Courtesy of Bethune- Cookman University
The Bethune-Cookman University Alumni Association, under the leadership of Executive Director Kimberly Woodard, has achieved a significant milestone. It has been honored with the prestigious Insight into Diversity Magazine’s 2024 Alumni Association Inclusive Excellence Award, a recognition that underscores our commitment to diversity and inclusion.
This inaugural award is a testament to the outstanding commitment of institutions to fostering a sense of belonging and community for all alumni, regardless of their diverse backgrounds. It is a special honor for B-CU, as it is the sole historically-Black institution among the 32 awarded colleges and universities from across the nation.
“I am truly energized by the pride that B-CU alumni demonstrate towards their alma mater, and am proud of the work we have done to create an alumni organization that every B-CU graduate can embrace – an alumni association that is accessible to ALL graduates,” Woodard said. “This award signals we are moving in the right direction toward inclusive excellence and an alumni organization that truly serves as a unifying force and meets the needs of Wildcat Nation.”
Since its founding in 2022, the B-CUAA has grown to 11 regional chapters and five (5) on the horizon. Last month, the association recognized several of the chapters through the B-CU Alumni Association Awards, which recognize outstanding chapters and graduates for their volunteerism.
The Mid-Atlantic Regional Alumni Chapter, led by Raenatta Floyd, ‘79, was awarded the Event of the Year recognition for its scholarship brunch held on September 30, 2023. The chapter hosted Maryland’s 63rd governor, the newly elected Wes Moore, who is Maryland’s first Black Governor in the state’s 246-year history and just the third African American governor in the history of the United States. The Scholarship Brunch brought together alumni and friends of Bethune-Cookman University and raised over $9,000 in scholarships, allowing the chapter to establish and issue their first B-CUAA Scholarships for the 2023 -2024 school term.
The Space Coast Regional Alumni Chapter, led by Valarese Poole, ‘81, was presented with the Innovation of the Year Award for their innovative fundraising event “HBCU Homecoming: Space Coast Edition.” The innovative fundraising and networking event relaunched the chapter’s presence and uplifted the brand of Bethune-Cookman University within the Space Coast Region of Florida, engaging alumni and friends of Bethune-Cookman University and welcoming other community and civic organizations to participate in the chapter’s forward trajectory.
“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our alumni across the country for their unwavering support and continuous efforts in furthering the mission of B-CU,” Woodard expressed. “We invite all alumni to be part of the action and join the award-winning Bethune-Cookman University Alumni Association.”