In response to the recent events of racial injustice in our country, the TCU Alumni Association, in conjunction with new National Alumni Board President Tracy Williams ’04, hosted two online events via Zoom in the last week to gain feedback from the alumni community about how the university can provide a more inclusive atmosphere for all students, faculty/staff and alumni.
The first session on Thursday, June 4, was geared toward identifying opportunities within the Alumni Association regarding race, equity and inclusion in four specific areas: awareness, education, advocacy and action. The 90 participants were put into Zoom breakout rooms to tackle each topic and provide suggestions for action steps.
Recommendations included providing more virtual offerings for Horned Frogs across the country and encouraging business owners of color to get involved with alumni groups and events. Other ideas included educating the Horned Frog community about TCU’s history regarding race as well as current university policies on discrimination, pathways to leadership positions within the Alumni Association, and adding affinity groups for alumni who identified as international students during their time at TCU.
The second session on Tuesday, June 9, was geared toward listening to learn. The evening – with 188 participants – provided a platform for alumni to share their experiences during their time at TCU on all aspects of diversity. Participants were asked to engage with a spirit of openness, respect time and allow for all voices to be amplified, assume and engage with good intent and acknowledge the humanity of others and commitment to productivity. Alumni recounted what they experienced as students and offered suggestions for how TCU could be more inclusive going forward.
Those wishing to provide further feedback on diversity, equity and inclusion issues are encouraged to email NAB president Tracy Williams ’04, at nabpresident@tcu.edu or associate vice chancellor for Alumni Relations, Amanda Stallings ’97, ’01 at a.stallings@tcu.edu.