—By UO Black Alumni Network Board President Olivia Manwarren, BA ’14 (family & human services)
Our mission and vision for the UO Black Alumni Network
As we begin this new chapter of the UO Black Alumni Network, we’re excited to share our priorities for the year ahead, upcoming opportunities to gather, and ways for you to stay involved and connected.
Vision: Building a strong network for Black alumni and students for community and global impact.
Mission: The UOAA Black Alumni Network’s mission is to foster community by providing opportunities to build strong personal and professional networks for Black alumni and students. We are committed to empowering our community through mentorship, scholarship, and the celebration of Blackness.
Join us in advancing this mission and vision by providing your feedback on the types of events you’d like to see from UOBAN and how you prefer to connect with us.
Our scholarship endowment
One of our most important goals in 2026 is to raise $100,000 for our scholarship endowment. This fund will provide long-term support for students at the University of Oregon. As of February 2026, we have raised nearly $75,000 toward the $100,000 goal. All scholarship gifts to date are housed in a pre-endowment fund. This fund is not yet useable.
When the fund reaches the $100,000 minimum, the principal amount is invested and preserved. The fund will begin generating a 4% annual payout into our spendable scholarship fund, which we can use to award scholarships.
Your generosity and commitment have brought us within reach of this major milestone. Thank you to everyone who has donated, shared the link, or encouraged others to support this effort. We are so close. Your continued support will get us across the finish line.
Other goals
Our other goals for UOBAN this year include:
- Sharing consistent updates on endowment progress
- Sharing Black alumni spotlights, stories, and opportunities to engage
- Strengthening our alumni network on and off campus
- Selecting new board members (Apply here!)
- Continuing to build our social media following. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn!