SWU BLACK ALUMNI NETWORK
Connecting SWU Black Alumni Network members through social events and activities.
NEW
We now have a Facebook page.
Click here to visit our Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/people/SWU-Black-Alumni-Network-BAN...
Join us on Friday May 16th at the Embassy Suites Golf and Conference Center, Greenville SC. There will be a hospitality suite with free drinks, and hors d'oeuvres. Whether you are local or visiting from out of town, everyone is welcome.
Upcoming Events
SWU Black Alumni Network
Invitation to the Annual Achievement Dinner
Dear Black Alumni,
We are delighted to formally invite you to our annual Achievement Dinner, a celebration of outstanding accomplishments and dedication within the Black Alumni Network. This year, we're recognizing the remarkable contributions of.
"This year, we're recognizing the remarkable contributions of." Liked “50th Golden Anniversary
Joan Pettigrew
Patricia Pond-Jones
Alphonso Williams
Rosco Campbell
W.C. Hallums
Byron Wimphrie - BAN/SWU Outstanding Alumni of the Year
Whitney Wright - BAN/SWU Rising Star Leadership Award
LaCheryl Smith - BAN/SWU Educational Leadership Award
Charles Wimphrie - BAN/SWU Lifetime Leadership Award
Kenneth Gist - BAN/SWU Civil Leadership Award
The event will take place on May 17 at 5:00 p.m. at the Embassy Suites Greenville Golf Resort & Conference Center.
We anticipate a fantastic evening of dinner, presentations, and fellowship.
We would be honored to have you join us at this special occasion. Please RSVP to our email address(swublackalumninetwork@gmail.com) by May 1, 2025, or complete the
RSVP Link
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScEuTwQ2vdKbwgMucby...
Make it a weekend of fun and relaxation.
Sincerely,
Rosco Campbell
SWU Black Alumni Network
Considerations: Greenville is one of the best places to visit, offering numerous amazing attractions and activities. Visit downtown for shopping, parks, walking trails, entertainment, and great restaurants.
Click on the link below to see some of Greenville's many activities.
https://www.visitgreenvillesc.com
Join us for a day of fun and fellowship. Choose from our list of activities, and we will create a day to remember.
Golf (RSVP by April 22 to reserve tee times). Please RSVP on the Google sheet.
Bowling: Please RSVP on the Google sheet.
Main Street Fridays: May 16 Odyssey Band Variety / Party
Shopping for the ladies
Walking downtown: shopping, viewing the city's art, dining, and exploring Unity Park.
Frankie Fun Park for the kids.
Falls Park: Greenville’s main attraction.
Greenville Drive Baseball
Peace Center for the Performing Arts: ( Back to the Future: The Musical)
Embassy Suites Golf Resort & Conference Center will be our base hotel.
670 Verdae Boulevard, Greenville, South Carolina, 29607, USA,
Use the link below to reserve your room and to get the SWU Alumni rate.
https://www.hilton.com/en/attend-my-event/southern-wesleyan-alumni-2025/
Ask An Alum (AAA)
This message is for our current students or recent grads. If you have questions or concerns, complete the form by clicking the link below. Someone will answer your question and get back to you with an answer. You can ask questions about majors, career choices, financial literacy, and life questions.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1JWJWwpSCP0c8XTC0yW1a6sy4objVA4MAwrM6icIt3Rs/edit
Please email us: swublackalumninetwork@gmail.com or rocam@swublackalumninetwork.com
WE NEED YOUR HELP!
Our History, Lost, Stolen, or Strayed?
Reflecting on the past 50 years at CWC/SWU, it's clear that our black alumni have been instrumental in shaping our college. Your contributions have been pivotal in every aspect of campus life. Yet, the campus lacks visible reminders of our presence.
As alumni, we must preserve our often-overlooked history on campus. We're on a mission to compile a comprehensive history that showcases our impact on the CWC/SWU campus.
You are probably asking, "What can I do?" If you have articles, photographs, awards, or life stories from your time on campus, share them with us. If you have research skills and want to assist us in searching the SWU archives for information, let us know. Remember, nothing is too insignificant to share. If you have a photo, please give us a short explanation. Make sure to include your name, class, and significance.
As a group, we can chronicle our history or fade into oblivion. We are Warriors, and we will not be forgotten.
Send all correspondence to rocam@swublackalumninetwork.com or swublackalumninetwork@gmail.com
Thank you,
Rosco Campbell
BAN Planning Member.
Central Wesleyan College opened its doors to black American students fifty years ago. The first class of 74 graduates was David Reeder and Kimley (Davis). Over the next few years, more African American students joined, and the rich education provided by the University grew.
Move forward to today. A year in virus lockdown and no public outings, a group of graduates Alphonso Williams (75), Matthew Young (78), Alvin Holland (77), William Hallums (75), and Rosco Campbell (76) began a weekly Zoom meeting, and the idea of a Black Alumni group was born. After many weeks of discussion and planning, we are ready to launch our outreach and ask you to join us.
