Black Alumni Council
Established in 2020, the Black Alumni Council is comprised of 15 individuals who represent 8 different colleges and schools at Auburn University. The purpose of the council is to facilitate the engagement of Black alumni and friends with the Auburn Alumni Association and Auburn University as a whole. The council’s responsibilities include advocating for the concerns of Black alumni and friends, assisting with the recruitment of new students, supporting the retention of current students, promoting greater participation from Black alumni, developing events and programs of interest to black alumni, faculty, staff, students and friends, and working to preserve the legacy of Black alumni and those who paved the way for Black people to attend Auburn University alumni.
Black Alumni Council's Annual Fund for Excellence
With your help, we can make a difference through the Black Alumni Council’s Annual Fund for Excellence. Distributions from this annual gift fund will be used to support the strategic initiatives of the Black Alumni Council.
Black Alumni Council Dr. Harold A. Franklin Memorial Endowed and Annual Scholarships
2023-2024 RECIPIENTs
Alyxandria Harrigan Birmingham, AL
Vanessa Njuguna Birmingham, AL
Kaitlyn Reedy Chelsea, AL
Kenneth Reese Pleasant Grove, AL
2022-2023 RECIPIENTs
Jayliana Brown-Johnson Tomball, TX
Miles Knight Atlanta, GA
Clayton Onwere Huntsville, AL
Shyam Patel Auburn, AL
2021-2022 RECIPIENTs
Christian Ford, Adamsville, AL
Alyxandria Harrigan, Birmingham, AL
Lalah Hasbrouck, Atlanta, GA
Trinitee Hughley, Dacula, GA
2021-2022 Black Alumni Council Year in Review
Goal I
Establish Black Alumni Council Operations, Framework, and Foundation
- Established goals and objectives for the Black Alumni Council
- Created Black Alumni Council operating procedures including electing officers and forming committees
- The Black Alumni Council Chair participated in 2021 Auburn Alumni Association Board of Directors Workshop/Meeting
- Selected five new members to bring the total number of council members to 15
Goal II
Create and implement activities to increase Black Alumni Involvement
- Established the Black Alumni Council Dr. Harold A. Franklin Scholarships (annual and endowed); raised nearly $11,000 and awarded four $1,000 scholarships through the annual scholarship for the 21-22 academic year
- Participated in Tiger Giving Day
- Hosted a panel at virtual Auburn Club Leadership Conference
- Hosted a panel at the Auburn Women’s Summit
- Participated as panelists for Uncensored Conversations ) Women in the Workplace and First-Generation Alumni
- Participated in 28 Days of Career during Black History Month
- Hosted first Conversation with the Council
Goal III
Support, develop, and promote activities for student retention and recruitment
- Recorded and shared videos, in partnership with the Office of Enrollment Management, for recruitment of prospective students
- Participated in Connection with Scholars, group of 30 Black male students toured Auburn in June 2021
- Partnership with Black Student Union and Black Graduate Professional Student Association for two Mid-Summer Mixer Series
- Participated in Tiger Takeoff recruitment activity serving on a virtual student panel and visiting in-person for a dinner connection
- Student Recruitment activity with community group United We Save Ourselves with 66 potential students for campus tour, visit, football game and with lunch provided by the Black Alumni Council
- Black Alumni Council Chair represents the council on the Presidential Task Force for Opportunity and Equity meetings and serves on the University Diversity Statement, Student Retention and Graduate Student subcommittees
Harold Franklin Reflects on Integration 50 Years Later
Fifty years ago, unsure of his safety, a tall, soft-spoken Black man walked alone across the Auburn campus to register for classes.
The Teacher’s Coach
She wanted to be a physical therapist, but now Joy Gaston Gayles ’98 helps support and inspire a new generation of professors.
Pannie-George’s Kitchen Gives Back
What started out as a “plate sale” to fund a family reunion is now Pannie-George’s Kitchen, a family-owned restaurant that serves more than great soul food.
The Age of Reason
Jamie Lowe met me in the front lobby of the Lee County Justice Center.
Writing Warrior
CJ Holmes’ rise from Auburn basketball walk-on to beat writer for the Golden State Warriors is the stuff of hoop dreams.
Council wins the 2023 BAC Rising Star Award
Auburn Black Alumni Council wins Rising Star Award for their remarkable achievements.
The Auburn alumni association wants to hear your story
Your story will help us build strong, inclusive and diversity programming for our young alumni.
How can the BLACK ALUMNI COUNCIL Help you?
Resources
Frequently Asked Questions – Black Alumni Council Scholarships
Is there a difference in the Black Alumni Council’s annual scholarship and the endowed scholarship?
Are the Black Alumni Council scholarships renewable?
Each scholarship is for one academic year. New applicants will be given priority. However, prior recipients may be considered during subsequent years if a new applicant cannot be identified.
How do you apply for the Black Alumni Council’s scholarships?
Please visit auburn.edu/ausom for more information on the scholarship application and application deadlines.
Who is eligible for the Black Alumni Council scholarships?
The scholarships shall be awarded each year to a current Auburn student who:
• Demonstrates good academic standing as determined by the Selection Committee.
• Demonstrates financial need as verified by the Office of Financial Aid. If a student with financial need cannot be identified, this criterion may be waived.
• Is actively involved with one of the following Auburn University student organizations: Black Student Union; African Students Association; or is a member of a National Pan-Hellenic organization. However, if a student from one of the above listed organizations cannot be identified, the scholarship will be awarded to another qualified student.
Are gifts to the Black Alumni Council scholarships tax deductible?
Yes. Your gift is tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. The Auburn University Foundation receives gifts made to these scholarships. The foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that ensures all donations made to Auburn University benefit the institution as intended. The Auburn University Foundation provides no goods or services in exchange for your contribution.
What is the award amount for each scholarship?
Who makes the final selection of the Black Alumni Council scholarships?
Can a student receive more than one Black Alumni Council scholarship each year?
How do scholarship recipients receive their scholarship funds?
Scholarships are applied as credits on the student’s university billing account on a semester basis. In compliance with federal guidelines, financial aid and scholarships cannot physically disburse on the student’s billing account prior to a maximum of 10 days before each semester begins. If at any time credits on the bill exceed university charges (i.e. tuition, fees, on-campus housing), a refund can be issued for the difference. Refunds are issued as direct deposits to the checking or savings account of the student’s choice, which can be set up on Banking Direct Deposit Information in AU Access on My Finances.