welcome to the
KU Black Alumni Network
The KU Black Alumni Network has planned a fun-filled weekend of virtual activities Oct. 14-16, 2021, during Homecoming weekend at the University of Kansas.
There is no charge to register for the Reunion Weekend activities. However, we encourage you to contribute to the Thomas Edison Vaughn Black Education Matters Scholarship fund which will begin awarding scholarships in 2025.
Please send your check to the University of Kansas Endowment Association, 1891 Constant Ave, Lawrence, KS 66047, Attn: Thomas Edison Vaughn Black Education Matters Scholarship, or make a donation online. Include Tom’s name in the “I am making this gift in honor of” field.
For questions about the reunion, contact Nick Kallail, assistant vice president of alumni & network programs, at nickkallail@kualumni.org.
Schedule of Virtual Reunion Events
Nine alumni will receive the University of Kansas Alumni Association’s Black Alumni Network Mike and Joyce Shinn Leaders and Innovators Award for their contributions to the university, their profession and their communities. And, new this year, the Black Alumni Network beings a new tradition of honoring young alumni for their professional achievements and community service as seven Jayhawks will be recognized with the inaugural Emerging Leaders Award.
The video presentation will be available on the KUBAN Facebook group page
9-10:30 a.m.
KUBAN Business Meeting
3 p.m.
KU vs. Texas Tech Football Game
Purchase tickets here
KU Black Alumni Network Awards
The KU Black Alumni Network is proud to honor African-American alumni who have distinguished themselves and made a difference through demonstrated leadership and/or innovation to the University, their profession or society at large.
Mike and Joyce Shinn Leaders & Innovators Award
The Mike and Joyce Shinn Leaders and Innovators Award acknowledges the contributions of individuals who have made their mark on the University, their profession or society at large. The award, made possible through donations from KU alumnus Mike Shinn, was initiated in 2006 and brought to fruition through the coordinated efforts of the Office of Multicultural Affairs, the KU Alumni Association, the Spencer Research Library and the KU Endowment Association.
Emerging Leaders Award
In 2021, the KU Black Alumni Network began a new tradition of honoring young alumni. The Emerging Leaders Award is aimed at highlighting recent graduates who had a measurable impact on the University of Kansas and are poised to make an impact in their profession and their community.
More info
Black Alumni Reunion Weekend
Mike & Joyce Shinn Leaders & Innovators Award
Black Alumni Network Emerging Leaders Award
Black Alumni Network Scholarship
Black Alumni Network Newsletter
Plan Ahead!
KU Black Alumni Network Leaders
Tamara Huff-Johnson
President
c '12
Deacon Thomas
Past President
c '82
Michelle Wilson
President-Elect
c'90
Open
Secretary
Tamara Huff-Johnson
Director
c'12
Brenda Vann
Advocacy Chair
d'71, g'72
Darryll Fortune
Communications Chair
j'83
Keon Stowers
Development Officer
c'15
Caleb Bobo
Finance & Fundraising Chair
c'16
Tonya Waller
Leaders & Innovators Award Chair
c'93, EdD'18
Jill Hall
Reunion Weekend Chair
s'86
Anita Metoyer
Reunion Weekend Co-Chair
h'89, g'10
Michelle Wilson
Young Alumni Student Programs Chair
c'90
Mykala Sandifer
Director of Inclusive Programs & Talent Development
b'15
KU Black Alumni Network Leaders
President
Tamara Huff-Johnson, c’12
Past President
Deacon Thomas, c’82
President-Elect
Michelle Wilson, c’90
Secretary
Caleb Bobo, c’16
Director
Dave Roland, e’80
Advocacy Chair
Brenda Vann, d’71, g’72
Advocacy Co-Chair
Angela Nelson, j’88
Communications Co-Chair
Darryll Fortune, j’83
Communications Co-Chair
James Banks, b’78
Finance and Fundraising Chair
Keon Stowers, c’15
Mike and Joyce Shinn Leaders and Innovators Award Chair
Caleb Bobo, c’16
Mike and Joyce Shinn Leaders and Innovators Award Co-Chair
Tonya Waller, c’93, EdD’18
Reunion Weekend Chair
Idalene Williams, b’76
Reunion Weekend Co-Chair
Jill Hall, s’86
Young Alumni Student Programs Chair
Michelle Wilson, c’90
Young Alumni Student Programs Co-Chair
JaShawn Walker, c’17
Assistant Vice President of Alumni and Network Programs
Nick Kallail, d’04, l’07
Contact the KU Black Alumni Network
Questions about the KU Black Alumni Network? Fill out the form below and we’ll contact you as soon as possible.
