I Am A…
David T. Wilburn ’15 says that he “wouldn’t have ever been involved with Shenandoah University,” if he hadn’t 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 “provided the infrastructure to piece together my industry.” 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 “helping someone fully retire, eliminating $150,000 worth of student loan debt for a household and doing investment workshops for middle school students.”
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 “raw and unfiltered perspective on the university’s progress and its connection with students, faculty and those in the black community.” Wilburn also hopes to give students access to a perspective “beyond the small school point of view.” He looks forward to supporting the university’s Diversity & Inclusion scholarship in order to put dollars in the pockets of those who need it the most.
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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 – 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., “We are determined … to work and fight until justice runs down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream” and from Nelson Mandela “I cherish my own freedom dearly, but I care even more for your freedom.” Sam Cooke’s iconic song: “A change is gonna come” 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
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