Organization of Black Alumni News Archive
School of Social Work alum collaborates with Metro Detroit children and families with risks
Beverly Weathington, who earned a Master of Social Work from Wayne State University (WSU) in 2004, has been extremely busy and productive since graduation supporting Metro Detroit children and families.
College of Nursing trio celebrates 10th anniversary of graduation and more than a decade of friendship
Umeika Stephens, Tara Walker and McNeill transformed their collegiate study klatch into a relationship that is equal parts professional support network and intimate sisterhood for more than 10 years.
School of Social Work doctoral student wins prestigious Minority Fellowship Program award
Shani Saxon, a fourth year School of Social Work doctoral student at Wayne State University, has much to celebrate after receiving the Minority Fellowship Program for 2023-2024 from the Council on Social Work Education.
Alumna Amyre Makupson follows in mom's career path
CBS News Detroit anchor and reporter Amyre Makupson, M.A. ’06, is well aware of the confusion her matrilineal name typically causes throughout Southeast Michigan.
New scholarship honors activist and educator Reginald Wilson, Ph.D.
Reginald "Reg" Wilson was born and raised in Detroit, the youngest of four boys. When he got to Cass Tech, the counselor said he should forget about English classes and signed him up for Electrical Engineering classes. Reg, however, never gave up his love of English classes and reading.
2023 Alumni Awards recognize Mary Jenkins-Williams '97, '03
Each year, the Wayne State University Alumni Association honors the accomplishments of outstanding alumni who exemplify the Wayne State spirit of achievement, excellence and service. Congratulations to the 2023 Homer D. Strong Award recipient Mary Jenkins-Williams '97, '03!
Juanita Anderson short film to premiere March 24 on PBS's 'American Masters'
A documentary by Wayne State University's Juanita Anderson will have its national broadcast premiere during an upcoming episode of American Masters on PBS. Anderson's short film, "Sydney G. James: How We See Us," explores the work and process of visual artist Sydney G. James, whose murals and large-scale paintings amplify the status of Black women in society.
African American Studies Coleman A. Young Endowed Chair shares inspiration
A documentary by Wayne State University's Juanita Anderson will have its national broadcast premiere during an upcoming episode of American Masters on PBS. Anderson's short film, "Sydney G. James: How We See Us," explores the work and process of visual artist Sydney G. James, whose murals and large-scale paintings amplify the status of Black women in society.
WSU student, employee and alumna promotes healing through art therapy
A documentary by Wayne State University's Juanita Anderson will have its national broadcast premiere during an upcoming episode of American Masters on PBS. Anderson's short film, "Sydney G. James: How We See Us," explores the work and process of visual artist Sydney G. James, whose murals and large-scale paintings amplify the status of Black women in society.
Giving Day: Support the Detroit High School Endowment Fund with OBA
Join the Organization of Black Alumni in support of the Detroit High School Endowment Fund for Giving Day on Thursday. Apr. 13. Your gift helps create more accessibility for Detroit's youth to achieve their higher education dreams at Wayne State University. The Detroit High School Endowment fund plays an essential role in furthering scholastic achievement, encourages continued progress, and positively impacts students' lives. And best of all, the Organization of Black Alumni (@WSUOBA) will match your generous Giving Day donation to the fund dollar for dollar!
Governor Stancato honored as Distinguished Warrior by Urban League
Born and raised on the west side of Detroit, Shirley Stancato, vice chair of the Wayne State University Board of Governors, was not only a first-generation college student, she was also a first-generation high school graduate.
Wayne State alumnus turned passion for medicine into a career at Veterans Affairs
When Dr. Teronto Robinson graduated from Wayne State University School of Medicine, he had to decide where he wanted to practice medicine. Robinson admitted it was a tough decision, but he chose to work at Veterans Affairs in Detroit because it fits many of the things he wanted to pursue as a doctor while honoring those in his family who served.
Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders returns to WSU in 2023
Wayne State University is proud to announce its selection as an Institute Partner for the 2023 Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders. Beginning in mid-June, Wayne State will host 25 of Africa's bright, emerging Public Management leaders for a six-week Leadership Institute, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State.
Driven to excel: Alumna Kianna Mateen takes expertise to Ford
Like many students in the Mike Ilitch School of Business, Kianna Mateen laid the groundwork for her career while she was still taking classes. And when she walked across the stage at commencement, she already knew what was next: Through a successful internship, Mateen was offered a position working for Ford Motor Co. as a buyer.
'Black Panther: Wakanda Forever's' Ivy Haralson epitome of Warrior strength
It wasn't until Ivy Haralson arrived on the set of Marvel Studios' Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, dressed in full costume as one of the Dora Milaje an elite group of all-female warriors that she realized it wasn't a dream.
Ron Wood '75, '80 honored as 2020 Homer D. Strong Alumni Award recipient
OBA founder Ron Wood was honored as a 2020 Homer D. Strong Alumni Award recipient for his commitment to mentorship.
Organization of Black Alumni looks to extend influence, impact
Ron Wood, a retired Blue Cross Blue Shield vice president, remembers well how the group came together. It was during a reunion of Wayne State's African American graduates 30 years ago when Wood's friend and fellow Warrior, Dr. Brent Gillum, came up with an idea: "Instead of gathering intermittently to socialize, why not create a group that would allow Black graduates to meet regularly to garner support for the university and, just as importantly, future Black graduates from Wayne State?"