The Meredith Room at Spangler opened her towering doors to members of the African American Student Union (AASU) on Wednesday, September 6, for the organization’s Welcome Reception. The reception, serving dual purposes, welcomed students in the Class of 2008 while reuniting faculty, staff, alumni, and EC students of the AASU community.
The resounding message from Co-Presidents Charissa Lawrence (OH) and Alice Vilma (OE) to RC students was to, “Get involved early and often. AASU is a family and relationships among AASU members are formed early and last a lifetime.”
Lawrence reminded RCs to, “Blend out and become actively involved with the larger HBS community as well.” As evident through the laundry list of leadership positions held throughout the HBS community by members of AASU, the Class of 2008 expressed their eagerness to uphold a legacy of meaningful participation and contribution.
Faculty members Laura Morgan Roberts, assistant professor in the Organizational Behavior Unit, and Noel Watson, assistant professor in the Technology and Operations Management Unit, were recognized at the event and in attendance to help EC students usher in RCs. Professor David Thomas, senior associate dean, Director of Faculty Recruiting, could not be on hand for the evening’s festivities; however, he graciously delivered a message to students via the AASU leadership team. Always a warm addition to the crowd, Kim Budd, director of MBA Community Standards, greeted both new and returning students.
Meg Gardner, director of the Bert King Foundation and a close friend of the AASU community, reminded students of the phenomenal leadership that has preceded them in the HBS walls.
Distinguished Alumni were also present, with a parting address delivered by Dobbin Bookman, the student liaison of the African-American Alumni Association (AAA) and a Bert King Fellow.
Despite the lack of sleep among the RCs present at the event and the pending cases waiting to be read and analyzed, the group appeared very enthusiastic and appreciative of the efforts the AASU leadership team put forth to organize such a purposeful event.
The African-American Student Union utilizes its rich history, active membership, and extensive alumni base to support the development, network, and community of students of African descent. In addition, the organization hopes to enhance the HBS experience of the overall community by providing connection to relevant issues and opportunities within the African-American community.
Upcoming events sponsored by AASU include the Onyx Party scheduled for Oct. 5 and the 35th Annual H. Naylor Fitzhugh Conference on Feb. 23 – 25.
