David L. Evans Message about BAW 

Dear Alumnae and Alumni,

When hundreds of black graduates of Harvard and Radcliffe returned to Cambridge for Harvard Black Alumni Weekend 2003, it was the largest such gathering in Harvard’s history and the first of any size since the early 1980s. Many were “strangers” to each other and to their alma mater. For these and other reasons, much energy was expended in “re-assembling the family” and assuaging those feelings that might have caused the fracture.

The approach was three-fold. First, the alums had to be located (many had fallen off current mailing lists), they then needed convincing to return to Harvard for a weekend, and the organizers had to connect with the Harvard Alumni Association (HAA) to undertake this monumental task. These were formidable challenges, but all three were met. Not only were the alums located, but hundreds were convinced to return to campus and the HAA “went the extra mile” in making the weekend extraordinarily successful. Moreover, then President Lawrence H. Summers was so impressed with the effort, he pledged the support of the Harvard President’s Office. Although President Summers was replaced by Acting-President Derek C. Bok before the 2006 gathering, the HAA and the President’s Office were equally helpful and alumni attendance exceeded that of 2003.

 

The University continues to pledge it’s support and we look forward to seeing many of you in Cambridge in two weeks. Please register for Black Alumni Weekend now at http://www.post.harvard.edu/hbaw09.

 

In reflecting on the last two Black Alumni Weekends, it is important to emphasize that they were much more than social gatherings. Black alums contributed mightily and gave generously. Yes, there were the traditional speeches, panel discussions, luncheons, dinners, and memorial services, but there were tangible commitments too. For example, there was a pledge at HBAW 2003 to raise $250,000 by HBAW 2006 to endow a Harvard College scholarship in my honor. It was to acknowledge my presence in the Admissions Office during the admittance of, at least, 85% of all black students in Harvard’s history and the fund drive was led by Ray McGuire and Martha Newton both members of the Class of 1979.

 

While I was grateful to be seen as a worthy conduit for such generosity to Harvard financial aid, I thought Ray, Martha and the then fledgling Harvard Black Alumni Society (HBAS) had “bitten off more than they could chew.” Ultimately, they knew more than I did because their success was four-fold: One of the highlights of HBAW 2006 was the report that the David L. Evans Scholarship Fund drive had raised more than $1,000,000!

 

In retrospect, 2003 was a long time ago: For example, few outside Chicago had even heard of Barack and Michelle Obama and look at them now. HBAS was not even an officially registered Shared Interest Group (SIG) with the HAA. Today it has been officially recognized as one of the most successful SIGs among the 30 registered with the HAA. It also supports three undergraduates with summer community service fellowships and has approximately a dozen chapters throughout the United States.

 

On the other hand, the deep financial crisis has, by force of circumstance, shifted priorities and assumptions of institutions large and small and of people wealthy and poor. And yet, some of our most committed and talented alumni recognize that individually and collectively they can be resourceful even if the economy prevents them from being resources-full. They will reconvene at Harvard this year to inspire us to grow, excel, and effect change in ways large and small. More alumni have reached in their pockets to make this happen than ever before. The broad range of talents among the participants would be inspirational at any time, but especially so during this time of flux. We will hear from distinguished alumnae and alumni from technology, government, healthcare, civil rights, philanthropy, the arts, media, entertainment, and more.

 

There are more than 4,000 living black graduates of Harvard and Radcliffe Colleges and some of them are committed to a bilateral relationship with their alma mater. They know that it is mutually beneficial relationship. They “soldier on” enjoying what they took from the Yard, the Houses, the classrooms, libraries, laboratories, playing fields, drama stages, studios, museums, etc., etc., but also giving of their time, talent and treasure—even when their “treasure” is modest. Such efforts have often been the inspirational kindling that sustained me when my spirit waned.

Sincerely,

 David L. Evans
Senior Admissions Officer
Harvard College

 

 

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