Black Alumni Society Will Honor Alumni During the 2015 Reunion

Photo Submitted

The 2015 Black Alumni Society Reunion is set for April 13-19 with a full schedule of events for alumni and students. As the society celebrates 25 years of reunions, activities will include a University of Arkansas campus-wide student kickoff event, alumni/student professional development, an endowed scholarship golf tournament and an awards gala.

The BAS Awards Gala is the capstone of the reunion events on Saturday, April 18, at the Fayetteville Town Center. During the gala, BAS will honor the following award recipients:

The Dr. Lonnie Williams Lifetime Achievement Award – The Honorable Rodney E. Slater, J.D.’80, LL.D.’06, former U.S. secretary of Transportation and a partner at Patton Boggs LLP. The award recognizes alumni who have made significant lifetime achievements in their personal, professional and community services.

Citation of Distinguished Alumni, which recognize those who have exceeded in professional and personal achievements, based on a certain field will be presented to three alumni:

• Charles Donaldson, Ed.D.’82, vice chancellor, University of Arkansas at Little Rock (retired)
• Tennille Adams, B.A.’99, head women’s basketball coach, Howard University
• Sytia Messer, B.S.E.’00, assistant coach/recruiting coordinator, Baylor University

Honorary Alumni Award – Rev. Curtiss Smith, senior pastor, St. James Missionary Baptist Church and former Walmart director of diversity. The award recognizes non-graduates of the University of Arkansas who have promoted and participated in ways similar to those of a university graduate.

Young Alumni Award – Ulanda Terry, M.S.’03, director, leadership development, Tyson Foods Inc. The award recognizes young alumni who have excelled in professions, volunteerism and public service.

Alumni Service Award – Monica Jones, B.A.’95, M.S.’99, academic adviser, Pulaski Technical College. The award recognizes those who have contributed a significant amount of time on behalf of the Arkansas Alumni Association.

Community Service Award – Kabrina Amey, B.A.’10, M.Ed.’13, family service worker, Department of Human Services. The award recognizes alumni who have dedicated extensive amounts of time to helping their community.

Wyatt Weems Memorial Award – Carolyn Henderson Allen, dean of libraries, University of Arkansas, University Libraries. The award recognizes individuals who are not a graduate of the University who have contributed a significant amount of time, and/or developed positions with BAS to promote the purpose and mission of the society.

The ultimate goal and objective for the reunion is to continue to provide financial support for African-American students to attend the University of Arkansas. This support comes in the form of scholarships, professional development, student activities and study abroad sponsorships, mentorships and internship opportunities. Since 1990 the Black Alumni Society Scholarship funds have increased from $250 to more than $305,000. The scholarship fund has awarded more than 220 recipients.

Sponsorship opportunities also are available.

For more information, registration and a full schedule of reunion events, visit www.arkansasalumni.org/basreunion or contact Angela Mosley Monts, director of constituent engagement, at ammonts@uark.edu.