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African-American Alumni Association

The purpose of the African-American Alumni Association (AAAA), as stated in its charter adopted April 13, 2002, is “(1) to create mutually beneficial ties that renew and encourage ongoing relationships among African-American alumni and between those alumni and the college, and (2) to strengthen and enhance the relationship of current African-American students with the college and the African-American Alumni Association.” AAAA members include:

• all African-American former students
• all African-American current students
• former and current host families of African-American students
• African-American multicultural staff members

Leadership

AAAA president is Sammie Simmons ’89, Newton (who also serves on Alumni Council). Vice president is former Bethel staff member Hope Lee ’80, Grand Prairie, Texas. Both will serve until May 2009.

Newsletter

The Office of Alumni Relations publishes AAAA Update, a newsletter for friends and members of the African-American Alumni Association.

Reunions and Meetings

The association holds regular reunions on campus. The first took place in February 2000, with subsequent reunions in April 2002, April 2004 and October 2006. The date of the next reunion on campus is pending.

In alternate years, members have gathered for a planning meeting at a location somewhere in the United States – Virginia Beach, Va., in April 2001, Chicago in April 2003, Dallas in April 2005, and Kansas City in April 2007. The most recent meeting took place June 25-26, 2010, in Orlando. Each gathering includes fellowship time, meals together, interaction with current Bethel students and a business meeting. The date and location of the next planning meeting are pending.

View photos from the Orlando event in the photo gallery. Minutes from the business meeting in Orlando are available upon request by e-mailing Dave Linscheid, director of alumni relations.

AAAA also hosts a booth at Fall Festival and at football games, gives Kente stoles to graduating seniors and supports other special projects related to the association and multicultural life on campus.

Scholarship Program

In 2005, AAAA established the African-American Alumni Association Scholarship Fund, an endowment to give financial support to students of African-American heritage.

For more information or a copy of the AAAA constitution, please contact the alumni office.