Best of CASE District II Award
 

Institution: Drexel University

Title of entry: A Legacy to Share Book Project

About this entry: 2020 marked the 50th anniversary of a decade in which Drexel University welcomed the largest wave of Black students in its history. At the same time, the world was grappling with the pandemic, turmoil from racial injustices and inequality, and the bitter U.S. political landscape. Angela Dowd-Burton, an alumnus, trustee, and member of Drexel University’s Black Alumni Council (DUBAC) saw an opportunity to inspire the Drexel community, particularly current students, by telling the stories of Drexel’s Black alumni.

Her idea became a book, titled A Legacy to Share - Navigating Life’s Challenges & Celebrating Our Greatest Achievements. Through personal essays and interviews, more than 50 Black alumni shared their stories of how they faced obstacles—in their lives, at Drexel, and in their careers--with resilience, to achieve success and a zest for lifelong learning. The book shows the arc of Black Drexel Dragons, including profiles of William Sidney Pittman, Drexel’s first Black graduate and Barbara Johns Powell, a civil rights activist to current alumni that span industry and profession. Proceeds from book sales will support the DUBAC scholarship.

Although Drexel supported the project with staff and financial resources, the driving force behind the book were Angela, the alumni volunteers who served on the editorial committee, and the alumni authors who shared their stories. Some of the participants had not engaged with the university before and have been inspired to reconnect to support the next generation of Black alumni, while actively participating in programs, volunteer opportunities, and philanthropy.