a strong representation of the true “Auburn Spirit,” according to organizers and participants alike.

Nine distinguished alumni were honored at the Awards Ceremony:

School of Nursing – Simona Black ’94
Raymond J. Harbert College of Business – Dr. Randy Bradley ’97
School of Forestry & Wildlife Sciences – Dr. Victoria David ’99
Samuel Ginn College of Engineering – Sharlene Evans ’86
College of Education – Dr. Andre Harrison ’06
College of Sciences and Mathematics – Sonya Jenkins ’92
College of Human Sciences – Cheniece Kelleher ’13
College of Agriculture – Abra Lee ’02
Harrison School of Pharmacy – Dr. Wade Scott ’76

The week’s interactive events included a virtual tribute wall for Harold A. Franklin—Auburn’s first Black student, who received his master’s degree earlier this year—where visitors could leave messages of thanks and congratulations for the trailblazing alum, and the MOSAIC Theater Company put together a historical video chronicling Franklin’s journey as well. The virtual activity lineup also included a message from Student Government Association President Ada Ruth Huntley, as well as a series of videos featuring panel discussions, career resources and a Sunday fellowship session.

The Alumni Association put together a YouTube playlist that includes all of the special week’s festivities for anyone who was unable to participate in the live proceedings.

Submitted by: Erin Hutchins