The University of Pennsylvania's Black Alumni Society
125th Anniversary Planning Committee
Seated (l-r), Afi Heywood, AARC; Patricia Louison, Chair - Membership Cmte.; Sheryl Simon, Secretary Philadelphia Chapter; Standing (l-r) Dean A. Henry, Chair - Finance Cmte.; Rogers L. Johnson Jr., Chair - Communication Cmte.; Robert Carter, AARC; Darius Treadwell, V.P. Philadelphia Chapter; Ernest Churchville; Raymond S. Jones Jr., President Philadelphia Chapter; Christopher B. Sample, Chair - Special Events Cmte.
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James M. Brister 125th Anniversary Events
October 28, 2006
The Black Family: Blueprint for a Brighter Future
Moderator: Marc Morial (C'80)
Panelists/Facilitators: Hon. Frederica Massiah-Jackson (L'74), Hon. Michael Nutter (W'79), Hon. Kathryn Streeter Lewis (CW'72), Congressman Chaka Fattah (D), (GPU '86), Rev. Dr. W. Wilson Goode, Sr. (WG'69, HON'84), Dr. Walter Palmer (Lecturer, Social Policy and Practice), Dr. Bernard Anderson (GR'70), Dr. Vivian Gadsden
(Associate Professor, LED GSE), Dr. Loretta Sweet Jemmott (GN'82, GRE'87, HOM'95)
View:
-Slideshow from this event
-Photos from the Symposium
-Photos from the Luncheon
-Photos from the Honoring Legends Dinner
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April 29, 2006
Passing the Baton
Penn Relays BBQ & Volunteer Rally
View photos from this event
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February 16, 2006
Black History Month Conversation Series
Our International Legacy of Excellence
Professor Sheryl P. Simons
6:00-8:00 pm, Rare Book Room, Van Pelt Library
View photos from this event
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January 26, 2006
James M. Brister 125th Anniversary Celebration Kick-off Reception
View photos from this event
Event Summary:
The Black Alumni Society's (BAS) yearlong commemoration of the 125th Anniversary of Penn's first African-American graduate (Dr. James Brister, DDS 1881) opened with an Inaugural Reception at the School of Dental Medicine's Robert Schattner Center.
The highly successful event was attended by over 200 African-American Alumni and guests. In attendance to offer greetings on behalf of the University was Provost Ronald Daniels. In addition, Dr. Thomas Sollecito (Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, School of Dental Medicine) brought greetings on behalf of the Dental School.
On behalf of the organization, BAS National President, Raymond S. Jones (W'73) accepted a replica Liberty Bell (sent by Mayor John Street) and a Citation from the City of Philadelphia (sent by Councilmen Michael Nutter,WG'79). Both items were received in recognition of the Black Alumni Society's contribution in undertaking its Honoring Legends Celebration. Special acknowledgements were also extended to former Dental School Dean Raymond Fonseca (Penn's first Dean of Color), as well as to all Dental School Alumni and current Dental students in attendance.
The evening's inspiring keynote address was provided by Dr. Lewis E. Proffitt, D'73, WG'80. Dr. Proffitt, who heads a very successful, multi-disciplinary dental practice in Marlton, NJ, is a highly distinguished Alumnus and a School of Dental Medicine Award of Merit recipient. His service to Penn's School of Dental Medicine includes: Ex officio, Board of Overseers; Past President, Dental Alumni Society; and Admission's Advisor.
The statement of purpose for the Honoring Legends Celebration, and an overview of upcoming events was provided by Darius Treadwell (W'82), BAS National Vice President and Christopher Sample (WEV'03), Special Events Chair. The presentation included the announcement of two initiatives that will be a key part of the year's activities (The Honoring Legends 1881 Volunteer Engagement Initiative, and the Honoring Legends Fund).
The evening also provided for the announcement of Shils-D.R.I.V.E a new program initiative committed to fostering the development of future dentists through a plan of multi-faceted engagement in diverse communities across the country. The program was announced by its director Robert Alsbrook.
Dr. Patricia Louison (GED'01, GRD '04) Membership Chair served as Mistress of Ceremony. University Assistant Chaplain Charles Howard (C'00) offered the Invocation, and several musical selections were provided by University performing arts student group The Inspiration.
