Letter from Dr. Edwards
The Alfred L. Edwards 31st Annual BBSA Conference
"Pathways to Prosperity: Building Wealth in Our Communities"
February 16 – 18, 2007
Four Points Sheraton Hotel, Ann Arbor, MI
December 12, 2006
Dear Alumni,
Each year it warms my heart to personally reconnect with so many of you at the Annual BBSA Conference. Last year’s re-dedication ceremony made the event especially memorable for me and I am honored that so many of you chose to attend. This year’s conference theme is "Pathways to Prosperity: Building Wealth in Our Communities."
For those of you that have previously attended, you already know what a wonderful event this is in terms of networking, renewing relationships with classmates, and participating in high-quality programming. However, your attendance and participation in this year’s conference is more important than ever. On November 7 th, the state of Michigan passed Proposal 2 (misleadingly named the Michigan Civil Rights Initiative), a bill that has effectively rendered use of affirmative action programs at the state level unlawful. The ripple effects of Proposal 2 are expected to limit the University’s ability to extend young Black professionals the same access to the top-tier MBA experience so many of you have enjoyed.
Both Dean Robert Dolan, of the Ross School of Business, and President Mary Sue Coleman, of the University, have courageously stated their commitment to retaining a strong diverse presence at the University and have taken the actions to match their words. Now it is your turn. As alumni, I cannot impress upon you enough how important it is that you return now to show your support for the BBSA, the University, and our collective commitment to diversity. During the Alumni Town Hall & Diversity Taskforce Discussion, you will have the opportunity to provide feedback to the administrative plan for ensuring Michigan's commitment to diversity. Our goal is to achieve attendance of at least 200 alumni in this effort and I urge you to reach out to your fellow classmates to encourage them to attend as well.
I thank you in advance for your support. Please visit the conference website at http://www.rossbbsa.com/conference where you can register and learn more about this momentous event.
Sincerely,
Dr. Alfred L. Edwards |
