Black Alumni Network July 2007 www.jrn.columbia.edu

A classmate’s selflessness had me reflecting on the Black Alumni Network on its 27^th birthday this month. The classmate, who wishes to remain anonymous, last month sent a contribution in excess of the one- or two-year subscription rate. I extended the reader’s subscription for five years and sent a thank-you note.

The alum residing in the Southeast United States replied this way: "No problem, Wayne. I’m sorry it took so long. Although I know you have always extended my subscription to the date represented by the funds I’ve sent, I really intend that the extra amount be used to further the cause of the monthly.

"I was there when the idea was founded and I believe in it 150 percent. Do as you will, but know that if needed, those funds are there to continue the work."　

The "I believe in [BA N] 150 percent" is a humbling reminder that we have built a communications network of hundreds of professionals. We should use this channel to grow more participation and do more good works.

What are the benefits of the monthly Black Alumni Network newsletter?

Journalists and other media professionals often are transient creatures. They move and sometimes fall off people’s radar. Our newsletter keeps us informed and keeps our graduate school of journalism informed. This year Columbia University recognized the outstanding work of A’Lelia Bundles, ’76, and Suzanne Malveaux, ’91. Last fall, some of us made a case to the J-School alumni association to have Sheryl Hilliard Tucker, ’82, moderate a media forum on women in media. That forum was a rousing success.

It is no accident that our monthly newsletter reminds decision makers to recognize talented individuals and invite others to lead signature events. There are many more of you who deserve to step forward and show the great things you do.

What also makes our network useful and influential is the potential to financially support and mentor future talented journalists of color. This year we witnessed our second Black Alumni Network scholarship winner, Sabrina Ford, and there will be $5,000 scholarship winners for at least the next three years.

However, it is time to assure the future of this program. That is why we are urging many more of you to make pledges that will complete fund raising for what was just named the Phyllis T. Garland Memorial Scholarship [See article in the June 18 JET magazine].

With at least $60,000 in cash and pledges in hand, we are most of the way to a $100,000 permanent endowment. Are you on board?

Twenty seven years of monthly publishing and activism is cause for quiet celebration. It’s also time to take stock of the struggle that is the reality of publishing. Last month, the U.S. Postal Service raised the rates again. Postage used to be our biggest expense, but that cost eased substantially since 88 percent of BA N readers now get their newsletters e-mailed to them, or they can visit the Columbia J-school site.

Nevertheless, newsgathering and electronic publishing has costs such as ink cartridges, paper [yes, paper], Internet and phone bills and bank fees. This is my hat-in-hand reminder urging you to support the publication that supports you.

To those of you like the anonymous classmate who renewed generously, or those of you who renew when prompted, you have my undying gratitude and thanks.