President’s Message
Jambo!
“If you are the smartest one in your group, your group is too small. You need to be around people who are more talented, experienced…not to be intimidated but to be inspired.”
Reality bites, and I am awake. This year has been nothing short of a distracting and hurtful daily stress campaign as it relates to the anti-Blackness attack happening in the USA. And it is rather personal, as the structural oppression comes as a targeted strike to the issues I care about: environmental and public health, higher education, racial equity and healing, and scientific research. Seemingly, the only system that I am deeply connected to that has not been in the crosshairs of hate is sport business. (A “Coming Soon” attraction?)
Because of this sinister setback that could possibly be the point of no return for the democratic experiment, I have found it essential to gather and connect with bright-minded critical thinkers who inspire me to stay hopeful while I examine and challenge this reality through organizing, mobilizing, and praying for better days. So, time and time again, I come back to the benefits of being a Wahoo. Staying in touch with our community has afforded me the pleasure of participating in meaningful conversations that provides me with more knowledge, differing perspectives, and opportunities to collaborate to fight injustice. The Virginia experience reminds me of what honor should look like in practice, how to be a better teammate, and how courageous leadership helps to build community morale.
We know that this unsettling climate is not new. Reality teaches us that the Civil War is not over, and the longstanding struggle for respect requires continued risk and sacrifice. I trust that you are not standing alone. Reach out to our amazing alumni for guidance, ideas, support, and resources. Connect with a Cavalier to be an answer to someone else’s prayers. The inspiration that we can gain from our network of friendships in this moment is invaluable.
Go Hoos!
Debby Stroman (Educ class of ’82)
Ubunye Statement on the Presidential Transition
August 29, 2025
The university faces reputational challenges and great uncertainty due to recent federal policy changes and institutional responses. As alumni, we recognize the importance of preserving the respect and standing our university has built over more than two centuries. Moving forward, however, we believe today’s challenges can indeed be transformed into tomorrow’s opportunities, affording us a precious chance during this period of transition to strengthen academic governance while upholding the university’s core mission and commitment to excellence.
First, we acknowledge and applaud the racial diversity of the membership of the named Special Committee on the Nomination of a President. Having six Black persons is an unexpected improvement over past search committees of this stature and importance. Although their cultural, economic, and political perspectives may vary, it is noteworthy to recognize such due to the historical exclusion of people of color in academic leadership.
Second, we believe that the charge of the committee to make recommendations to the Board of Visitors requires a sincere intentionality to foster equity throughout the process. The entire university community — alumni, donors, faculty, staff, and students — must have access to committee members. We are hopeful that there will be full:
- Transparency, as allowed by policy and law
- Engagement to ensure opportunities for advice, feedback and ideas
- Communication that is up-to-date, comprehensive and direct
Third, we understand that the committee will not make the decision to hire the 10th president of the university. However, the committee can set a civil environment and reflect the urgent need to install a visionary leader who is courageous, just, and kind.
As alumni who continue to support the university during the good and tough times, we are mindful of how easily we can all fall prey to the belief that things will just work out. As K.A. Porter states, “The past is never where you think you left it.” Thus, we take note, pay attention, speak out, and move towards that which is moral and honorable.
Deborah Stroman, PhD (Educ class of ’82), President
Rodney Rhodes (Batten class of ’23), Co-President
Milla Ciprian (Col class of ’22), Corresponding Secretary
Mona Edwards (Col class of ’79), University Governance
Paul Harris, PhD (Educ class of ’01), Academics
Donna Johnson, Esq. (Col class of ’83), Recording Secretary
Jonathan Morgan, PhD (Col class of ’91), Academics
Robert Smith (Col class of ’83), University Governance
Chéla Wallace (Col class of ’06), Academics
Stay Connected with Ubunye
Ubunye seeks to turbo charge our marketing and communications. We need your help! To better support one another and to ensure a good time at Black alumni happenings, we need to let one another know what is going on in our community. Please repost our activities, events, and news to your Hoos and non-Hoos network. Follow us on IG @ubunye_uva and join the groups on Facebook and LinkedIn.
Well-being
Hi Hoos!
As we enter autumn during a tumultuous time for both our nation and our UVA community, we’re grateful to share not only some good news but also important well-being resources.
