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Black Alumni Association

Â鶹´«Ã½â€™s Black Alumni Association (BAA) fosters relationships and involvement among our black alumni and minority students. Members also form connections with SLU's black faculty and staff.

Ornella (Nelly) Balley, BAA president, and LaVerne Robinson listen to speakers at Â鶹´«Ã½'s Black Alumni Association Prayer Breakfast 2024.
Ornella (Nelly) Balley, BAA president,  and LaVerne Robinson listen to speakers at Â鶹´«Ã½'s Black Alumni Association Prayer Breakfast 2024.

Formed in 1984, the BAA celebrates the accomplishments of SLU’s black alumni and students through fundraising, mentoring and fostering University-wide diversity outreach and awareness initiatives. Additionally, the BAA assists the University in its recruitment and retention efforts of minority students, helping to create a student population that is racially and ethnically diverse.

The Black Alumni Association hosts social, educational and networking events throughout the year.

BAA Scholarships at SLU

Â鶹´«Ã½'s Black Alumni Association supports current students via two scholarships. 

Pioneers of Inclusion Scholarship

Established in 2014 by the Black Alumni Association to mark the 70th anniversary of integration at SLU, the Pioneers of Inclusion Endowed Scholarship recognizes the strength and courage of the men and women who became the first black students at the University in 1944. The scholarship honors their legacy by supporting a high-achieving, first-generation college student from a historically underrepresented population in U.S. higher education.

Contribute to this scholarship to ensure its recipients’ continued success at SLU. 

Dr. Celerstine Briggs Johnson Book Fund

For more than three decades, Dr. Celerstine Johnson was dedicated to enhancing educational opportunities for all students, especially those underrepresented in higher education. Her 30 years of service to SLU culminated in her role as associate vice provost for enrollment management.

The Dr. Celerstine Briggs Johnson Book Fund is open to full-time undergraduate students in any major who are enrolled in one of SLU's collegiate Trio Programs, are in good academic standing with the University and demonstrate a financial need.

Funds for the Dr. Celerstine Briggs Johnson Book Fund are raised through individual gifts and revenue from various events. Regardless of the amount, all gifts will help students access necessary educational tools. 

Â鶹´«Ã½ the Black Alumni Association Board

Members of the Black Alumni Association and Board pose for a photo.

Members of Â鶹´«Ã½'s Black Alumni Association (BAA) Board pose for a photo with attendees at the BAA Prayer Breakfast.

Executive Board

President
Ornella Balley (A&S ’16)

2023–2024 Board Members

  • Ornella Balley (A&S ’16)
  • Annette Fields (Grad Ed ’14)
  • Melissa Hamilton (A&S ’02, Grad A&S ’06)
  • Tamera Harris (SSW '10)
  • Amy Haymore (DCHS ’10)
  • Lydia Huston (PS '18)
  • Joshua Johnson (PS '21)
  • Darryl Jones
  • Michael F. Jones II, Ph.D. (Ed '16)
  • Luella Loseille (A&S '17, '19)
  • Erika Matthews
  • Valencia Miller
  • MaShyllia G. Minor (Grad A&S '01)
  • Glenda Nelson (A&S ’19)
  • Denise Pearson (PS ’16)
  • LaVerne Robinson (PS ’99, Grad PS ’05)
  • Deanne Sleet (A&S ’17)
  • Devita Stallings
  • Alice Stanley (CSB ’74)
  • Kiara Webber (CSB '07)

Join the BAA Board

Â鶹´«Ã½'s Black Alumni Association is looking for alumni volunteers with skills in marketing and communications, planning and development, and finance to serve on its board. 

If you are interested in joining or know someone who is interested, contact alumni@slu.edu.