During Marymount University’s 75th anniversary Homecoming celebration, members of the newly formed Black Alumni Club (BAC) met for their inaugural event—a mixer to create a sense of community and connection among returning alumni.
Among the organizers was Interior Design alumna Tayler Jones ‘12, who is spearheading the BAC initiative as the club’s first board chair.
“I came to Marymount specifically for the Interior Design program,” Jones explained. “I realized it had exactly what I was looking for—an accredited, rigorous four-year design program that balanced creativity with professional training. It had an excellent reputation and strong curriculum that really prepared students for the real world. Looking back, it turned out to be a great choice.”
While at Marymount, Jones met the peers and friends who would later become the founding members of the Black Alumni Club, including board co-chair Jeffrey Wilkins ‘12 and board members Megan Brooks ‘12, Ciera Nicole Butts ‘12, Charlene Fowler ‘12 and Aaron Walsh ‘13 & ‘18.
The six have remained close friends since graduation and regularly gather for their own mini-reunions. It was at a recent Memorial Day event that the group laid the groundwork for its new initiative.
“The idea for the club really started with the desire to strengthen the network for Black students and alumni at Marymount,” Jones said. “As Marymount students, we were all active in clubs or leadership. We saw firsthand how community makes a difference, and we wanted to recreate that same sense of belonging and support for today’s students.”
When Jones and Wilkins pitched the idea to the group, Brooks said it felt like the perfect way to give back to the community that brought them together.
“As soon as I heard the idea, I was all in. I wanted to help however I could. I’m passionate about supporting college students and recent graduates because I know firsthand how challenging that transition can be, from school to professional life. It’s a big adjustment, and sometimes you just need someone to listen and guide you through it.”
Jones explained that the mission of the club will be to “empower, connect and celebrate” Marymount students and alumni.
“The connect and celebrate parts focus on alumni—creating space to come together, reflect on our shared experiences and celebrate how far we’ve come since our days on campus. The empower part focuses on current students—helping them build professional networks, find mentors and develop confidence as they prepare for their careers.”
With a passionate board and clear mission, the Black Alumni Club began planning its first event—a homecoming mixer on the rooftop of Placemaker Marymount Ballston. The event brought together over 60 alumni from across the country to celebrate their shared Marymount experiences. They also welcomed Black Student Union members to mingle and network with returning alumni.
“It was amazing meeting current students and hearing about what they’re working on,” Brooks said. “They’re doing amazing things, and we want to learn how we can best support them. Our ultimate goal is to build a strong network that connects alumni while also supporting current students, helping them find internships, mentors and advice from people who’ve been in their shoes.”
With one successful event under its belt, Jones says the club will continue to ramp up its event schedule as interest and membership increase. She hopes they can host one event per semester, with programming ranging from happy hours and social events to professional panels and speed-mentoring sessions.
“Strong communities don’t just happen by accident,” Jones said. “You have to be intentional about creating them. Serving as chair of the Black Alumni Club is my way of helping build that community—one that celebrates identity, supports growth and ensures that every student and alum feels they belong at Marymount.”
