Can you believe it? It is 2015! Happy New Year to all BAS members and friends. Let me remind you – there are just 
three months to go before we gather for the 25th year of reunions for the Black Alumni Society. I hope you have taken time to register for the reunion. We want to make sure we have ample number of items for the registration packages. Planning will be much easier and more accurate if everyone submits the completed registration as soon as possible.
We’ve heard from several alums challenging other groups to come to the reunion. Who can encourage the highest percentage of their members to return to the “Hill” on April 17-19, 2015? We want this to be the largest reunion in the history of BAS. We can accomplish this goal if each of us would encourage our schoolmates, fraternity brothers, sorority sisters and friends to register and attend the Silver Anniversary of BAS.
This year, all of the events will take place in Fayetteville. Therefore, you will be able to enjoy the different sites in and around Fayetteville and then return to your favorite sites on the U of A campus. I’m sure, some of you will remember Pomfret being the hot spot for parties and Greek shows, while others will remember the corner of Maple/Ozark Street being “Little Africa.” Then there is the steps in the Union where African-Americans gathered to share their stories and catch up on the latest campus news. These are just a few of the spots where a lot of us have a lot of fond memories while attending U of A. Come back and rekindle those memories by revisiting your favorite spot on campus.
As you contemplate your return, I also ask that you consider establishing a scholarship in your name or the name of a relative, so a deserving student can become the recipient. Thus far, we have nearly 10 members who have established scholarships. These include, Corine and Bobby Jones; T. A. and Vivian Walton, and Sheila Walton Moore, Ritche Manley Bowden, Alice and Emanuel Banks; Willa Mae and Reggie Murdock, Victor and Monica Wilson, Earl and Gerrita Blakely, Kabrina Amey and LaKendra Spates and St. James Missionary Baptist Church. Any amount between $250 and upwards will garner a scholarship in the name of your choice and will be highly appreciated. If you have any questions or concerns about establishing a scholarship, please feel free to contact Angela Mosley-Monts who will walk you through the appropriate channels on establishing an endowed scholarship. Like Janus, we’re looking to the immediate past and to the future as we look forward to…
Seeing you in April!
John L Colbert,
2013-2015 BAS President
Class of ’76, ’81
