A Heartfelt Thank You!

2009-11-02T06:36:00.001-05:00

Dear Chancellor Mark A. Nordenberg,

On behalf of the officers, members and advisors of the Pitt African American Alumni Council (AAAAC), we extend our deepest appreciation to you for your ongoing
commitment to the AAAC. Your unwavering support for our goal of having the largest number ever of African American Alumni to return to campus for the 2009 Sankofa Weekend made the critical difference in the realization of that goal. Therefore, it was most appropriate that our celebration of 40 years of diversity successes at Pitt included honoring you for your outstanding leadership in this area.

Under your leadership, our University has grown significantly in all critical areas that contribute to an institution of the highest quality. Our student body, alumni community, the western Pennsylvania region, and our nation are significantly better because of your vision, dedication and devotion to academic excellence and the realization of diversity as one of your highest priorities.

We applaud you for the fruits of your labor and thank you for the partnership.

Hail to Pitt!

Linda Wharton-Boyd, President

African American Alumni Council

Chancellor Connection ... You did it! Thank You!

2007-04-23T06:51:00.000-05:00

Oh, what a beautiful morning... oh what beautiful day... I got a wonderful feeling everything's doing our way... Team AAAC you did it!!! Last night was a beautiful event and you made it happen!

My deepest thanks to each of you for helping us to realize the AAAC vision of reconnecting African American alumni to our great institution. Our students need us and our alumni want the network.

We accomplished a great deal last night; so now we must capture the spirit, move forward on the momentum and share the excitement!!

A special thanks to Nate and Robin Dove for sharing their home, your hospitality, and love. Jaimi and Joveline thanks for showing us the way. You were relentless in making sure that our alumni were there. Sheila and Sheila, as always you were on it. Your welcome crew at the door made a real difference and pulled us through to the finish. David thank you for the inspiration, the support and the most of the all the web portal!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Stephanie and Tony, thank you for pushing the membersh ip piece. Delray, our in house music man, you helped us to jam the night away. Robin, Grace, and Marla, your support as always was unwavering. Herbert Jenkins, my main man, helped us to round out the rough edges. Ken Davis, Steve Jones, Nia Cheeks, Iris Gill, George Van Hook, Calvin LaSmith helped to make the difference!

Papa Jack Daniel, you ain't doing too badly in your wisdom years!!! Thank you for your wise counsel and love.

God's richest blessings to you all and enjoy this gorgeous day!

Hail to Pitt!

Linda

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Watch your thoughts; they become words. Watch your words; they become actions. Watch your actions; they become habits. Watch your habits; they become character. Watch your character; it becomes your destiny. ~ Sara H. Stewart~

2006 Sankofa Homecoming

2006-08-16T10:57:00.000-05:00

University of Pittsburgh
African American Alumni Council

October 19 – 22, 2006

“Blue, Gold and Black…the Colors of Champions”
A champion is a winner or title holder. A champion is also a defender, supporter or advocate. From the Sankofa honorees who have been defenders, supporters and advocates for African American students at Pitt, to our Panthers, whose perfect 1976 season made them the best in college football, the AAAC dedicates the 2006 homecoming to its Champions…past, present, and future.

Thursday, October 19, 2006

• Pathway to Professions…Networking Our Future
Thursday, October 19, 2006 - 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Connolly Ballroom, Alumni Hall, University of Pittsburgh
Business Formal Attire

As the saying goes, “Each One Teach One”. Join other Pitt Alumni who are willing to share career knowledge and experience networking with current Pitt students. To register visit: http://www.alumni.pitt.edu/pathway/index2.html
Contact:

Friday, October 20, 2006

• The Apple Project…Our Second Harvest
Friday, October 20, 2006 - 8:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Pittsburgh Public Schools (Schools to be assigned)

The seeds we sow today are the rewards we reap tomorrow. This marks the second season of the Apple Project…a community service project giving Pitt’s African American Alumni an opportunity to share their time and talents with students in the Pittsburgh Public Schools. To become an ‘Appleseed’ volunteer, please contact:
Carolyn Hill (412) 363-5475; Email: hillce02@comcast.net

• 2006 Sankofa Homecoming On-Site Registration
Friday, October 20, 2006 – 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Alumni Hall, University of Pittsburgh

Friday, October 20, 2006 – 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Lobby, Pittsburgh Hilton, Commonwealth Place, Pittsburgh, PA 15222

• 2006 Sankofa Awards Reception…Honoring Champions of Education, Culture and Commitment
Friday, October 20, 2006 - 8:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Twentieth Century Club, 4201 Bigelow Blvd, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
Wine and Hors d'oeurvres
Business Formal Attire
$50 Adults; $30 Students

This year will mark the inaugural AAAC Sankofa Award, presented to members of the University community who have exhibited outstanding educational support and service to students of African descent at the University of Pittsburgh. The Sankofa awardees are individuals who challenged students to their greatest intellectual potential, who inspired students to grow and stretch their creative and humanitarian boundaries and who promoted a supportive and respectful educational environment. For more information, please contact:
Renee Berry Mack (412) 221- -221-0487; Email: MACKR@novachem.com

Saturday, October 21, 2006
• 2006 Sankofa Homecoming Registration
Saturday, October 21, 2006 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon
Lobby, Pittsburgh Hilton, Commonwealth Place, Pittsburgh, PA 15222

• Panthers Pre-Game Party
Saturday, October 21, 2006 2 hours prior to kickoff
Heinz Field, White Tent outside of Gate A

All Panther fans are welcome to meet and greet other alumni and friends before Pitt crushes the Scarlet Knights of Rutgers.

