Established: 1990
Mission
The Afro-American Alumni Association’s mission is to encourage, inspire, enlighten, empower and serve as advocates for students who attend Bridgewater State University, by building partnerships with the university, members and friends of our Association and the greater community at large. We do this to ensure a quality experience for all students before, during and after their time at Bridgewater.
Leadership
President: Samantha Joseph, '04
Vice-President: Christian Gonsalves, '96
Secretary: Mia Hazlett, '95
Membership Requirements
Any graduate of Bridgewater State University who is either of color or an ally.
Meeting Schedule
Spring 2023
Monday, January 9th @ 6 PM - join via Zoom
Monday, February 13th @ 6 PM - join via Zoom
Monday, March 13th @ 6 PM - join via Zoom
Monday, April 10th @ 6 PM - join via Zoom
Monday, May 5th @ 6 PM - join via Zoom
Monday, June 12th @ 6 PM - join via Zoom
Related Giving Opportunities
The Afro-American Alumni Association has successfully endowed several scholarship funds with preferences for students from African descent. Support the funds below and make your gift today!
This scholarship benefits a financially deserving student of African-American, Cape Verdean, or Latino descent who has earned a cumulative GPA of 3.2 or above. Consideration will be given to those with demonstrated dedication to helping others as evidenced by volunteerism, strong leadership, initiative, consensus building, and personal integrity.
This scholarship is named in honor of John “Bertie” Cruz’s lifetime achievements in business leadership and commitment to the value of education. Two scholarships are presented: the first to an upperclassman, and the second to a first-year student. Each candidate will have a strong record of academic achievement with a minimum 3.0 GPA and involvement in community service. Preference is given to students of Cape Verdean descent from New Bedford, Brockton, or Cape Cod.
This scholarship is named in recognition of Dr. Robert Daniel’s 30 years of service as a professor in the Department of Elementary and Early Childhood Education. Two scholarships are presented annually to students of African-American descent. The first is presented to the Afro-American senior student with the highest GPA, and the second to a sophomore who has the most significant academic improvement over his or her freshman year.
This scholarship was established in 1999 in honor of Mr. Paul Gaines, who served as assistant to the president for affirmative action and minority affairs. This scholarship is presented to an undergraduate student with a GPA of 2.5 or higher. Preference is given to Black, Cape Verdean, and Hispanic students of African descent from Massachusetts or Rhode Island who are majoring in education and preparing for careers in teaching or counseling.
Named in honor of Ruth Batson, ’90, this scholarship benefits minority students in good academic standing. Preference is given to students of African-American descent with a proven record of co-curricular involvement and community service.
Endowed by a gift from Dr. William Lydecker, the Ann Lydecker Scholarship honors the former provost and vice president of academic affairs and benefits a minority student who demonstrates financial need and is making satisfactory progress toward an undergraduate degree in elementary education.
This scholarship is named in honor of Henry Santos, professor of music from 1971-1991, for his lifetime devotion to the composition, performance, and teaching of music. This scholarship benefits a student majoring in either special education or elementary education in preparation for a career in teaching. Preference is given to a student of Black, Cape Verdean, Hispanic, African, or Native American descent from Massachusetts.
Endowed by a gift from the Estate of Stella Fogelman, ’16, this scholarship benefits disadvantaged undergraduate or graduate students by assisting with the purchase of books and other scholarship-related expenses. The funds will be distributed on a merit basis.
Jerrol was a junior at BSU when he unexpectedly passed away. He was a graduate of Brockton High School and a recipient of the Rose Scholarship several times while at BSU. Established in 2002, this scholarship recognizes a student of color who has demonstrated leadership, community service, unselfishness, and a commitment to diversity. Preference is given to an African-American graduate of Brockton High School.
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