We introduced the Southern Wesleyan Black Alumni Network to unite black alums through our social, cultural, and academic kinship. Also, to be known as BAN, the organization will cultivate a legacy of Black Excellence by strengthening bonds within the black alum community, fostering engagement with the University, and delivering programs that unite, educate, inspire, and transform future black alums of the University. No matter where you are, you can join the Southern Wesleyan University Black Alumni Network.
to foster and develop pride, prestige, and partnership among alumni, students, and the university. At the same time, we promote the value of education and a legacy for black alums; we are starting the Black Alumni Network. The bottom line is that we want to keep the black alums of SWU connected with the school. If you are interested in becoming a member of the Black Alumni Network, you can contact us at swublackalumninetwork@gmail.com. We will regularly recognize new members, announce different community and school events, and become more connected.
Click on the link below to see the campus virtual video tour
Check out our alums at homecoming 2022
Click on the link below and enjoy.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GlvMuVMIH04pHMA4bAA05l9vHVv...
Recent Events at SWU
BAN PLANNING MEMBERS
Alphonso Williams
William Hallums
Matthew Young
Alvin Holland
Rosco Campbell
Roger Williams
Charles Wimphrie
Kenneth Gist
Toney Madden
Making History at CWC
Harambee, First Black Organization at SWU
SWU First Soccer Team
Mary Vandiver, First Black cheerleader
2023 Fall Meet and Greet
2023 Fall Meet and Greet
2023 Fall Meet and Greet
2023 Fall Meet and Greet
2024-25 Men Basketball Team
00 Chris Osobaye, 1 Reco Hallmon, 2 Che Smith, 3 Marcus Long, 4 Ravon Allen, 5 Raheem Brizendine, 10 Chimeziri Okeoma, 11 Ceejay Jordan, 12 Bobby Taylor, 13 Jackson Moore, 15 Je'hvonni Hogan, 20 R.J. Bell, 21 Jamarras McCray, 22 Alex Javares23 Aaron Tims, 24 Eric Hackett, 33 Keyon Addie
A Journey through SWU History with photos
David Reeder, First Black Graduate 1974
Kimberly (Davis) Maienza First black Female graduate 1974
L to R: Al Holland, Dr. Ray Lattimore, Charles Wimphrie, Scott Drury, Al Williams, Roger Williams, Matt Young. Rosco Campbell was unable to attend.
2023 Business School Award Winner
22 Homecoming
2022 Homecoming
James Peppers (87)
Harambee
1971 Basketball Team
2022 Homecoming, Past meets present
2000 Women Basketball Team
1977 Basketball Team
L to R: Art Lever, Spencer Poitier, and Rosco Campbell
Alums enjoying a basketball game at SWU
BAN's brick dedication
Old friends getting together to talk about old times. L to R Charles Marshall, Al Holland, Roger Williams, and Matt Young.
CWC Homecoming Court
Alums visit with current SWU students
BAN members met for dinner before the Belmont Abbey Game.
L to R: Roger Williams, Scott Dury, Heath Mulikin (Alumni Director), Matt Young, Alvin Holland, Alphonso Williams, and Mr and Mrs Robbie Wiggins.
BAN members gather around the Alumni Walk to view the new section dedicated to the Black Alumni Network.
Matthew Young
2022 Business School Award Winner
Hall of Fame
Alvin Holland was a three-time team MVP, and was named Second Team NCCAA All-American in 1976. He earned First Team NCCAA All-American honors in 1977.
Hall of Fame
'82 Charles Wimphrie, Men's Basketball-2005
Hall of Fame
Raymond Lawson was a member of the men's basketball team and was named Second Team NCCAA All-American in 1982-1983. He earned First Team honors on the NCCAA All-American team in 1984-1985, and was a part of the 1983-1984 District 6 Championship team.
Hall of Fame
84 John Perry, Men's Basketball-2005
John Perry was a member of the men's basketball team and earned Third Team NAIA All-American honors in 1983-1984, after the team won the District 6 Championship. He followed that campaign with a First Team NAIA All-American honor for his efforts during the 1984-1985 season.
Hall of Fame
94 Uzzie Cannon, Women's Basketball-2005
Uzzie Cannon was a member of the women's basketball team, and is currently the all-time leading scorer and all-time leading rebounder in the school's history. She was the 1992 Palmetto Conference Player of the Year, the NAIA District 6 Player of the Year in 1993 and a Second Team NCCAA All-American in 1993-1994.
Hall of Fame
'81 Paul Johnson, Men's Soccer-2005
Paul Johnson was named 1st team NCCAA All-American two consecutive years in 1978 and 1979 for the Warrior men's soccer program.
Hall of Fame
'80 Innocent Nwankwo, Men's Soccer-2005
Innocent Nwankwo is the all-time leading scorer in the history of the men's soccer program. He was named 1st team NCCAA All-American in 1978 and 1979.
Rodney Stevens
Columbia, SC
Click on the link below to see and purchase his publication.
https://bookshop.org/contributors/rodney-stevens
Thank you for getting in touch!
One of our colleagues will get back to you shortly.
Have a great day!
