African American Graduate Association

next chapter event:

Sankofa Celebration

 Friday, May 11, 2012
10:30 am
Watson School of Education Atrium
UNCW Campus

Each semester graduating African American students are honored at the Sankofa celebration. The West African concept of Sankofa is symbolized by a bird that is looking back over its shoulder while moving forward - remembering and recognizing its past in order to progress into the future.

Please RSVP by contacting the Upperman African American Cultural Center at
910-962-3832. A reception will follow the program with refreshments.


View a photo slideshow from days at UNCW!

Linda Rawley '86
Chair

Past Events

Homecoming Luncheon
The African American Graduate Association's Homecoming 2012 Luncheon was a great success. Alumni, current students and many others gathered to celebrate Homecoming 2012 in the Azalea Coast Room. Members of the Upperman African American Cultural Center joined the African American Graduate Association (AAGA) members and alumni. The group enjoyed lunch as they reminisced and talked about their experiences at UNCW. Take a look at photos!

Senior Sankofa May 2011
On Friday, May 13, The Upperman African American Cultural Center and the African American Graduate Association celebrated all African American graduating seniors at Senior Sankofa. Alumni, families and friends gathered to celebrate their accomplishment. The university's champions for diversity were there to address the crowd including- Chancellor Rosemary DePaolo; Upperman Director - Todd McFadden; AAGA President, Lolita Bryant; and keynote speaker Linda Upperman Smith. Each graduating senior was presented with a medallion given by AAGA. After the event, guests enjoyed refreshments provided by the Upperman Center. Take a look at photos!

AAGA Luncheon During Homecoming 2011
50 alumni and friends returned to the nest on Saturday, February 19 for the Homecoming Luncheon. Alumni from all over the nation and were greeted by other alumni, Chancellor Rosemary DePaolo, members of the Board of Trustees and members of the Upperman African American Cultural Center. The group enjoyed a hot lunch with dessert as they talked about their days at UNCW while admiring the art collection from Ivey Hayes displayed in the room. As the program began the group was greeted by Lolita Bryant '04 - President of AAGA. She then introduced two student scholarship recipients - Krystal Rucker and Sammy Pisano who addressed the crowd about all of the exciting things happening in their schoolwork and what their scholarship has meant to them and how it has helped them soar higher at UNCW. Then Todd McFadden, Director of the Upperman Center presented the importance of staying connected and invited the group over to the Upperman Center for a tour of the facility. As the event drew to a close, the laughter got louder and the stories got better. Take a look at photos!

Senior Sankofa December 2010
The most recent African American Graduates of UNCW participated in Sr. Sankofa on Friday, December 10 at 11 am in the Watson School of Education. They were greeted by Max Allen, Chief of Staff, Todd McFadden, the new Upperman Center Director and keynote speaker Linda Rawley. Lolita Bryant, President of the African American Graduate Association made closing remarks and asked all graduates to get involved in AAGA after their graduation. After the ceremony guests enjoyed refreshments and food while chatting with alumni and friends. Take a look at photos!