by Lee Pierre
Roanoke College Trio Upward Bound Alumni Reunion was held on Saturday, June 13, in the Wortman Ballroom in Colket Center on the college campus. It was a memorable celebration.
The planning committee included Donald Day, Upward Bound alumni/counselor; Paul Griffin, former director (1972-1977); Rev. Theresa Jackson Greer, former director (1995-2012); Cheryl Hilton, alumni/counselor/coordinator; Michael King, alumni/counselor; and the Rev. Dr. Betty M. Lovelace.
The Upward Bound program, federally funded, provides fundamental support to participants in their preparation for college entrance as well as opportunities for participants to succeed in their pre-college performance and ultimately in their higher education pursuits. Upward Bound serves high school students from low-income families; and high school students from families in which neither parent holds a bachelor’s degree. The goal of Upward Bound is to increase the rate at which participants complete secondary education and enroll in and graduate from institutions of postsecondary education
The event opened with an informative warm welcome from Lovelace, former Upward Bound counselor and director 1981-1988. She graciously thanked all and remarked on how impressive it was to have over 100 alumni in attendance. Other distinguished guests included Dr. Elaine O’Quinn, former director 1988-1995; and Paul Dotson, former director 1969-1972.
The program included greetings from Dr. Frank Shushok Jr., president of Roanoke College and Kenneth Belton Sr., vice-chair of Roanoke College Board of Trustees. An interesting icebreaker activity got the alumni out of their seats as they searched for people to fit the categories of the scavenger hunt.
There was also a “Sand Ceremony” in memory of Roanoke College Upward Bound alumni and staff who are deceased. Dr. Edward Lautenschlager, former director 1965-1969, was posthumously acknowledged for his role as the first director. A “roll call” was done for the others who have departed this life.
Shamaill Ross and Dr. Charmaine Bonds were part of the 1996-98 alumni group that had been under the leadership of Theresa Jackson Greer. They thanked her for being able to see them as leaders and sharing her hopes and dreams for them when they couldn’t see it.
Ross said, “We could have never made it to where we are today without your guidance. Our group continues to keep in touch supporting one another.”
Greer was then presented with portraits of four alumni who are now deceased: Jelani Jackson, Jason St. Clair, Albert Taylor Jr., and Jennifer Lewis.
“If they were here, they would thank you as well for your leadership,” added Ross.
Several of the alumni spoke of how attending Upward Bound had changed the trajectory of their life. The directors, counselors, and other staff were thanked for their support and guidance from the start – helping parents fill out financial aid and college applications; keeping in contact throughout the years being that voice of reason; checking in on family even after graduation from the program and college.
Lovelace in her closing remarks reminded all alumni that “Upward Bound was not a program; it was an initiative that continues,” stressing that more “decades of impact” are needed.
