Coming Back Together at Whitman

During the 12th Coming Back Together (CBT) campus-wide celebration for Syracuse University African American and Latino alumni, more than 80 Whitman/SU alumni, students, faculty, staff and friends gathered for a networking luncheon that was filled with optimism and enthusiasm.

Recently appointed Whitman Dean Gene Anderson shared his early impressions as well as future aspirations for the School, emphasizing the importance of diversity and inclusion in realizing goals for excellence, prominence and leadership.

Whitman’s CBT alumni chair and recipient of the Chancellor’s Citation, Michael Blackshear ’91, led guests through a survey and personal sharing exercise designed to create an open dialogue and explore ideas for continued engagement. Students shared their career aspirations, while alumni imparted advice for achieving success. The event concluded with time for networking before guests moved on to the next event on their CBT itinerary.

We would like to extend our sincere appreciation to Michael Blackshear, who serves as North America chief compliance officer for Chubb Insurance Co., for his time, efforts and enthusiasm in chairing the Whitman CBT luncheon, and we congratulate him on his receipt of the Chancellor’s Citation. Michael and Whitman alumnus Constance “Connie” Orlando ’89, head of programming, Black Entertainment Television, were among five Syracuse University alumni honored with the Citation during CBT 2017. We are so proud and grateful to have Michael and Connie represent our School.

Though we will certainly continue ongoing efforts to engage with our Coming Back Together alumni, we are already planning ways to make the 13th CBT event at Whitman bigger and better!