From the Director
Greetings!
It is my great pleasure to welcome you to the University of Illinois and to the programs, workshops, and resources of the Bruce D. Nesbitt African American Cultural Center (BNAACC). This Center has been a cultural hub for African American students and the Champaign-Urbana community for over 40 years.
To our new students, we have one characteristic in common which should cement a bond between us. I am equally new to this esteemed University. As the new Director of BNAACC, I envision a Center bustling with student activity and a Center dedicated to enhancing your experience in Urbana-Champaign. The BNAACC staff and I eagerly await your visits to the Center and I invite you to learn about our signature programs including 100 Strong, the Academy of African American Arts, "Food for the Soul," Women of Color Conference, and Black Congratulatory.
In the same vein, I urge you to support several new initiatives and programs that will be unveiled in the upcoming months like our future Black & Brown Male Summit. I am committed to the critical issues affecting African American students such as retention and identity development.
Brothers and sisters, the next several years of your life will be filled with bountiful opportunities. Take advantage of the University's academic and social resources. Volunteer your time and talents to a community center or mentor a middle school student. Challenge yourselves to be the brightest and best Illini to have set foot on this campus. More importantly, let the Bruce D. Nesbitt African American Cultural Center be your home and your haven. Your history starts here with us.
Best wishes,
Rory G. James
2010 Award Recipients
Connect. Learn. Achieve. Student Affairs at Illinois.