Penn State Behrend Black Leadership Alumni Coalition (BBLAC) Affiliate Programming Group (APG)
The mission of the Behrend Black Leadership Alumni Coalition (BBLAC) Affiliate Programming Group (APG) is to provide a direct connection for our Black alumni to share their unique perspective as alumni.
BBLAC is positioned to:
- Engage with current Black students to support educational opportunities
- Mentor current Black students as they make the transition to higher education
- Provide a conduit for Black alumni to advise Behrend leadership
- Assist in recruiting Black students
- Help develop greater financial support for Black students
- Facilitate allyship
- Help improve the overall educational environment for students of color
We host virtual and on-site events to bring Black alumni together for a weekend of fun and networking to keep Black alumni connected to and engaged with Penn State Behrend, the Behrend Alumni Society, and our students. We also partner with the offices of Development, Educational Equity, and Admissions to raise funds for awards/scholarships and support students of color. BBLAC also sustains contact using social media platforms to highlight Black alumni accomplishments and campus visits.
We believe establishing a specific Affiliate Programming Group (APG) for Black Behrend alumni will improve relations with an important Behrend constituency that has been marginalized in our society. We further believe that this group will help Behrend leadership guard against systemic biases and mitigate the challenges Black students face as they pursue a Penn State degree. BBLAC will improve Penn State Behrend and the Behrend Alumni Society for all who come here. And BBLAC will instill the spirit of Penn State Pride we want our Black students to experience during their college careers and in life.
Committees
- Campus Engagement
Oversees the many aspects of connecting students to campus by engaging them in co-curricular activities. To provide social, cultural, and educational opportunities that promote student involvement outside of the classroom. - Professional Development
To provide reference to a wide variety of specialized training, formal education, or advanced professional learning. Also responsible for seeking mentorship opportunities with students of Penn State Behrend. - Fundraising
Oversees raising capital and operating funds necessary to fulfill the mission of BBLAC. - Coalition Events
To ensure the visibility of BBLAC to Penn State Behrend in multiple forums, with the largest events occurring in conjunction with Penn State Behrend’s parents, family, and alumni weekend and the Alumni Association. - Membership
Primary focus on new member and retention programs. This committee will query/survey members, lapsed members, and non-members for feedback on improving membership recruitment and retention. In addition, the committee will consider future economic, practice, and social trends that will influence the various categories of BBLAC membership. - Collegiate Recruitment
Primary focus on new collegiate student recruitment efforts in conjunction with the Admissions office of Penn State Behrend.
Meet the BBLAC Board of Directors.
How to Join?
- Fill out the form to join BBLAC automatically. It is open to all Behrend alumni, attendees, and friends.
- Please email Kristen Comstock at [email protected] to be added to the meeting invitations.
Donate
Your support is appreciated. Please visit raise.psu.edu/BBLAC to make a tax-deductible gift to our efforts.