'Reimagining': Wims Addresses Virtual Alumni Conference
Toward Building a Strategic Framework for the Association
51AV A&M University President Daniel K. Wims spoke at the General Assembly of the AAMU Alumni Association’s 2022 Summer Virtual Conference on Friday, June 24, in the Ernest L. Knight Reception Center.
During the opening event, Association President Mary Jones Moore led alumni through a brief memorial service; received greetings from President Wims; and heard reports from key committees on communications, fundraising, scholarship and constitution and bylaws. The conference theme was “Reimagining and Transforming Our Alumni Association for the Future.”
Wims expressed optimism about the University’s financial position and said he was pleased by the nearly $7 million in increased appropriations the University has received from the state because of focused legislative efforts.
The President also noted an increase in giving by alumni and other supporters of AAMU, stressing a $2.2 million anonymous donation that positions the University for crossing the $6 million mark with several months remaining in the calendar year. The boost in donation figures has been buoyed by the $425,000 raised by the 12th President’s Fund; the annual Black Tie Scholarship Gala ($500,000); and the golden and reunion class gifts, which exceeded $500,000.
Dr. Wims told alumni that he is eager to finalize his team building process so that he can accelerate efforts to attract and retain quality students and faculty, as well as to create a state of the art learning environment for residence and classroom.
According to organizers, the virtual conference allowed alumni to participate in readily accessible workshops, panels and an alumni social event. Informative workshops focused on alumni fundraising, giving opportunities and endowment, Association strategic framework, and chapter spotlights and best practices.
Among the conference participants were Theresa Davis, associate vice chancellor for alumni relations at North Carolina A&T State University; Charles Galbreath, Jr., Tennessee State University National Alumni Association; Jason Etheridge, AAMU Athletics; Jamal Ali, vice president, AAMU Office of Marketing, Communication and Advancement; Henrika Buchanan, AAMU Alumna of the Year; and Joseph Merkerson II, president, Council of Presidents, AAMU Alumni Association.
The virtual Happy Hour was coordinated by DJ P-Trol and M.C. Big Tiz and was streamed live from Club Envy. Sandra S. Stubbs serves as AAMU's director of alumni affairs.