We’re excited to welcome two new co-chairs to the Ubunye Well-being Committee: Melanie Cunningham (Col class of ’07) and Lauren Jenkins (Col class of ’08), who join our continuing co-chair, Donna L. Hamilton, MD (Col class of ’86).
September is Suicide Prevention Month. In this issue, Lauren, a licensed trauma therapist, shares valuable information and resources about this important topic. We invite you to take a moment to read her message, and we encourage you to be intentional about caring for yourselves and one another, now more than ever.
Yours in health and well-being,
Donna, Lauren, & Melanie
Honoring Suicide Prevention Month: A Call to Check in on Black UVA Alumni
By: Lauren N. Jenkins, LCPC, CCTP, C-DBT (Col class of ’08)
Hey Ubunye family—how are you doing? This month’s newsletter invites us to pause and intentionally check in with one another. September is Suicide Prevention Month, a time to reflect and take action on an issue that continues to deeply impact our community.
Suicidal desperation often stems from overwhelming emotional pain—feelings of isolation, hopelessness, or what some call “soft suicide,” when individuals quietly neglect their well-being or slowly drift toward self-destruction. These silent struggles are just as urgent as visible cries for help.
While strength and resilience are core to our story, suicide continues to take a devastating toll on our community, especially among our youth. The numbers are alarming:
- Suicide is the second leading cause of death for African Americans ages 15–24 (CDC).
- Between 2018 and 2021, suicide rates among Black youth ages 10–24 rose nearly 37%.
- Suicide attempts among Black adolescents have increased more than 70% in recent decades.
- Among Black teens ages 10–17, rates rose an astonishing 144% between 2007 and 2020.
These trends are fueled by racial trauma, stigma, economic hardship, and inequitable access to mental health care.
However, there is power in hope and connection. There are national efforts like the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s L.E.T.S. Save Lives initiative, and the Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)’s Suicide Prevention Tool.
Peer-based programs like Hope Squad offer culturally responsive resources, and grassroots organizations like Black People Die By Suicide Too, Project LIFT, Therapy for Black Girls, and The Loveland Foundation create safe spaces where healing and community thrive.
As an advocate, survivor of suicide loss, and of suicide attempt, I have the honor of serving as co-director for Soul Shop for Black Churches, part of the Soul Shop Movement, which equips faith communities and community leaders to recognize and respond to suicidal desperation while cultivating hope and connection.
As UVA Black alumni, we are uniquely positioned to lead. Supporting someone may be as simple as listening with compassion, validating their pain, and connecting them to trusted, culturally aware resources. By leaning into our shared values of legacy, leadership, and uplift, we can spark hope where despair once lived. This month and beyond, let us stand together. Let us be the hope, the connection, and the reminder that every life in our community matters.
Hoos Getting to Know You
Introducing Donna Hamilton, M.D. (Col class of ’86), who is a leader of the Wellness committee. A best-selling author, holistic wellness speaker, and health expert, Dr. Hamilton co-leads one of the most important efforts for Ubunye. As the saying goes, “your health is your wealth.” Fondly known as Dr. Donna, she first began her medical career as a pediatrician but soon realized that non-physical factors like stress, environment, and relationships affect all ages. Prompted by her commitment to facilitate a paradigm shift towards wellness, she eventually “hung up her stethoscope” and began non-clinical wellness promotion. See below to learn more about Dr. Donna.
A favorite quote?
Rest is a strategy, not a reward.
A favorite vacation spot?
Maui
What do you love about the Black community or being Black?
Our spirit
What do you know for sure?
Truly being healthy is more than the absence of illness.
Who do you admire?
Harry Dunn
What gives you hope?
Children
What would you tell your teenage self?
It all works out 😎
Your definition of leadership:
Leadership is helping people feel seen, safe, and inspired so we can accomplish meaningful goals together.
Ubunye Speaks: Athletics Speaker Series – Monica Wright & Dr. Carla Williams
Special thanks to two amazing former hoopsters and current sport business leaders who shared their journey and insights with Ubunye.
July 3, 2025: Dr. Carla Williams, a former University of Georgia basketball player and current UVA Athletics Director, provided an overview of recent changes in college athletics, focusing on revenue sharing with student-athletes and the transition from amateur to professional status. She discussed the challenges faced by athletic departments in balancing funding between revenue-generating sports and Olympic sports, as well as the implementation of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) compensation. Dr. Williams also addressed the importance of mental health support for student-athletes, fundraising efforts, and the role of alumni in supporting the athletics program during this transformational period in college sports.
