By Sylvia Corneliussen '01

Giving something back to the university's African American students is one of the primary goals of the Alumni Association's Black Alumni Council (BAC). It's a mission that has led to more than a decade of success.

According to BAC President Tyrone Goodwyn '83, in the late 1970s and early '80s the black student population at Old Dominion (about 10 percent) was a close-knit community. Many of these students maintained their collegial relationships after graduation. In the late '80s, as their plans for a reunion began to unfold, so did the idea of forming a Black Alumni Council.

"As black alumni we have a particular interest in black students. We are always looking for opportunities to participate in their programs, like this year's Umoja Conference [an on-campus event designed to enhance unity among African American students]. We want black students to succeed in school and in their careers as we have," explained Goodwyn, an IT systems administrator for Concert Communications in Washington, D.C.

"For those among us who were born in the '50s or '60s, coming together and supporting one another is something we understand," he added. "Today's 'Generation X' students aren't as used to that need, so it is very important for us to be visible to them. They need to be able to say, 'Oh, these guys had tests just like we do and they survived, and look what they are doing now.'"

Goodwyn, whose term as president of the BAC began last summer, attributes much of the organization's success to the momentum of its steering committee through the years. "We've always been close," he explained. "When we were in the chartering stage back in the '80s, groups of four or five of us would hop into a car and drive down from D.C. to Norfolk for meetings."

The members of the original steering committee are still active today, although, Goodwyn notes, many of them are ready to let some of the newer graduates take the reins.

Over the years, the Black Alumni Council, which was officially chartered in 1988, has added more and more alumni to its roster. Each year it holds an induction ceremony for the university's newest class of black graduates. The BAC also holds events in Hampton Roads, Northern Virginia, Richmond and Atlanta. Regular meetings are conducted via teleconference, and members can keep up with the group's activities via the Web at www.bac-odu.com.

Recent BAC events have included a biennial reunion and annual holiday parties. More than 100 black alumni and friends set sail on The Spirit of Norfolk for the group's reunion last spring.

Financially supporting black students also ranks high on the BAC's list of priorities. For several years the council has awarded book stipends of $250 each to two deserving students. In September 2000, the BAC created a scholarship endowment fund.

To contribute to the BAC Endowment Fund, send your payment to: Black Alumni Council Scholarship Endowment, Old Dominion University Development Office, 129 Koch Hall, Norfolk, Va. 23529.