| DESK OF THE DIRECTOR
…Just a Few Words…
 GREETINGS TO YOU!
The new year is off to a wonderful beginning. I have had the opportunity to meet so many alumni over the holidays here in Los Angeles, and had the chance to have some quiet time on campus before the students checked back in. There remains much to do on my calendar. I know that it is a process to achieve great results for this organization, but rest assured, that is the direction the BAA is headed in all things. I believe that by the end of this year, many will respect this organization all the more for the continued quality not only in our events, but because we have increased the visibility of our scholars, and fundraising efforts.
New to the website will be information on our scholars and our donors. We have some wonderful gifts to our scholarship funds—and our donors are setting great examples of philanthropy and leadership. Our goals for fundraising are aggressive, but necessary: we should be able to raise $3 Million in principal value for our endowment funds by 2010. We have the economic base to do this. As USC Black Alumni, we are successful, and must begin to build a better financial base for future students. The 2:1 matching program offered makes your contribution one of the most meaningful gifts around. I do not know of too many other investments which can deliver that same benefit. Please call me, as I am more
than happy to discuss any contribution personally. (213-740-4734; mmturner@usc.edu).
We have two signature events left on the calendar: “Black History On the Money” on February 19th, which highlights not only an incredible collection of Civil War era currency, but depicts our history throughout the development of the US currency system. Our gala event: “An Evening of Legacy, An Evening of Leadership” will be hosted on April 19th, at the Beverly Hills Hotel, Beverly Hills. The dinner committee is working diligently to bring an event which is fun and memorable—but focused on raising scholarship funds! Save the dates for both events!
We are in the throes of development of our “Legacy through: Leadership” spring events for our scholars. We hope to offer a workshop which focuses upon pre-career topics such as: Networking/Powerlunching, Professionalism & Corporate Etiquette, and Leadership. We Need You! Our “Legacy through: Leadership” program is being coordinated by Board committee member Gerry Foster. Please contact our offices and Gerry will place you on the topic that you can best serve. We will begin with a Financial Literacy topic in March.
Once a month, our BAA scholars meet with me in our “BAA Board Meeting”. It is their chance to speak freely about their experiences, and to develop a great support system. It is also a great place to provide information to them about internships, and advice. If you are interested in being placed on our agenda, please call the office and let us know. Our meetings are short—but productive and well attended. Needless to say, I have learned much from them in turn—But while things have changed, much is the same. The constant factor is that these students require our support to increase their chances of not just success, but access for great achievement in their chosen fields. I count on your
continuing to make the difference so that the “Trojan Legacy” works for us all.
Warm Regards,
Michèle
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