HBCU's

[deltaspr99]

It has been arumor going around about alot of our HBCU's closing down. What do you think we can do in order to help this situation?

[DirectorDST99]

deltaspr99,

Is the rumor you're referring to an internet rumor? If so, it is just that, a rumor and yet another internet prank.

I work at an HBCU and our name is on that list. The President had to write a disclaimer statement last semester because we were getting so many calls. The statement was published in the local newspapers, but now we're in the process of adding it to our website. I think all of the HBCU Presidents should do the same.

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Director #2
LMAC
Spr 99

[This message has been edited by DirectorDST99 (edited June 29, 2000).]

[Eclipse]

deltaspr99,
If you are referring to the e-mail that has been floating around for awhile that specifically points the finger at Texas and Gov. George W. Bush, most of the 'facts' of that e-mail were disputed in an article in a Croniciles (spe) of Black Higher Education (I think that is the name of the mag--someone else may be able to help me). Regardless, you are right in that our HBCUs need our help. Some ways to do it:

1. The biggest help these schools need is MONEY!! Donate, donate, donate! If you work for a major corporatation, most of them have matching gifts. My employer does not, so I do all of my donations to my alma mater (Spelman in the house!!) through my husband's company. For every dollar I donate they donate a dollar too.

2. Get your company's foundation to donate money to the HBCUs or to encourage them to give to the college/university. Be careful what you ask for though. Some people will ask for $10,000 when the company could (and would) give $100,000 (or more). Do your homework first to find out what they have given other schools, etc., call the school's Instituational Advancement office for help also.

3. Recruit for the school. Our best and brightest should see HBCUs as a viable option. Go to local HS and let them know about the HBCU experience. And please, share more than how live homecoming is, please! We are so much more than a good place to party!

4. Volunteer to share your work experiences with current students. Help students (formally or informally) write their resume, and practice interviewing skills. Let them know what to expect once they get the job (office politices, etc.)

5. See HBCUs as an option for your career also. They need talent, committed, customer service oriented (can I get an AMEN from an ABCU alum?!?!) folks to work there and make sure that the schools remain fiscally solvent.


ADDED:
6. No money now? See planned giving as an option. By planned giving I mean a small (or large) life insurance policy with the college/university as the beneficiary.


[This message has been edited by Eclipse (edited June 29, 2000).]

[deltaspr99]

I ATTEND AN HBCU AND WE ARE IN A LITTLE TROUBLE AS FAR AS ENROLLMENT. THERE ARE ONLY 600 STUDENTS HERE TOTAL. WE ARE THE OLDEST HBCU IN TEXAS AND THAT IS NOT GOOD.

[DirectorDST99]

Are you at Jarvis (1872) or Wiley or Paul Quinn?

I'm in Texas too and at one point(1992,93, 94) we were up there in numbers with Howard but that's been cut in half almost. Quite a few things are hurting us:

1. Lack of Alumni support
2. Poor recruitment efforts
3. Community Colleges are "blowing up" nowadays and getting the high school grads

Eclipse, I think the mag. you are referring to is Black Issues in Higher Education or either the Chronicle of Higher Education

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Director #2
LMAC
Spr 99

[This message has been edited by DirectorDST99 (edited June 29, 2000).]

[deltaspr99]

I attend Huston-Tillotson College in Austin, Texas. We only have 600 students and since the rumor more people are scared to come. Therefore it seems that enrollment goes down more and more. i graduate next in May of 2001. I am not worried about me but what about the people who are left after me.

deltaspr99,
I wonder if we met during the Texas Relays in April. I came over to Alumnae chapter's house with Jessica (my LS) and two other Sorors from Dallas. I think it was that Friday night. If so, what a small world!

OOOOOOO-OOOP!

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Prestigious #22
"24 Reflections of Perfection"
Spring 1997

[Ms.CrimsonCream]

deltaspr99:, I thought about Jess when you made your post, but I didn't have time to respond (and then my LS beat me too it ) I apologize, if you said it in another post, but when did you cross, and do you know Jess?