Bethune-Cookman University October 16, 2017 Millennial Groups Make a Stand to Give Back to Historically Black Colleges and Universities "The struggle is real," said Joshlyn Thomas, B-CU Alumni Affairs Coordinator. Upon graduation, students are strongly encouraged to give back to their alma mater. How is this done when young alumni has not secured a stable job or income? Not to mention payment of loans. Graduates between the ages of 21-40 are considered young alumni and fall in the "millennial" demographic. With such prestige as the only HBCU named after an African-American woman, Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, B-CU has been low on the list to increase its alumni giving. As HBCU alumni giving rates fluctuate, this year B-CU has taken the charge to cultivate the "young alumni group," to raise awareness and funds for current students. For the past two consecutive years, B-CU has hosted the '40 Under 40 awards' that recognizes the University's top graduates under the age of 40 who exemplify B-CU's Core Values- Faith, Integrity, Respect, Service and a Thirst for Knowledge (F.I.R.S.T). These alumni have achieved distinction in their respective fields, and have demonstrated outstanding service and loyalty to B-CU and their community. This year the '40 Under 40' committee have gone the extra step to initiative a scholarship challenge for previous and current recipients, friends and family and B-CU supporters in hopes to raise $10,000 by October 26, 2017 and increase B-CU's alumni giving rate, which has remained stagnant for many years. "I believe it is important for students to have those opportunities to apply for scholarships when they may be having a difficult semester," said Jhada Walker, a sophomore student from Ohio. "Many of my classmates are working college students and may not have that extra help from parents and family." This year's Rose Gold Brunch themed event will take place during Homecoming on October 26, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at the Halifax River Yacht Club in Daytona Beach, Fl. B-CU's Office of Alumni Affairs will bring together University supporters, honorees, family friends and invited guests to announce the efforts raised. A special check presentation will be made at the Homecoming football game during half time presented by the '40 Under 40 awards' representative that raised the most dollars for the scholarship. To participate in the '40 Under 40 awards' scholarship challenge, visit www.givecampus.com<http://www.givecampus.com/>, keyword: Bethune. * SANDRA M. PHOENIX HBCU Library Alliance Executive Director Atlanta University Center Robert W. Woodruff Library 111 James P. Brawley Drive SW Atlanta, GA 30314 404-978-2118 (office) 404-702-5854 (cell) http://www.hbculibraries.org/ sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org%3cmailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org>> Honor the ancestors, honor the children. Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hbculibraryalliance1/ and Twitter https://twitter.com/HBCULibAlliance Check out "PULSE!" The HBCU Library Alliance's News Source! - https://hbculibraryalliance.wordpress.com/