Dillard University proudly celebrates the outstanding participation of our Pre-Alumni Council (PAC) students at the 2025 National Alumni & Pre-Alumni Councils Leadership Conference, held February 20-23,2025 in Memphis, TN. Led by Amanda Winfield-Buford, ’08, Director of Alumni Relations, and Nezrene James, Alumni Officer & PAC Advisor, a delegation of 20 remarkable PAC students represented Dillard University with distinction.
Empowering Future Leaders
This transformative experience provided our students with unparalleled leadership development, networking opportunities, and valuable insights into strengthening alumni engagement. We are incredibly proud of their commitment to excellence and dedication to the Dillard legacy.
PAC Executive Leadership Board:
- Autumn Ross ‘25 – President
- Ravien Burns ’25 – Vice President
- A’Layla Jackson ’28 – Secretary
- DeAndrew Thomas ’25 – Treasurer
- Nadia Franklin ‘28 – Freshman Representative
- Jayla Walker ‘28 – Freshman Representative
Dillard Represented at Miss National UNCF Coronation
- Miss UNCF – Jaylen Holden ‘26
- Mr. UNCF – Paris Allen ‘27
The highlight of the annual leadership conference, the Miss National UNCF Coronation, crowns the representative of the institution that raises the highest amount of funds. The evening includes talent displays, awards, and scholarship presentations.
UNCF Project STAY Ceremony
The Project STAY Ceremony encourages graduating seniors to remain engaged as active alumni. Congratulations to our 11 graduating seniors who participated:
- Autumn Ross
- Ravien Burns
- DeAndrew Thomas
- Charra Bridges
- Jason Adams
- Abbeylynn Gonzalez
- Cymione Holmes
- Sydney Landry
- Donavan Ruble
- Michael Sumbler
- Taylor Turnstall
Dillard University Earns Prestigious Awards
Dillard University was honored with the George L. Hightower Attendance Award, recognizing the PAC institution with the largest student registration at the conference.
Scholarship Recipients:
- DeAndrew Thomas ’25 – $2,500
- Charra Bridges ‘25 – $1,500
- A’Layla Jackson ‘28 – $1,500
- Paris Simon ‘27 – $1,500
Honoring Our Distinguished Alumni
- UNCF National Alumni Council Hall of Honor Inductee: Roland Pickens ‘85
- Cecelia E. Washington Award Recipients: Dr. Otis Anderson, III ‘98 & Dr. Angela Anderson ‘98
- Outstanding Young Alumni Award: Tevon Blair ‘18
A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Donors and Alumni
Your generosity made this life-changing experience possible for our students! Because of you, they had the chance to engage with more than 500 HBCU leaders, funding experts, sponsors, and alumni at the nation’s largest and most impactful African American education organization—UNCF.
Special appreciation to our dedicated alumni who went above and beyond to support this initiative:
- LaQuinta Golliday ’95 – NAC UNCF Financial Secretary
- Shirley J. Williams-Kane ’97 – NAC UNCF NAA Presidents’ Cabinet Chair
- Phyllis Ball ’73 – IAC New York Member
- Tiffani Moore ’02 – DUNAA President
- Mack McGinnis ’84 – DUNAA Greater New Orleans Chapter President
- Christine Mitchell ’91 – DUNAA Greater New Orleans Chapter 2nd Vice President
- Erica M. Williams ‘08
- Eric O. Harris ‘95
- Jermany Gray ’22
- Memphis-area alumni – for their unwavering support and presence
Your commitment to paying it forward embodies the spirit of Dillard University and the legacy of HBCUs. Thank you for investing in our students’ future and ensuring they have the mentorship, experiences, and connections to become the next generation of leaders, innovators, and change-makers.
UNCF National Alumni Council Hall of Honor Inductee: Roland Pickens ‘85
Cecelia E. Washington Award Recipients: Dr. Otis Anderson, III ‘98
Cecelia E. Washington Award Recipients: Dr. Angela Anderson ‘98
Outstanding Young Alumni Award: Tevon Blair ‘18
