ABOUT US

The Detroit chapter of the Michigan State University Black Alumni organization is the largest chapter in existence. The chapter's membership includes Black alumni from all over southeastern Michigan and we provide a wide range of events throughout the year to keep our members engaged.

MSUBA Purpose

The purpose of the Michigan State University Black Alumni ( MSUBA) is to support and promote the welfare and interests of Black alumni, students, faculty and staff of Michigan State University.

MSUBA Goals

1. Implement programs to enhance educational opportunities and the quality of life for Black alumni, students, faculty and staff at MSU.
2. Provide a framework for alumni, with interests common to the organization, to meet both formally and informally for educational, professional, and social purposes.
3. Advocate the need for MSU to continue an active program of affirmative action to ensure the involvement and participation of Black students, faculty and staff in all aspects of the university, at all levels.
4. Establish communication linkages between Black alumni, students, faculty and staff at MSU to maintain a common awareness of issues being addressed or to be addressed by the organization.
5. Mobilize resources to assist Black students in their matriculation at MSU.
6. Provide assistance in the recruitment and retention of Black students, faculty, and staff at MSU.

MSU Black Alumni History

Prior to 1980, homecoming activities specifically for Black alumni were sporadic. That all changed when approximately 600 black alumni and friends participated in the 1980 Homecoming at the MSU University Club. During that Homecoming a survey was was taken that indicated an interest in establishing a formal organization and in continued homecoming activities.

In December 1980 the committee met with the MSU Alumni Association to discuss possible affiliation. The committee worked from December 1980 through April, 1981 to develop a constitution and by-laws for MSU black alumni. The constitution and by- laws and a request for charter membership as an affiliate were submitted to the MSU Alumni Association in May 1981.

During June 1981 the group began to formalize activities. Interim dues were established and interim officers were elected. Three committees - Constitution and By-Laws, Homecoming and Newsletter - were established. In September 1981 the incorporation papers were filed. The MSU Alumni Association approved our request for affiliate group status on October 16,1981 and the 1980 Homecoming Committee donated $1,500 to MSU Black Alumni as organizational seed money with $1000 earmarked for scholarships.

The first Board of Directors was elected in October 1981 and chapters were established accross the U.S. Since then, the MSU Black Alumni endowment fund has grown to over $1 Million.