A belated Happy New Year to my fellow U of A Black Alumni Society (BAS) old, new and future members!  I also want to extend a Happy Birthday wish to all U of A alumni celebrating a birthday during this leap year month of February 2012.

Now “how bout them HOGS!”  After witnessing the 2012 Cotton Bowl victory, I was left elated and even more proud to be a RAZORBACK.  On that day, I am sure anyone who saw the game or heard the score felt proud to be a Razorback.  Although you may have not adorned Razorback or U of A attire since leaving the campus years ago, you may have pulled out and proudly worn your Razorback paraphernalia that day or the following day.  I am reminded of and many of you may recall events where your fraternity brothers, sorority sisters or group members missed all of the preparatory work but showed up for the celebration photo.  I don’t want and ask that you not let that be said of any fellow alumnus/alumna.  I am even more elated and most godly proud to be the president of such a fine organization, our U of A Black Alumni Society.  Make note that I said “our”, rather than “my” or “your” U of A Black Alumni Society.  There is absolutely no doubt that we all desire the U of A to be an inclusive university; one of diversity, equal access and equal opportunity.  If we are to promote inclusiveness and if the U of A is to be an inclusive university, then that inclusiveness must begin with us, i.e., becoming a part, a member, a recognized voice of the Black Alumni Society.  There is strength in numbers and power in our collective efforts.  Over the years, we have done a lot but there is much more that needs to be done. We can and we will do much more but only with and through your dedicated support.

In an effort to fund our scholarship endowment in order to be able to support the many students in need (one is too many), I want to thank the dynamic team of Synetra, Kabrina, Airic and Ms. Angela for putting together the first “Back to the Hill Classic.”  It begins on Friday night with an All White Party Kickoff, continues on Saturday with a “Free” Community Cookout in the afternoon prior to the main event, a high quality Step Show in the Arkansas Student Union Ballroom that night at 7pm.  Of course, an “after party” follows. Tickets can be purchased online at www.arkansasalumni.org/backtothehill from February 15th through March 21st. So mark calendars and plan to join us Friday, April 27 through Sunday April 29, 2012 as we continue to “Think Back, Look Back, Come Back and Give Back” to support our deserving U of A students of color!

A Luta Continuum,

Bobby W. Jones, M.D.

President, U of A Black Alumni Society