I Am A…
David T. Wilburn β15 says that he βwouldnβt have ever been involved with Shenandoah University,β if he hadnβt been a part of the Leadership and Mentoring Program (LAMP) at Shenandoah University and had made a strong connection with Associate Vice President for Student Leadership Development Fritz Polite, Ph.D.
Now a financial advisor for Equitable Advisors, Wilburn says that the courses he took as a sports industry major at the School of Business βprovided the infrastructure to piece together my industry.β Such courses included macroeconomics, microeconomics, international economics, accounting, finance, business policy and strategy and quantitative methods. He also credits both his experiences at Shenandoah for providing him the framework with how to maneuver in a professional setting and work around red tape.
Wilburn pursued his line of work because of the racial wealth gap. His fondest moments so far in his career include βhelping someone fully retire, eliminating $150,000 worth of student loan debt for a household and doing investment workshops for middle school students.β
He hopes to continue making an impact as a member of the Shenandoah Alumni Board and as treasurer of the Shenandoah University Black Alumni Network by offering a βraw and unfiltered perspective on the universityβs progress and its connection with students, faculty and those in the black community.β Wilburn also hopes to give students access to a perspective βbeyond the small school point of view.β He looks forward to supporting the universityβs Diversity & Inclusion scholarship in order to put dollars in the pockets of those who need it the most.
Quick Links
Happy New Year fellow alumni!
February is Black History Month, and I would like to acknowledge the contributions of Black Americans especially our alumni who are leading and making a difference in our families, communities and our world. I am mindful of the change they have inspired.
Late last month, I visited the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C. This was my second visit to learn and explore and I could return two more times and still not take it all in β it is overwhelmingly beautiful, informative and vast.
As I sat in the Contemplative Court where the fountain rains down and light shines in, I read the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., βWe are determined β¦ to work and fight until justice runs down like water and righteousness like a mighty streamβ and from Nelson Mandela βI cherish my own freedom dearly, but I care even more for your freedom.β Sam Cookeβs iconic song: βA change is gonna comeβ is also engraved. With change comes challenge and we continue to persevere with commitment and love.
We have three reunion weekends coming up during the month of April. We hope you will be able to join us for one or more of these celebrations.
Warm Regards,
Anne
Anne Lewis President, SU Alumni Association
Dear Alumni and Friends, Itβs almost fall here in the Shenandoah Valley! The days and nights are getting cooler, a welcome respite from the heat…
Dear Alumni and Friends, Swarm the Park: Hersheypark couldnβt have been more fun last Saturday, Aug. 10! The beautiful weather, splashing in the pools, endless…
Dear Alumni and Friends, Happy Summer to all. I hope youβve been having your fill of barbecues and sunshine. While weβve all been enjoying ourselves…
Dear Alumni and Friends, Happy Summer from the Shenandoah Valley! I hope yours is off to a great start, and that you’re able to take…
Dear Alumni and Friends, This past weekend Winchester celebrated its annual Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival. Shenandoah University was proudly represented in the Grand Feature Parade…
Dear Alumni and Friends, And, so it seems spring has finally sprung in the Shenandoah Valley. The budding trees and blooming flowers are a welcomed…
Dear Alumni and Friends, It certainly is a great week to be a Hornet! First, I want to congratulate Shamyra Wilkerson β19, who became the…
Dear Alumni and Friends, Well, it seems as though winter weather is upon us yet again in the Winchester area. And, if there is one…
Dear Alumni and Friends, Happy 2019! I hope you were able to cherish and make memories with loved ones during the holiday season. Itβs hard…
Dear Alumni and Friends, It certainly has been a November to remember at Shenandoah the past few weeks. On Nov. 5, the world-famous Harlem Globetrotters…