SWU BLACK ALUMNI NETWORK
Connecting SWU Black Alumni Network members through social events and activities.
Transfer Commit to Warriors
You can now view us on BAN's LinkedIn page. Click on the link below to join us.
https://www.linkedin.com/company/southern-wesleyan-universit...
If you graduated with the Class of 1976, please get in touch with us. We would be honored to recognize you at our Achievement Dinner on October 17, 2026. Please contact us at [email protected] or [email protected]
Did you miss last year’s achievement dinner? We missed some of you. The Date for 2026 is October, 16-18.
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 ."
The event will be held on October 17 at 5 PM at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Greenville Golf Resort & Conference Center in Greenville, SC. We anticipate a fantastic evening of dinner, presentations, and fellowship.
We would be honored to have you attend this special occasion. Please RSVP to our email address([email protected]) by September 31, 2026, or complete the Google Sheet. https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Yl5NHpWQEs_elYICbjIfrQRWE8cxPKw4xrz_4BrRp2A/edit?usp=sharing.
Make it a weekend of fun and relaxation. We will have a hospitality suite on Friday for those arriving early, and the suite will also be open for cards and beverages on the 16th. A list of hotels is included for your consideration.
We eagerly anticipate celebrating with you.
Sincerely,
Rosco Campbell
SWU Black Alumni Network]
Considerations: Greenville is one of the best places to visit, with many amazing things to do. 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
We are asking for your help. We are planning our second annual Achievement Dinner. If you would like to assist us by serving on one of our committees, please email us at [email protected].
South Carolina Morticians Association
2026 PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR | Mayor Kenneth Gist
We all go through seasons where we need extra support. If you are facing a difficult time, carrying a heavy burden, or have a specific need, we are here to stand with you. Please feel free to reach out and share your prayer requests with us.
Use the link below to request prayer for your needs.
We are looking for great stories about SWU Black Alumni making a difference in their communities. If you have a great story or know of an alum with one, could you share it with us? Please send it to [email protected] or [email protected].
Use the link below to share your story.
Looking Back
Click on the links below to revisit some of our past activities.
https://rocam696.wistia.com/medias/6et4qhbsx1
BAN member doing great work
Mayor Kenneth "Turk" Gist moving Woodruff, SC Forward
Woodruff leaders break ground on $30M project, including new athletic complex, charter school
Woodruff is “a real sports town,” declared Mayor Kenneth E. Gist.
When there’s a home football game at Woodruff High School, “you won’t see anybody out on the town,” said Gist, who was part of the 1975 state championship team led by legendary coach Willie Varner.
“The only ones not there are the new people, and we’re starting to get them to come out, too.”
Those “new people” are part of the significant industrial and residential growth the Woodruff area has seen in recent years.
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The two dynamics – Woodruff’s longstanding enthusiasm for athletics and its ongoing population surge – mean that the town’s limited recreation facilities are in high demand.
On Oct. 8, local leaders broke ground on a $30 million project that will provide opportunities for Woodruff area youngsters and families for years to come.
Local leaders took part in a groundbreaking for the Riverbend Athletic Complex in Woodruff on Oct. 8.
The Riverbend Athletic Complex, under development on Godfrey Town Road and scheduled to open in 2027, will feature baseball and soccer fields, walking trails, and pickleball courts.
There will also be a dog park and a kayak launching point on the Enoree River.
“This is exciting. It’s totally awesome,” said Gist.
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The primary source of funding is development impact fees imposed several years ago, said Lee Bailey, Woodruff's city manager.
2025-2026 Women and Men Basketball Teams
NEW
We now have a Facebook page.
Click here to visit our Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/people/SWU-Black-Alumni-Network-BAN...
We invite you to our Zoom meetings each Monday at 7 p.m. We need your input and suggestions as we grow the Black Alumni network. Use the link below to join us.
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/6829406472?pwd=amFJUXdsVTNRMDVLTjBtcnFDNW8wdz09
Something New from SWU
Southern Wesleyan has launched a new partnership with Giftwise, a provider of high-quality legal forms, to offer free will packages for all alumni and friends of SWU, including current faculty, staff, and students. The package includes a Last Will & Testament, a Durable Power of Attorney for finances, and a Health Care Power of Attorney and Living Will. Every adult, regardless of age or resources, needs a set of these documents. Comparable legal form packages retail online for $179 or more. Click on he link below to learn more.
Jessica Anderson
Instructor of Writing and Digital Studies
Department: Division of Humanities
Joe Crosby
Chair, Division of Social Science and Assistant Professor of Recreation and Sport Management
Department: Division of Social Sciences
Mildred Williams
Associate Professor of Psychology and Program Coordinator for MS in Counseling Psychology
Atrez Flemings
Assistant Professor of Education
Mona Thornton
Professor of Education
BAN's 2025 Meet and Greet/Achievement Dinner
Embassy Suites by Hilton Greenville Golf Resort & Conference Center
L to R: Rosco Campbell (76), Matthew Young (78), and Dr. Thomas L Francis (98)
Embassy Suites by Hilton Greenville Golf Resort & Conference Center
Enjoying a round of golf at the Black Alumni Network Achievement Weekend
SWU Black Alumni Network Achievement Weekend
BAN's 2025 Award winners
From L to R:
Charles Wimphrie, Lifetime Leadership Award
Byron Wimphrie, Outstanding Alumni of the Year
LaCheryl Smith, Educational Leadership Award
Tori Kennedy- Campus Leadership Award
Whitney Wright, Rising Star Leadership Award
Kenneth Gist, Civic Leadership Award
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: [email protected]
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 [email protected] or [email protected]
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 [email protected]. 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
Blast From the Past
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
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!