September 8, 2025: Monica Wright Rogers (Col class of ’10), a former Wahoo basketball standout, shared her journey from college athletics to the WNBA. Since her playing days, she has held various WNBA management positions, including her current role as the general manager of the new Toronto Tempo franchise. In her talk, Rogers emphasized the importance of mentorship and preparation and shared her experiences with mentors and coaches who supported her along the way, emphasizing the importance of having male allies in sports. Rogers also spoke about the challenges of the first year in any new environment and the value of leaning into difficult situations rather than avoiding them. The conversation concluded with discussions about athlete career development, academic support for student-athletes, and the role of innovation in sports technology, with plans for a future symposium for female athletes.
Hoos Doing Business
If you are an entrepreneur (not a hobbyist), Ubunye wants to promote your product and/or services. Visit our website to share your company information.
Please check out the information on two Wahoo athletes and business owners who are making a difference for the community:
Tony Covington (Col class of ’90) – A former UVA and NFL football player, Covington is the founder of I AM UNDERDOG INC., a nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring and equipping high school students and student-athletes with the skills and knowledge they need for success – both on and off the field. Through its flagship programming of life planning and life skills development, UNDERDOG offers a powerful mentorship experience. Looking to provide an assist? Check out UNDERDOG’S upcoming fundraiser.
Deborah Stroman (Educ class of ’82) – A former UVA basketball player and founder of SAAM LLC, Stroman is a leadership professor and problem solver who creates, counsels, and strategizes better outcomes for people in business, education, and sports. Consultation is available in person or virtual. Leaning on her experiences and relationships within higher education and corporate America, she has been a successful entrepreneur for more than three decades. Her latest ventures that bring her joy are Race Realities Costa, which provides men of color retreats in Cahuita Costa Rica, and The Equity Analytics Movement (T.E.A.M.), which is a learning and support community for people of color in the sports analytics industry. To learn more, you can contact her at info@dstroman.com.
AIG Leaders Summit
Ubunye looks forward to connecting virtually with other alumni interest groups (AAPAAN, Bolívar Network, IDEA Fund, the Muslim Alumni Network, Ridley, and Young Alumni Council) on September 29, 2025. In the spirit of collaboration and shared interests, this opportunity allows Ubunye to ideate and support our unique missions. Elizabeth Joyner, UVA’s Director of Scholarships & Endowments at the Alumni Association, is the keynote speaker.
Ideas for continued AIG engagement? Reach out to us at uvaubunye@gmail.com.
UVA Black History
Over the years, many students, staff, faculty, and non-university journalists have researched various historical moments and movements about the Black community. In our newsletters, we feature two articles or documents that shed light on our history.
In “UVA and the History of Race: Property and Power,” published by UVAToday in 2021, Brian Cameron and Andrew Kahrl discuss how UVA’s development and expansion displaced Black Charlottesville residents from historically Black neighborhoods, including Vinegar Hill and Gospel Hill – and how the university’s expansion continues to put financial pressure on the Black community today.
In this Prezi presentation, Kiera Givens compiles a comprehensive history of Black history at UVA, from a look at the lives of enslaved laborers to the influential advocacy of the Black Student Alliance and the creation of the OAAA.
Hoos on the Go!
Congratulations to Joanne Beauvoir Brown, JD (Col class of ’86), who ventured to Bali and hiked up a volcano in the early morning hour of 3 a.m. with her UVA colors!
If you travel outside the USA, please send a picture in your UVA gear to ubunyeuva@gmail.com. We will feature it in the next newsletter.
High School Help: Pipeline Focus
Vicky McPherson (Col class of ’96) has been going above and beyond to ensure outstanding students are interested in UVA. She has joined calls to organize other Black alumni to increase their involvement in efforts to push back against the attacks on diversity. To that end, Vicky is seeking like-minded Hoos to help recruit high school students to apply to UVA. Can you please help her in her effort? Reach out to ubunyeuva@gmail.com.
Stay Connected with Ubunye
Do you have news to share with the Ubunye community? Please let us know about your promotions, new business ventures, family updates, or any accomplishments you’d like to celebrate with fellow alumni! Questions or submissions? Contact ubunye@virginia.edu.
Visit our Get Involved page and use our submission links for specific events, business opportunities, and listing of attorneys.