Let them shine

Over the summer, the Black Alumni Executive Committee — volunteers dedicated to supporting Black alumni and students — got together to finalize the details of Black Alumni Weekend in September.

They also heard from Mérida Allen, executive director of UD’s Multi-Ethnic Education and Engagement Center, who shared student highlights.

The group was blown away.

Many Black students received leadership awards — the Spirit of Community Award, the Dedication and Commitment Award, and the Fraternity and Sorority Life Member of the Year Award — plus research awards and grants.

“I’m so proud of their achievements,” said Carna Cureton ’94, committee chair. “[They] should be celebrated by not just the Black alumni community but by all communities.”

Senior Rihanna “Lucy” Domingos spoke at commencement in May. She received the Mona Guerrier Fallen Scholarship, an endowed scholarship created by Destry Fallen ’86, campaign cabinet member, and supported by Black alumni donors to benefit students making an impact at UD.

“For Lucy to be selected as the commencement speaker is a huge honor,” said Cynthia Payne, interim director of MEC. “I’m sure the scholarship was helpful for her to make it through her senior year with less of a financial burden.”

“That wouldn’t have happened without the involvement of Black alumni.”

Allen noted more Black students are studying abroad. One group went on a summer trip to Kenya, while premed students traveled to Spain hopeful to impact their future work in the medical field.

Cureton emphasized the ways committee members can support students, such as through mentoring and supporting scholarships. She and other Black alumni can also help this year, as committee members have done at previous Black Alumni Weekends, by using one simple strategy.

“We can truly help by sharing our stories,” Cureton said. “We can give Black students the confidence that they can grow, learn and be great.”