{"id":337,"date":"2025-10-06T15:58:25","date_gmt":"2025-10-06T19:58:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aig.uvaalumni.org\/ubunye\/?p=337"},"modified":"2025-10-06T15:58:25","modified_gmt":"2025-10-06T19:58:25","slug":"read-the-fall-ubunye-newsletter","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aig.uvaalumni.org\/ubunye\/2025\/10\/read-the-fall-ubunye-newsletter\/","title":{"rendered":"Read the Fall Ubunye Newsletter"},"content":{"rendered":"

President\u2019<\/strong>s Message<\/h2>\n

Jambo!<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you are the smartest one in your group, your group is too small. You need to be around people who are more talented, experienced\u2026not to be intimidated but to be inspired.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

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 \u201cComing Soon\u201d attraction?)<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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\u2019s prayers. The inspiration that we can gain from our network of friendships in this moment is invaluable.<\/p>\n

Go Hoos!<\/p>\n

Debby Stroman (Educ<\/abbr> class of <\/span>\u201982)<\/strong><\/p>\n

\n

Ubunye Statement on the Presidential Transition<\/h2>\n

August 29, 2025<\/p>\n

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\u2019s challenges can indeed be transformed into tomorrow\u2019s opportunities, affording us a precious chance during this period of transition to strengthen academic governance while upholding the university\u2019s core mission and commitment to excellence.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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 \u2014 alumni, donors, faculty, staff, and students \u2014 must have access to committee members. We are hopeful that there will be full:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Transparency, as allowed by policy and law<\/li>\n
  2. Engagement to ensure opportunities for advice, feedback and ideas<\/li>\n
  3. Communication that is up-to-date, comprehensive and direct<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    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.<\/p>\n

    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, \u201cThe past is never where you think you left it.\u201d Thus, we take note, pay attention, speak out, and move towards that which is moral and honorable.<\/p>\n

    Deborah Stroman, PhD (Educ<\/abbr> class of <\/span>\u201982)<\/strong>, President
    \nRodney Rhodes (Batten<\/abbr> class of <\/span>\u201923)<\/strong>, Co-President
    \nMilla Ciprian (Col<\/abbr> class of <\/span>\u201922)<\/strong>, Corresponding Secretary
    \nMona Edwards (Col<\/abbr> class of <\/span>\u201979)<\/strong>, University Governance
    \nPaul Harris, PhD (Educ<\/abbr> class of <\/span>\u201901)<\/strong>, Academics
    \nDonna Johnson, Esq. (Col<\/abbr> class of <\/span>\u201983)<\/strong>, Recording Secretary
    \nJonathan Morgan, PhD (Col<\/abbr> class of <\/span>\u201991)<\/strong>, Academics
    \nRobert Smith (Col<\/abbr> class of <\/span>\u201983)<\/strong>, University Governance
    \nCh\u00e9la Wallace (Col<\/abbr> class of <\/span>\u201906)<\/strong>, Academics<\/p>\n

    \n

    Stay Connected with Ubunye<\/h2>\n

    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<\/a> and join the groups on Facebook<\/a> and LinkedIn<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n

    \n

    Well-being<\/h2>\n

    Hi Hoos!<\/p>\n

    As we enter autumn during a tumultuous time for both our nation and our UVA community, we\u2019re grateful to share not only some good news but also important well-being resources.<\/p>\n

    We\u2019re excited to welcome two new co-chairs to the Ubunye Well-being Committee: Melanie Cunningham (Col<\/abbr> class of <\/span>\u201907)<\/strong> and Lauren Jenkins (Col<\/abbr> class of <\/span>\u201908)<\/strong>, who join our continuing co-chair, Donna L. Hamilton, MD (Col<\/abbr> class of <\/span>\u201986)<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

    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.<\/p>\n

    Yours in health and well-being,<\/p>\n

    Donna, Lauren, & Melanie<\/p>\n

    Honoring Suicide Prevention Month: A Call to Check in on Black UVA Alumni<\/h3>\n

    By: Lauren N. Jenkins, LCPC, CCTP, C-DBT (Col<\/abbr> class of <\/span>\u201908)\u202f<\/strong><\/p>\n

    Hey Ubunye family\u2014how are you doing?<\/em> This month\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

    Suicidal desperation often stems from overwhelming emotional pain\u2014feelings of isolation, hopelessness, or what some call \u201csoft suicide,\u201d 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.<\/p>\n

    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:<\/p>\n