LU Alumni Affairs launches Black Alumni Network
October 19, 2021 | by Shelbe Rodriguez
Lamar University is pleased to announce the launch of the institution’s first alumni organization, the LU Black Alumni Network.
Officially chartered in June of 2021, the LU Black Alumni Network comprises a 13-member executive board that focuses on providing support, resources, networking opportunities and mentorship to LU alumni and students. The network seeks to empower, connect and celebrate the black community at Lamar University and unites the presence of LU alumni and students through the LU Office of Alumni Affairs.
Aaron Lavergne ’17 serves as the current president of the network’s executive board and said the network will allow black alumni to have a seat at the table and make their voices heard.
“This is a safe space created for us, by us, where we can all celebrate being black alums” he said. “The network also has a mentorship piece to it so this will help black students get the most out of their college experience at LU.”
The network's mentorship program involves mentors who will provide support and guidance on how to navigate their college experience or strategies for obtaining internships and post-graduate career opportunities.
“The goal of the mentorship program is to connect our black students with black alumni who understand their experiences,” said Shannon Figueroa, director of alumni affairs. “The mentorship program is going to help encourage black students, teach them about the importance of networking and completing internships in their field of study so they are better prepared to get started in their careers.”
The network will host the first inaugural Black Alumni Network Homecoming Scholarship Gala on Friday, Nov. 12 at 7 p.m. The event will help establish the LU Black Alumni Network Scholarship to benefit LU students.
“I’m hoping that the Black Alumni Network will serve as a blueprint for other organizations to start on the alumni side,” Lavergne said. “I see this as an opportunity for black alumni and all alumni to be able to have a large voice with the university as a whole.”
For more information on the Lamar University Black Alumni Network, visit lamar.edu/blackalumni.
Officially chartered in June of 2021, the LU Black Alumni Network comprises a 13-member executive board that focuses on providing support, resources, networking opportunities and mentorship to LU alumni and students. The network seeks to empower, connect and celebrate the black community at Lamar University and unites the presence of LU alumni and students through the LU Office of Alumni Affairs.
Aaron Lavergne ’17 serves as the current president of the network’s executive board and said the network will allow black alumni to have a seat at the table and make their voices heard.
“This is a safe space created for us, by us, where we can all celebrate being black alums” he said. “The network also has a mentorship piece to it so this will help black students get the most out of their college experience at LU.”
The network's mentorship program involves mentors who will provide support and guidance on how to navigate their college experience or strategies for obtaining internships and post-graduate career opportunities.
“The goal of the mentorship program is to connect our black students with black alumni who understand their experiences,” said Shannon Figueroa, director of alumni affairs. “The mentorship program is going to help encourage black students, teach them about the importance of networking and completing internships in their field of study so they are better prepared to get started in their careers.”
The network will host the first inaugural Black Alumni Network Homecoming Scholarship Gala on Friday, Nov. 12 at 7 p.m. The event will help establish the LU Black Alumni Network Scholarship to benefit LU students.
“I’m hoping that the Black Alumni Network will serve as a blueprint for other organizations to start on the alumni side,” Lavergne said. “I see this as an opportunity for black alumni and all alumni to be able to have a large voice with the university as a whole.”
For more information on the Lamar University Black Alumni Network, visit lamar.edu/blackalumni.