Wheelock’s Alumni of Color Leadership Caucus

More than 50 alumni joined us for the Wheelock College Alumni of Color Leadership Caucus on Oct. 3 and 4. The celebration started Friday, Oct. 3 with a quilt exhibit and dinner on the Brookline campus. Alumni, faculty, students, staff, and friends gathered in the Ladd Room, listened to jazz, and caught up with one another as they viewed the marvelous exhibit of quilts by Sandra Smith '74, whose work was also featured in the Spring 2008 issue of Wheelock Magazine.

Wheelock, Alumni of Color DayDuring dinner, Sandra spoke about her career in the corporate sector and her family, how she came to be a quilter, and the path that her life has taken over the past 35 years since graduating from Wheelock. Thank you, Sandra, for traveling to Wheelock and sharing your passion with us!

On Saturday, a Leadership Caucus filled the day with connection, conversation, and even some relaxation during a workshop on Relaxation and Awareness as Professional Development presented by Joeritta Jones de Almeida, assistant professor of education. Participants had an update from the president and heard about new programs on campus, faculty work and research, and about the Wheelock experience today from a panel of students. Guests were even entertained by a special performance from the Wildcat Steppers!

Wheelock, Alumni of Color DayThe Caucus was a great opportunity to share the history of the College and student traditions across generations. Dr. Adrian Haugabrook, vice president for student success and institutional diversity and executive director of the Aspire Institute, gave an informative presentation about the history of diversity at Wheelock and the College's current initiatives for student success and diversity.Alumni shared their experiences of living in SWOPE, the all-black dormitory on campus in the 70s and 80s, and as students of color at Wheelock during those years. Robert Baez '09, president of the campus student group ALANA, said he was thrilled to be part of the alumni event and honored to speak on behalf of current students at Wheelock. He looks forward to collaborating on future events with alumni and current ALANA students.

We ended the weekend with a tour and reception at the African Meeting House and Abiel Smith School in Boston. We thank all alumni and community members who joined us for this event and anticipate seeing you again, as well as new participants, at future Alumni of Color Leadership events!