ALUMNI OF COLOR WEEKEND RECAP

Juan Williams '76 and Rodrick Daley '95

We feel it is very important that alumni know how the Alumni of Color weekend 2007 went. We began on Friday night with a viewing of Trading Places, a movie which tied into our theme of diversity in the labor market, and a lively discussion with Samantha Ivery, Assistant Director of Multicultural Affairs followed. Next, we had our breakfast and opening speaker on Saturday morning. As early as we started on Saturday morning, there was a wonderful turnout as Ghebre Selassie Mehreteab '72 shared stories about life before, during, and after Haverford with a friendly attitude that created a warm atmosphere to start off our weekend.

Following the opening speech were two concurrent workshops, one led by Djung Tran ’98 and the other by Don Liu '83. Ms. Tran’s workshop was very interactive and engaging, and Don Liu’s '83 workshop was filled with humor and advice. Next, with help from Amy Feifer and Liza Bernard in the Career Development Office, we had an excellent career forum/lunch. The alumni were more than enthusiastic to share stories about their career paths and students were eagerly asking questions to learn about choices. The interactions were enjoyable on both sides and the alumni even divulged insider tips about their careers!

The next event on the schedule was a workshop led by James Pabarue ‘72, Tiffany Harmon-Banks, and Melissa Gomez. They graciously shared important information about diversity in the workplace and included interactive scenarios to keep the audience thinwhich consisted of Rodrick Daley '95, Norm Liang '98, James Pabarue '72, Roberto Rivera-Soto '74, and Keino Robinson '91. The audience heard about their experiences at Haverford and asked insightful questions which provoked thoughtful discussion.

After a short break to tour the college or view an art exhibit, alumni and students sat down to a formal dinner with food prepared by Haverford College Dining Services. Alumni and students were able to relax over a wonderful meal and enjoy student presentations and a live jazz band. During our Student Showcase afterwards, the room was packed as students performed poetry, singing, and instrumental music, and all kinds of dance, ranging from tap to Bollywood. The audience consisted of not only alumni and students, but faculty and staff as well. It served as a time to enjoy the talent that Haverford students offered. The next day, we had our final event, a brunch, where Raisa Williams, Dean of First Year College Students, gave a closing speech for the weekend and encouraged better relationships among students and alumni.

The attendance of alumni during this weekend peaked over 50 and we wanted to thank those alumni who supported us this weekend, both by coming and also those who were unable to attend but still helped us greatly during our organization stage. We could not have executed this weekend without everyone’s support. We also greatly appreciate all the positive feedback about the weekend from alumni, students, and administration. Due to the success of this weekend, we were able to gather the financial and administrative support from the deans at Haverford College to ensure that this will be a biennial event. Thank you everyone, and we remain,

Sincerely yours,

Alumni of Color Executive Board
Sarah Derbew ‘09
Angelina Gomes ‘09
Karla Ovalle ‘08
Rahwa Woldeyesus ‘09