Best of CASE District I Award
 

Institution: Phillips Exeter Academy

Title of entry: 55 Years of the Afro-Latinx Exonian Society (A.L.E.S.)

About this entry: The Afro-Latinx Exonian Society is the longest running cultural club at Phillips Exeter Academy. Since its founding in 1968, the Afro-Exonian Society — now the Afro-Latinx Exonian Society (A.L.E.S.) — has provided a place to support and share the culture and history of Black and Latinx students. In October 2023, in honor of the 55th anniversary of the founding of the A.L.E.S., the Office of Alumni Relations, along with campus partners in the Office of Multi-Cultural Affairs and the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, worked with a committee of alumni volunteers and current student leaders to develop a weekend celebration that recognized the enduring impact of this organization.

In 2018, the 50th anniversary of the A.L.E.S. was quietly celebrated. During the summer of 2020, amidst the country’s racial reckoning, the Exeter alumni community sought to come together in solidarity and in conversation. Through the ensuing years, Exeter has sought to bring alumni together around shared identities and affinities. The opportunity to celebrate the 55th anniversary of the A.L.E.S. on a bigger and brighter stage than had been done for the 50th allowed the Academy to lean into the increased engagement of alumni around identity and to underscore its D.E.I. vision statement and commitment to providing every student with a sense of belonging and the opportunity to thrive.

The anniversary included a robust and meaningful program of events for alumni and students to come together in community to reflect, learn and celebrate the contributions of the A.L.E.S.