• Rutgers v. Pittsburgh Football Game -- Kickoff TBA
Heinz Field

To purchase tickets reserved for the AAAC, call the Pittsburgh Panthers Athletic Ticket Office directly at 1-800-643-7488. Request the “AAAC Block.” Limited seating is available at the discounted cost of $20.

Heinz Field is a short walk from the Downtown Hilton. If you plan to stay near campus, complimentary shuttle service begins running 3 hours before game time from Bigelow Boulevard between the Cathedral of Learning and the William Pitt Student Union. For more information, please contact:
Calvin LaSmith (703) ______ Email: Blasmith@aol.com

• Old School Cabaret…1976-The Championship Season
Saturday, October 21, 2006 ~ 8:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m.
Hilton Hotel Ballroom, 600 Commonwealth Place, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Cash Bar and Hors d'oeurvres; Dress: Semi Formal Attire
$65 Adults; $45 Students
What better way to honor the 1976 Football National Champions than to have an “old school” cabaret…1976 style! If you were at Pitt to remember it or if you only heard about it, join the AAAC as we commemorate the 30th anniversary of Pitt’s championship season. For more information, please contact:
Herbert Jenkins (410) 461- 2161; Email: herbert.jenkins@usa.xerox.com

Sunday, October 22, 2006
• Fellowship Service…A Joyful Noise
Sunday, October 22, 2006 - 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Hilton Hotel, 600 Commonwealth Place, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Heaven is Free!
Casual Attire

There is an undeniable sense of the Spirit's presence in worship. Join the AAAC as we close homecoming weekend by giving thanks and lifting praise; Service by Pitt alum Rev. Linda Y Smith.

• Fellowship Brunch…Until We Meet Again
Sunday, October 22, 2006 – 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Hilton Hotel, 600 Commonwealth Place, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Casual Attire
$40/Adults; $30/Students

Feed your mind, body and soul. Join the AAAC as we break bread and discuss the book, A Wealth of Family, an adopted son’s international quest for heritage, reunion and enrichment, with author and Pitt alum, Thomas Brooks. For more information, please contact:
Linda Y. Smith (917) 519-3033; Email: lindayvonne@msn.com

• Event Pricing
Ala Carte:
Sankofa Reception: $50/Adult; $30/Student
Old School Cabaret: $65/Adult; $45/Student
Fellowship Brunch: $40/Adult; $30/Student
Registration Fee: $15/Adult; $10/Student

Sankofa Early Bird Package:
Registrations postmarked on before September 29, 2006:
$150/Adults; $100/Students
Package includes Sankofa Reception, Old School Cabaret, Fellowship Brunch and T-shirt
Registrations postmarked after September 29, 2006:
$175/Adults; $100/Students

All registrations must be postmarked no later than October 13, 2006.
On-Site Registrations: $185/Adults; $110 /Students

Sankofa Homecoming 2006
October 19 – 22, 2006 - Price Schedule

The African American Alumni Council

The mission of the African American Alumni Council is to support African American alumni, students, faculty, staff, and administrators and to strengthen their connection to the University of Pittsburgh through it various programs and activities.

SANKOFA HOMECOMING THEME:
“Blue, Gold and Black…the Colors of Champions”

RSVP Date: September 29, 2006 – Early Bird Registration
October 13, 2007 - Pre- Registration
October 20 – 22, 2006 – On Site Registration

Payments: Please make checks or money payable to the “African American Alumni Council”

Hotel: The host hotel for the weekend is the Hilton Pittsburgh
600 Commonwealth Place, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
A limited block of rooms has been reserved for the AAAC at a discounted rate of $119.00 plus taxes per night. Please contact the hotel directly to book your room at [412] 594-2265 or call 1-800-HILTONS. Use Discount Code: AAAC06 for the special rate.
Special room rate available through September 26

For More Information:

Questions about AAAC events please contact, Elaine Meisner at 412-624-8278; Email at Elaine.Meisner@ia.pitt.edu; or
Lynette Clarke at: 412-624-9700; Email: lclark@eoh.pitt.edu

African American Alumni Council’s Endowed Scholarship:
Donations are being accepted for the African American Alumni Council’s Endowed Scholarship Fund. If you would like to make a gift, please send a check payable to the “University of Pittsburgh.” Send to:

Pitt Alumni Association,
140 Alumni Hall - Pittsburgh, PA 15260.
Note “AAAC Scholarship” in the memo line.

