<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=399TBI_1GzpUq8O00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=399TBI_1GzpUq8O00" width="1200" height="800" ><figcaption>“There is something powerful about moving beyond conversation and putting those principles into action.”(Delta Sigma Theta Sorority)</figcaption></figure>From Oct. 23-25, the Rowan University Black Alumni Network (RUBAN) held its Homecoming Celebration weekend, honoring many important figures that shaped the organization, and look to honor more such as the likes of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.But on that Sunday, the organization ended the weekend by hosting its annual Paul A. Hilton ‘83 Fellowship Breakfast, which honored this year’s Outstanding Alumni Nominees. The honorees included the Rev. Albert Morgan and Jennifer Carter-Lawyer. Two alumni who have provided a plethora of service to their communities.The highest honor went to Julie A. Peterson, a Rowan University administrator who has been at the university for five decades and is set to retire come December 2026.In her honor, a scholarship endowment fund with aims for a five-year fundraising campaign of $25,000 has been placed, titled the Julie A. Peterson Endowed Scholarship, which will give support to students in the Dr. Harley E. Flack Mentoring Program.The scholarship was placed as a five year endowment to nurture a full scholarship.According to many alumni and members of the organization, Peterson has made a major impact on their lives as former students. Even after they moved on from their time at Rowan, they hope that the scholarship will help further her legacy.Melanie Burney, a Rowan alum from 1984 and co-founder of RUBAN, shared that the alumni network will honor Peterson’s legacy by picking up where she left off with her mantle, but also acknowledges that Peterson is irreplaceable.“We will honor her legacy by picking up the mantle and doing the work. She is irreplaceable and leaves an incredible void. It is time for others to step up,” said Burney.Burney also praised Peterson’s mentorship and the lasting impact that she had on her throughout her personal and professional life.“I met Julie when I was a freshman in 1980. She has been my mentor and friend. I absolutely adore her. Forty six years later, she remains a source of inspiration and encouragement. She supports me personally and professionally,” said Burney.Other members, such as Anthony Phillips, who is another co-founder of RUBAN, also expressed the impact that Peterson has had on his life and how she remains an influence to this day.“Julie was always impeccable in her appearance, professional in her manner, and confident in a way that young men and women like us needed to see more often. And the beautiful thing is, Julie and I are still working together. That speaks volumes about the lasting relationship, mutual respect, and continued commitment to making a difference that we share. Julie is more than a mentor and friend; she is family,” said Phillips.<figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=2cHzZf_1GzpUq8O00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2cHzZf_1GzpUq8O00" width="400" height="497" ><figcaption>I absolutely adore her. Forty six years later, she remains a source of inspiration and encouragement. She supports me personally and professionally. (Rowan University)</figcaption></figure>Kera L. Redman, another member of RUBAN, expressed that the scholarship will do more than just provide financial support for students, but also assure them that there are people who believe in them.“I believe this scholarship will do so much more than provide financial assistance. It will serve as a reminder to students that there are people who believe in their potential and are invested in their success. Julie has spent over half a century pouring into students, often going above and beyond what was expected of her. Having a scholarship in her name ensures that her commitment to student success continues for the next generation of Rowan students,” said Redman.When it comes to honoring legacy, Burney and the other members of RUBAN are also slightly disappointed in the change to the already established Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship Breakfast, as it was recently announced that it would be turned into a Day of Service. Burney in particular is disappointed in this decision due to her personal connections to the Civil Rights Movement. Burney feels that it sends the wrong message to the alumni and the South Jersey community.“As a child of the civil rights movement, I was beyond shocked and disappointed to learn that the King Day breakfast has been cancelled. It sends the wrong message to Black alumni and the community,” said Burney. “The breakfast filled a need in South Jersey. It attracted hundreds of people to the campus and offered an opportunity to hear firsthand from some of the leading civil rights leaders of the day who were members of Dr. King’s inner circle. It is unfortunate that Rowan did not see value in the event, very shortsighted.”Even with her dissatisfaction, Burney stated that RUBAN has plans to try the breakfast off-campus. “RUBAN plans to explore the possibility of sponsoring the King Day breakfast off campus. We believe this tradition should continue and we are mobilizing to make it happen. We invite others who believe in this mission to join us,” said Burney.Phillips shared that he was also disappointed, but hopes that the transition is successful. “I believe Rowan University’s decision to discontinue hosting the MLK Breakfast without meaningful input from the community that created, sustained, and supported this event for 40 years was a major misstep. [Though] I sincerely hope Rowan University’s transition to an MLK Day of Service is as successful as possible and, most importantly, meaningfully benefits those in need,” said Phillips.Redman shared similar sentiments, but acknowledges that putting thought into action is quite powerful. She also shared that she hopes the university remains true to its intentions about the change in the event.“It was disappointing to hear; however, I understand the intention behind transitioning to a Day of Service because Dr. King’s legacy was deeply rooted in service, community, and collective responsibility,” said Redman. “There is something powerful about moving beyond conversation and putting those principles into action. My hope is that as Rowan embraces a Day of Service, the university remains intentional about preserving opportunities for reflection, education, and connection. Service is important, but so is understanding the history and significance behind why we serve.” For comments/questions about this story, DM us on Instagram @thewhitatrowan or email [email protected]</div></body>

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From Oct. 23-25, the Rowan University Black Alumni Network (RUBAN) held its Homecoming Celebration weekend, honoring many important figures that shaped the organization, and look to honor more such as the likes of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. But on that Sunday, the organization ended the weekend by hosting its...

RUBAN honors legacy while raising concerns over MLK Breakfast

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From Oct. 23-25, the Rowan University Black Alumni Network (RUBAN) held its Homecoming Celebration weekend, honoring many important figures that shaped the

RUBAN honors legacy while raising concerns over MLK Breakfast

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