On March 7, 2021, a virtual zoom conference was held between members of the Black Laurentian Initiative (BLI) and Black alumni and Trustees. The COVID-safe conference was able to bring together alumni from past years as far back as 1976, and all ranged from various different careers and fields. 

The meeting was called upon by members of BLI in order to address similar and continuous problems faced by Black and Brown students on the St. Lawrence campus. Throughout the meeting, the participants broke out into smaller breakout rooms to discuss a plethora of topics like their experience during all four years at St. Lawrence University, and how they should continue to build up this mentor relationship for the future. They also discussed the murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmad Arbery, etc., and how these tragedies have affected them personally. 

In attendance were past graduates of St. Lawrence such as Sharee Freeman ‘76, Elliot Garrett ‘94, Peter Blair ‘76, Steve Whitter ‘76, Autumn Rolack ‘17, and many others. Nearly all of the members of BLI, from all four class years, were able to attend and participate in this event. 

Spanned across two hours, the members were able to acknowledge all of the success they have made for diversity and inclusion at St. Lawrence, while also acknowledging the amount of work that still needs to be done for future incoming Black Laurentians.

“It was one of my most memorable experiences I’ve had as a student at SLU. For starters, considering we have a top 5 ranked alumni network, I’ve never seen that many alums of color all in one space,” exclaimed BLI and Black Laurentian Athlete Coalition member, Sid Spencer ‘22. For many members of BLI, this was either their first time meeting a Black alumni, or their first time being introduced to the mentors in the Laurentian Alumni of Color mentorship program. The Laurentian Alumni of Color mentorship program allows BIPOC students to match with a BIPOC alumni with similar interests, and foster a relationship that will help them succeed at St. Lawrence. This mentorship is specifically geared to minority students on campus because of their unique experience during their time at St. Lawrence are different from their peers. “Being in the meeting with fellow alumni felt exciting and encouraging. It gave me a sense of what it’s like to be successful and where graduating from St. Lawrence can take you. The people we were able to meet had amazing careers and they really valued the work we are doing and wanted to continue to stay engaged,” said BLI member, Aaron Levy ‘23.

“Aside from their advice and fruitful stories, the best part for me was seeing how excited they were to see one another. For a moment it felt like I was watching a family reunion and I think that speaks volumes to the types of friendships and relationships that are built at St. Lawrence. As a current student, I could easily see my future self in those alums,” continued Spencer.
“Hopefully, this connection will continue to build a bridge for the current Alums, Students, and future students so that we can continue to build the St. Lawrence BIPOC community and make sure they are always successful. With these types of connections and meetings, it will make it easier to understand what it’s like to be an alum and give back to those who will be in our shoes in the coming years,” said Levy. BLI and many of its members hope to continue this partnership in the future and have meetings like this for years to come. Spencer ended saying he hopes “that this connection becomes a regular thing. It’s long past due that there be some sort of mentor-mentee relationship between students and alums of color. Our various clubs and organizations would not be in existence if it were not for those that came before us.”