Sankofa Homecoming Registration

The AAAC Homecoming registration fee schedule provides you the best registration rate and ensures your participation in all of the 2005 Sankofa Homecoming events. Register early and realize a great saving!!! The Sankofa Package is the best deal!!!

The Sankofa Package is a complete weekend special that includes Registration, Friday evening Sankofa Awards Reception, Old School Cabaret, Sunday Brunch, Homecoming Souvenir, Community Service Project and T-Shirt.

Pre-Registration (Early Bird); Deadline: Postmarked by September 29 2006

• Sankofa Package – All Events Included (includes Registration, Awards Reception, Cabernet, Sunday Brunch and T- Shirt)
o PAA/AAAC Members - $150.00 per person
o Associate, Friend, Family, Guests $150.00 per person
o Students (ID Required) $90.00 per person

• Pre-Registration Package Deadline (Postmarked by October 13, 2006)
• PAA/AAAC Members $175.00 per person
• Associate, Friends, Family, Guests $175.00 per person
• Students (ID Required) $100.00 per person

• On Site Registration Package
• PAA/AAAC Member $185.00 per person
• Associate, Friends, Family, Guest $185.00 per person
• Students (ID Required) $110.00 per person

• A la Carte Pre- Registration: (Postmarked by October 13, 2006)
-- Fri. Evening Awards Reception $50.00 per person
$30.00 Students
-- Old School Cabaret $65.00 per person
$45.00 Students
-- Sunday Brunch $40.00 per person
$30.00 Students
-- Sankofa Homecoming T-shirt $20.00 per shirt

• On-Site A la Carte On Site Registration
-- Fri. Evening Awards Reception $60.00 per person
$30.00 students
-- Old School Cabaret $75.00 per person
$45.00 students
-- Sunday Brunch $50.00 per person
$30.00 students
-- Sankofa Homecoming T-shirt $20.00 per shirt

(Sleeping rooms and football game tickets are not included.)
Pitt vs. Reuters Football Tickets must be purchased separately. To purchase tickets reserved for the AAAC, call the Pittsburgh Panthers Athletic Ticket Office directly at 1-800-643-7488. Request the AAAC block; Limited seating is available at the discounted cost of $20.

REGISTRATION POLICIES:

1. Registration Deadline will not be extended. Don’t Wait, Register NOW!!!

2. Registration Fees cover attendance to all events listed.

3. Registration Confirmation: You will receive email confirmation of your registration from the AAAC within 14 days of receipt of your information. Please bring your written confirmation letter with you to the Homecoming to serve as your valid payment receipt. If you do not receive confirmation within the 15 days, please contact, Lynette Clarke (412) 624-9700; Email: lclark@eoh.pitt.edu

4. Registration cancellation policies – NO REFUNDS

5. Non-sufficient fee on all returned checks: $50.00

Alumni Membership –
“Recruit, Reclaim and Retain” Membership Campaign

One of our goals this year is to increase the African American Alumni Council membership base. Our “Recruit, Reclaim and Retain” Membership Campaign is designed to recruit new members to the ranks, reclaim members who were once members of the Council and to implement programs to help retain existing members.

Register three new alumni and get a free T-shirt upon registration. Register as a PAA Life Member and AAAC member and get two free tickets to the Old School Cabernet and a T-Shirt!!!
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

REGISTRATION FORM

Name ___________________________________ Class Year _______

Address ________________ City ________ State ______ Zip ______

Phone (Day) ________ Eve ___________ Cell/Pager ____________

Email: __________________________________________________________

REGISTRATION FEE SCHEDULE
Check all that Applies

Sankofa Package Deals
Early Bird Registration (September 27, 2006) Sankofa Package No. Amt. Encl.
• PAA/AAAC Member $150.00 _______ $________
• Associate, Friend, Family, Guests $150.00 _______ $________
• Students (ID Required) $90.00 _______ $________

Pre-Registration Deadline (October 13, 2005)
• PAA/AAAC Member $175.00 _______ $________
• Associate, Friends, Family, Guests $175.00 _______ $________
• Students (ID Required) $100.00 _______ $________

On-Site Registration
• PAA/AAAC Member $185.00 _______ $________
• Associate, Friends, Family, Guest $185.00 _______ $________
• Students (ID Required) $100.00 _______ $________

A La Carte Pre-Registration (October 13, 2006)
• Friday Eve Awards Reception $50.00 ________ $_________
• Old School Cabaret $65.00 ________ $_________
• Sunday Brunch $40.00 ________ $_________
• T-Shirt $20.00 ________ $_________

On Site Registration – A La Carte
• Friday Eve Awards Reception $60.00 ________ $_________
• Old School Cabaret $75.00 ________ $_________
• Sunday Brunch $50.00 ________ $_________
• T-Shirt $20.00 ________ $_________

Total Amount Enclosed $______________

Method of Payment: Check ________ Money Order ______ Cash _______________

Confirmation No. ______________________________________________________

2009 AAAC Homecoming Report

A Heartfelt Thank You!

Chancellor Connection ... You did it! Thank You!

2006 Sankofa Homecoming