Welcome to BGSA Signature Events...
Summer Connection
Created by the Graduate School, the Summer Connection is a one-day program designed to help orient new graduate African descent students, both new and transfer students, to ASU while helping them to settle down in Phoenix, to explore what it means to be a student leader on a university campus, to strive for academic excellence and to develop a sense of cultural embeddedness within the college experience.
Summer Connection (2006-2007)
Mix & Mingle
Created by Sydella Blatch in 2005, BGSA Mix & Mingle gives an opportunity for African descent community to meet new and continuing graduate students at ASU. It is a social event where students network and socialize with each other. Also, students will be informed about BGSA programming & activities for the upcoming academic year (mini informational session).
Women's Empowerment Speaker Series
Created by Elodie V. Billionniere in 2007, BGSA Annual Women's Empowerment Speaker Series serves as our Women Philanthropy to raise awareness and celebrate the lives of women of African descent by addressing the (untold) issues that specifically impact their lives.
In 2007, the theme was Women Writers and our keynote speakers were Dr. Daryl Dance - Professor of English at the University of Richmond - and Dr. Krystal Zook - Associate Professor of Journalism at Hofstra University. read more
This year, 2008, the theme is The Power of Women in Overcoming Obstacles and Challenges. After carefully researching a speaker who would perfectly fit our vision, we have laid our eyes on Ms. Kemba Smith as our inspirational woman. read more
WE Care, YOU Care
Created by Elodie V. Billionniere in 2008, BGSA Annual Community Service Project is a one-day program during the National Hunger and Homeless Awareness Week that introduces opportunities to the homeless from Phoenix's high needs districts. Our facilitators will expose housing, health, education, and employment services for those in needs. The participants will get a realistic vision of what may be materialized from learning about available resources and how to utilize them.
Merging of the Minds Conference
Created by Jaseon Outlaw in 2006, The Merging of the Minds Conference is a time for minority faculty, graduate and undergraduate students to celebrate diversity, discuss tough issues, and help prepare future generations.
The purpose of the Merging of the Minds conference is three fold:
- To foster and nourish the knowledge base of undergraduate students of color
- To collaborate through interdisciplinary efforts to create and maintain academic relations among graduate and undergraduate students of color
- To prepare undergraduate students of color for excellence in graduate school through conference participation & networking
Topics Addressed:
- Minority Dispositions in higher Education (2008)
- Making the Transition from Undergraduate to Graduate School (2007)
BBQ
BGSA Annual BBQ is an afternoon event at the Kiwanis Park where professors, staff, graduate students, undergraduate students, and family members come together and socialize.