The University of Southern California has announced that the USC Black Alumni Association has been chosen by the USC Alumni Association as the Volunteer Organization of the Year. Founded in 1976 by Rev. Dr. Thomas Kilgore, Jr., The USC Black Alumni Association is a leadership network established to strengthen the legacy of educational attainment and excellence of USC black students. The BAA provides scholarship assistance; career mentoring and cultural advocacy through alumni volunteer involvement, philanthropy, and social enterprise. Governance for its mission, partnerships and financial decisions is provided by the Executive Director and the BAA Advisory Council.
BAA Scholars are represented in nearly 100% of USC schools, to also include the Keck Medical School, Gould School of Law, and the Ostrow School of Dentistry. The BAA scholarship is awarded based on both financial need and merit considerations. It is applied for and awarded annually. BAA scholarship awards are matched on a 2:1 basis for undergraduate students—where for example, a $500.00 contribution would become a $1500.00 scholarship award, with the match available for the first $1,000 awarded per student. While the matching award is not available for graduate scholarships, the USC BAA is one of the few USC organizations to offer scholarships for graduate level students.
In addition to providing scholarships, the BAA is intentional about networking and opportunities for competitive access for our students and alumni. There is specific programming by BAA Committees that focuses directly upon workforce success and leadership for future alumni, especially offered through our “Legacy Through Leadership” initiative programs.
The USC Alumni Association also announced that Lloyd McKinney, Chairman of the Board of the Black Alumni Association will be receive one of this years Widney Alumni House Award at the 2016 Volunteer Recognition Dinner. This award recognizes alumni volunteers for their loyal service and dedication to the university.
“As a Board Member for the Black Alumni Association, as an alum of USC myself and as the assembly member who’s district USC resides in, I am so proud of the Black Alumni Association,” said Assembly Member Reggie Jones-Sawyer. “Dr. Michelle Turner and her staff as well as all of the board members and volunteers of the organization have worked so hard this year to build an organization which not only supports the Black students at USC financially, but provides guidance and other supportive services to the students to ensure that they not only earn a degree from USC but come back to the school and community and provide even greater support in the future. That is what it takes to build a village,” stated Assembly Member and USC BAA Board Member Reggie Jones-Sawyer.
