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The Black Alumni of ÐÇ¿ÕÎÞÏÞ´«Ã½ are a group of passionate alumni who are dedicated to creating an active network for alumni and building positive support systems for current Black students at ÐÇ¿ÕÎÞÏÞ´«Ã½. This group is seeking additional people who would like to be involved with developing the ground work to create positive experiences for those involved. 

Check out more information about the

Contact the group for general inquiries: blackalumni@millikin.edu

Meet the Board of Directors for 2022: 

• Tamara Butler '01

  • Ms. Tamara Butler was raised in Peoria, Illinois.  She attended ÐÇ¿ÕÎÞÏÞ´«Ã½ University where she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services in 2001.  She continued her education at the University of Illinois, acquiring her Master’s Degree in Social Work with her concentration in School Social Work in 2005.  In December of 2017 she completed her Master’s in Education Administration at Northern Illinois University.  Ms. Butler had been employed by Illinois Central College as an Adjunct Professor for 5 years and with Peoria Public Schools as a School Worker for 11 years prior to relocating to Rockford, Illinois to work as a School Social Worker in 2016.  Ms. Butler is currently an assistant school principal in with Rockford Public Schools. Ms. Butler is a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. having held a variety of executive positions

• Amanda McGraw '15

  • Amanda McGraw is currently a Licensed Clinical Social Worker focusing on mental health and substance use disorders.  She received her Master's from Aurora University in May 2017.  She is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc and was initiated at Tau Iota in 2015 at MU. While attending MU she was apart of several organization such as Long-Vanderburg Scholar, Sister Circle, UCB, Homecoming Committee, Student United Way and Best Buddies. She is thrilled to continue be a part of ÐÇ¿ÕÎÞÏÞ´«Ã½ and give back through service as part of the BAM executive team. 

• Joshua Miller '18 

  • Joshua is a Chicago native who graduated from ÐÇ¿ÕÎÞÏÞ´«Ã½ in 2018. Has worked as an actor in Chicago since graduation and has found a love for producing and teaching. He is excited to serve in connecting Alumni back to ÐÇ¿ÕÎÞÏÞ´«Ã½ and creating a new legacy.

• Cassie Monfiston ' 11 

  • Cassie completed her Bachelor of Arts in Communication/Public Relations at ÐÇ¿ÕÎÞÏÞ´«Ã½ University in 2011. While at MU, she held positions such as the Multicultural Student Council President, Multicultural Greek Council Vice President, Student Senate Liaison, and BSU’s Miss Ebony ‘11. She also became a lifelong member of a public service sorority; Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She has since committed her life to public service, volunteering, giving back to the community, and fundraising. In 2016, she gained a Master’s certificate in Paralegal Studies from Roosevelt University in Chicago. Cassie has served in various roles over the past decade including a union construction laborer, flight attendant, and completed 2 AmeriCorps service terms. She recently joined Black Alumni of ÐÇ¿ÕÎÞÏÞ´«Ã½ Affinity Group to connect black alumni to current students, and maximize the black student’s experience. She resides on the southeast side of Chicago and is a mom to a beautiful 3 year old boy. She is currently working as a clerk and expeditor at the United States Postal Service, dispatching military and international mail. 

Interested in joining a committee for 2022?

1. Program and Events Committee: Assist in the development and coordination of new activities and events sponsored by BAM. This includes signature BAM events, Homecoming, networking opportunities, mentorship programming, and a bi-monthly roundtable. Nominate students, faculty, alumni, and friends of the University for various BAM sponsored awards, scholarships, and recognition.

2. Student Affairs: Serve as the liaison between BAM and current students in order to build a stronger connection with the campus, serve as a resource to the students, and advise the Board regarding student issues. Student liaison will serve on this committee. 

3. Marketing & Communications: Develop consistent communication with BAM members, other alumni groups, campus departments, and students. Monitor and update social media accounts. Communicate with ÐÇ¿ÕÎÞÏÞ´«Ã½â€™s Marketing and Media Relations Office about resources needed to meet guidelines of the University. 

4. Membership and Nominations: Develop and coordinate efforts related to promoting and maintaining BAM membership for Black graduates and alumni (with completion of at least 12 credit hours) of the University.

5. Finance Committee: Develops budgets along with committee chairs for the upcoming fiscal year and budgets for BAM programs and activities as needed. Aid in creating new scholarship, grant, and award opportunity for black students. The Faculty liaison will serve on this committee.