Black Alumni Conference

More than 50 black alumni of the College, almost a third of the total number, met in Hanover the weekend of May 19-21 for an intensive series of workshops and discussions among themselves and with officers of the College aimed at improving liaison with black undergraduates and the Dartmouth administration.

Sponsored by the newly formed Black Alumni Committee, the Afro-American Society, and black faculty and staff members, the conference had a fourfold objective: to define a greater role for black alumni in guiding undergraduates toward career opportunities; to increase their efforts to recruit black students; to develop a mechanism for continuing relationship with black undergraduates; and to assist the College in serving the particular needs of black students by reviewing and influencing policies and practices of the College.

Fritz Alexander '47, a lawyer and recently elected judge in New York City, chairman of the Black Alumni Committee, presided at the opening session Friday evening in Spaulding Auditorium, following dinner at Thayer Hall.

President Kemeny greeted the alumni and reported to them on current programs for minority students at Dartmouth and plans for the future. He discussed the Equal Opportunity Program, which has encouraged the attendance of the 250 undergraduates now in residence, and scholarships which have been made available.

Charles T. Duncan '46, partner in a Washington law firm, District Corporation Counsel, and adviser to Mayor Walter Washington, gave the keynote address. Other greetings came from Leroy Keith, Assistant Dean of the College and coordinator of the conference, and Ronald Copeland '73, president of the Afro-American Society. Stuart Simms '72 introduced Mr. Alexander. Remarks by Garvey Clarke '57 concluded the program.

After a full day of workshops and a picnic lunch for the alumni, their families, and students, there was a banquet Saturday evening at Alumni Hall. Julian Robinson '52, Dean of Students at Jersey City State College, was the toastmaster. Lisle C. Carter Jr. '45, Vice President for Social and Environmental Studies at Cornell University, gave the main address. Richard L. Fairley '55, Director of Compensatory Education for the U.S. Office of Education, spoke briefly.

At a plenary session Sunday morning, the Committee approved a resolution to form an ongoing organizational structure to implement their objectives and to meet periodically with officers of the College. A brief session between President Kemeny and the steering committee closed the Black Alumni Conference.