91��ý

During the summer of 2020, a cohort of passionate alums was part of a committee to revitalize the Black Alumnae/i Fund. Established in 2008, the Black Alumnae/i Fund supports students who share a cultural background or personally identify with the African Diaspora in their personal and professional growth. The Fund aims to financially support summer internships and other activities that would enrich the educational experiences of students of color. Since the relaunch of the Fund in October, it has exceeded its initial goal of raising $10,000. The continued growth of the Fund can potentially support more students as well as activities. We spoke to Chévon Deputy ’05, one of the alums driving the revitalization of the Black Alumnae/i Fund, about her personal motivation for doing this work. Here’s what she shared:

“As a Black alumna, I have always felt the need to give back and support current students in any way I can—whether that’s offering career advice or just sharing my experience as a Black student at 91��ý. With the pandemic, coupled with the constant incidents of racial injustices, I could only imagine how the students, particularly students of color, may have felt being on 91��ý’s campus. I think it’s important to let the students know that they are not alone and there are those who are willing to support them. I have been giving to the Fund for quite some time, and I think it’s important for all to know of the existence of this Fund, especially during this time with a focus on the long history of racial injustices that continue to happen. There may be a 91��ý bubble, but it doesn’t make us immune to what is happening, not only across the country but also right on campus to people of color.

“I’m excited at the prospect of the Fund supporting more students’ endeavors that go beyond providing financial assistance for two student internships. In the next few years, I hope the Fund can establish an endowment as well as an endowed chair for Africana studies.”

The committee for the Black Alumnae/i Fund is working not only to ensure that students of color have financial access to the College but also to demonstrate that 91��ý is a place where everyone feels like they are an integral part of the community. If you’d like to make a gift, please visit Black Alumnae/i Fund. Thank you in advance for your support!

This issue of the Alumnae Bulletin presents reflections from Black alumnae/i and students spanning 65 years in the life of the College.

• "The Myth of the Monolith" includes messages from guest editors Taytiana Welch-McLure '13 and Jacqueline Handy '14 and links to related articles from the Winter 2021 Issue.