Five Things You Need to Know About TUBAA
The Temple University Black Alumni Alliance is an alumni organization that is all about giving back and working together to move forward while having fun. Here’s everything you need to know to join the force.
On September 8, 2006, The Temple University Black Alumni Alliance (TUBAA) was founded to recognize and contribute to the success of Black alumni and create a space for ongoing connection, collaboration and positive change. Additionally, TUBAA serves as a platform for alumni to give back to their communities and those who follow in their footsteps here at Temple, creating a cycle of support and empowerment for future generations.
Led by a powerhouse of accomplished individuals, TUBAA strives to provide a supportive and interconnected community that thrives on shared experiences and a commitment to shaping the future of Temple. This organization stands in a special place where Temple pride and Black excellence intersect to celebrate the transformative power of giving back, mutual support and connections that continue to blossom long after graduation.
From generating powerful networking and social engagement opportunities to creating boundless impact for current and prospective students and the entire Temple community, TUBAA is not just a network; it's a force for good! Join us as we unravel the top five things you need to know about TUBAA and learn how this alliance is breaking barriers, building bridges and having a blast!
The Mission
The purpose of TUBAA is to help Temple Black alumni stay connected to one another and to the university, thereby establishing and maintaining a mutually beneficial relationship. TUBAA works to further the mission and welfare of the Temple University Alumni Association and Temple University. They accomplish this through events, community service and philanthropy. Their areas of focus include alumni engagement, social and professional networking, growing and sustaining the TUBAA Scholarship for Black students and connecting with Black students.
The most important thing to know is that once you graduate, you become a part of TUBAA. We just need you to get involved and stay active.
The Board
Marilyn M. Lamore, SSW, '02, is the current TUBAA President, director-at-large for the Temple University College of Public Health Alumni Association and a member of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women and the Alliance of Black Social Workers, Inc. Marilyn holds a bachelor’s degree in social work administration from Temple University, a master’s degree in social work from Widener University and works as a supervisor for specialized behavioral foster homes and intake for a nonprofit organization. Her passion is finding forever homes for children currently in foster care. In her personal time, you’ll find Marilyn engaging in her church, watching sports as an avid Philadelphia Eagles fan, working out or spending time with family and friends. You can look forward to seeing Marilyn at one of our TUBAA events.
The rest of the alliance board includes:
Ricardo Suplice, FOX ’13, Vice President
Sharese Shedrick, FOX ’02, Past President
Natasha Andrews, CLA ’99
Raven Brewington, CPH ’16
Crystal M. Edwards, KLN ’98
Rashonda Harris, FOX ’12
Jakai Jackson, FOX ’04
Nicole Jenkins, FOX ’02
Dia Jones, STHM ’00
Carniesha Kwashie, CLA ’04
Natasha Patterson, CLA ’99
Aineya Ricketts, FOX ’09
Nicole Sancho, CLA ’05
Monique Scott, CLA ’01
Stacy Shrieves, KLN ’06
Al-Lynn Symmons, FOX ’05
Danielle Tomlinson CLA ’06
The Scholarship
In 2019, TUBAA launched an ambitious campaign to fund annual scholarships for students majoring in Africology and African American studies who were experiencing gaps or difficulty affording a Temple education.
With the initial funds raised, TUBAA was able to provide a scholarship to a deserving student, Ann Rosenblum, a nontraditional first-generation student pursuing a dual degree in Africology and African American studies and English. Even with a 4.0 GPA, Ann found it challenging to pay for tuition and faced the prospect of leaving Temple due to a gap in tuition affordability.
“This award has eased that financial burden and allowed me to focus on my education without a sense of impending doom. I am now able to pursue my academic interests without limiting my scope,” said Ann.
In line with TUBAA’s mission of supporting black students at Temple University and giving back to the surrounding community as a whole, TUBAA has been working to endow this scholarship to help provide financial resources for students in need each year. This fund has officially become an endowed scholarship as of June 2024.
With your gift, you ensure that students like Ann can make the most of their Temple experience without worrying about the costs of tuition.
The Events
TUBAA hosts a slate of exciting events annually, each designed to bring members together in unique and meaningful ways. From education and community building to entertainment and family fun, these events provide diverse opportunities matching the interests and needs of its members.
Aligning with its mission to contribute to the success of Black alumni, TUBAA hosts personal and professional development events featuring Black alumni speakers. These events equip alumni with valuable insights and resources in financial wellness, mental health and more. Additionally, TUBAA’s commitment to community service shines through in the Holiday Book Drive event, where members provide books for the K–12 students of North Philadelphia to foster a love for reading and learning.
TUBAA also shakes things up with fun social events like Bingo to engage in a bit of friendly competition and win Temple gear while supporting the scholarship, a Craft Night to express yourself artistically while meeting new friends and a Family Field Day to bring your children to campus for a day of bonding, Temple pride and various recreational activities.
Throughout the year, you can also find a TUBAA presence at Temple’s signature events like Homecoming and Family Weekend and various service projects during Temple Made Days. Together, these diverse and engaging events create inclusive spaces where shared experiences, personal development and meaningful connections take center stage.
How to Get Involved.
Whether you’re starting your own business, working abroad or starting a family, it’s the quest for excellence that over 30,000 Black Temple alumni share in common. TUBAA upholds a collective responsibility to those who led the way and those who will follow, on campus and worldwide. If you’re a Black alum who shares these values, you're automatically a part of this group. How can you help advance the mission and get more involved?
- Join TUBAA at an upcoming event and celebrate your place in TUBAA’s legacy!
- Make a gift to the TUBAA Scholarship.
- Purchase a TUBAA t-shirt. All proceeds go to the Scholarship fund.
- Stay in touch by following TUBAA on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
- Subscribe to TUBAA’s email listserv.
- Share TUBAA news and events with your network of TUBAA Owls.
- Consider running for a board position. Sign up for the TUBAA listserv and be on the lookout for a call for nominations in April!
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