Dear Bucknellians:
In the aftermath of recent acts of intolerance, including last week’s tragedy in Atlanta, we wanted to share and echo President Bravman’s statement against these heinous crimes.
As the Bucknell University Alumni Association Board of Directors, our mission is to represent alumni, engage Bucknellians and promote and enhance the University. In this capacity, we share President Bravman’s commitment to making the Bucknell community, on and off campus, a safe and inclusive place for all.
Following the senseless killing of George Floyd last summer, we outlined a vision for the BUAA Board of Directors to do our part to combat discrimination. At that time we stated: “Now more than ever, we must commit to putting our collective talents toward the sustained and methodical dismantling of the systems, symbols and attitudes that support racism on our campus, in our communities and in the minds and hearts of all we encounter.”
Our commitment to these efforts has not wavered. We stand united with Asian students, families and alumni and with everyone who stands up against racism, hatred, intolerance, injustice and senseless acts of violence.
Since then, we enlisted the help of Associate Provost for Equity & Inclusive Excellence Nikki Young to moderate a virtual conversation for our entire Board and Bucknell affinity group leaders on the subject of racism. We promoted and participated in the Race Against Racism and Bucknell 360° Webinar: Understanding Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. We identified and encourage Board members and alumni to support DEI-related funds at Bucknell, and our alumni membership strives to be as or more diverse than Bucknell’s student body. And this is just the beginning.
As we continue these efforts, we welcome you to hold us accountable. At our last Board meeting, we unanimously approved a new Strategic Plan in which one of our five priorities is to “Foster an inclusive community embracing the Diversity of our students and alumni, on campus and off.” You can track and view our progress by clicking here.
Last summer we appreciated that many of you shared your feedback with us. Please communicate with us directly through Be Herd, a real-time vehicle designed to allow Bucknell alumni to voice feedback and concerns, by clicking here.
There is so much more that unites us than divides us. Together, we will continue to work steadfastly to achieve the goals we have set for ourselves.
Best regards and ‘ray Bucknell,
Christine Zapotoczky Kelleher ’91, President
Kyle McGee ’04, 1st Vice President
on behalf of the Bucknell University Alumni Association Board of Directors
Co-signers to the BUAA Board of Directors’ statement:
Jakita Price ’04, President
Bucknell Black Alumni Association
Scott Higgins ’82, President
Helen Reetz ’78, Vice President
Bucknell Engineering Alumni Association Board of Directors
Jessica Vooris ’09, Co-President
Jennifer Carter ’93, Co-President
Bucknell LGBTQA Alumni Committee
Joy Herfel Cronin P’18, P’21, President
John McDermott P’20, P’22, Vice President
Bucknell University Parents Association Board of Directors