In April 2005, thirty people with a passion for building a vibrant association for black alumni attended the inaugural meeting of the GWBAA under the direction of co-founders L. Trenton Marsh, MA ’04, and Michael Tapscott, director of the Multicultural Student Services Center. In April of this year, more that 250 students and alumni attended the program “The State of the Union of the Young Black Professional” with guest speaker Jeffery Johnson. The high turnout was a testament to the growing success of a group dedicated to programming and events that inspire members to connect with each other and their communities. GWBAA is currently led by L. Trenton Marsh, MA’04, president; Elice Brown, BA ’05, director of finance; and Erica Gandy, BS ’05, director of programs.

Held at the University’s Grand Ballroom in the Marvin Center, the event attracted not only current GW students and alumni but also black alumni from other universities, including UNC-Chapel Hill, the University of Michigan, and Allegheny College. High school students from the Harvard University Low-Income Scholars program participated in the evening as well. The event also honored the undergraduate, graduate, and alumni recipients of the GWBAA “Making an Impact” award for their contributions:

Lamar Thorpe, Student Association president-elect 2006-07
Abby Charles, president, Black Graduate Student Association
Monica Monroe, JD ’98, president, Black Law Alumni Association and GW
law professor