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Alumni

Alumni of Color Collective (ACC)

Welcome!                 Alumni of Color Collective Logo

Alumni of Color Collective (ACC) provides meaningful opportunities for all alumni to engage with the Illinois Wesleyan community through social, educational, and service activities in support of historically underrepresented alumni and students. Our goal is to support community and belonging among the Illinois Wesleyan University community. 

Formerly known as "Minority Alumni Network" or "The Network,"  The Collective was formed in 1991 to celebrate and support the proud heritage of historically underrepresented alumni and students at IWU. Alumni of Color Collective's mission is to showcase accomplishments of alumni from the global majority and to provide the conduit to support incoming and current underrepresented students. All alumni, faculty, staff, and friends of the University are welcome to join!

The Alumni Association provides all alumni with opportunities to continue learning, strengthen friendships, and remain involved with the IWU community. The Alumni of Color Collective (ACC) operates under the authority of the Alumni Association Board of Directors. The Alumni of Color Collective Executive Board governs the greater Collective and is led by the Collective chair.

Meet the Current Executive Board:

Past Collective Chairs:

  • Mary Miller '07
  • Qiana Cryer-Coupet '06
  • Cecilia Mendoza '13
  • Deon Hornsby '97
  • Tony Gray '98
  • Ansel Johnson '81
  • Debbie Burt-Frazier '75
  • Phyllis Barker '73

The Alumni of Color Collective strives to...

  • Support the recruitment of incoming students from all racial and ethnic backgrounds
  • Serve as mentors to current Illinois Wesleyan students
  • Provide networking opportunities amongst Collective Members and fellow Titans
  • Encourage gifts to the University in alignment with the Collective's mission
  • Come together to raise funds for student scholarships

The Alumni of Color Collective invites all alumni, faculty, staff, and friends to join! If you are interested in joining the Collective, fill out this form: Get Involved and Volunteer. 

There are many ways for Members to get involved, including...

  • Connecting with the Collective on Facebook and engaging with content
  • Sharing your contact and career information to connect with fellow Titans and members of the Collective
  • Participating during our annual events, like the Alumni of Color Collective Summer Picnic and Homecoming & Family Weekend
  • Joining one of the Collective's many committees
    • Fundraising Committee
    • Communications/Social Media Engagement Committee
    • Events Committee
  • Serving on the Alumni of Color Collective Executive Board 

The Alumni of Color Collective is honored to host the Multicultural Senior Celebration to honor the achievements of graduating seniors completing their degrees in Spring, Summer, or Winter 2026. This celebration recognizes students’ accomplishments, affirms their journeys, and provides space for seniors to share reflections on their time at IWU. Participants will receive a stole, a certificate, and the opportunity to share reflections on their time at IWU. The event is open to all students, their families, faculty, and staff.

The 2026 Multicultural Senior Celebration will take place on Sunday, April 19, 2026, from 3:00–5:00 PM in the Young Main Lounge (Memorial Center). Doors will open at 2:30 PM. Check back soon to register!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • Who can participate? Any student graduating in Spring, Summer, or Winter 2026 is welcome to participate.
  • What should I wear? Attire that makes you feel good, comfortable, and celebratory. Think of it as a blend between business casual and cocktail attire. Look fly, we’re celebrating YOU.
  • Is there a fee to participate? No. Participation in the celebration is completely free.
  • Can my family attend? Absolutely. Please include the number of guests you plan to bring on your registration form.
  • Will the celebration be live‑streamed? Yes. A live stream will be available, and additional viewing details will be shared as the event approaches.
  • Where can guests park? Street parking will be available in the surrounding areas. Please arrive early to allow time to find parking.
  • Do I have to purchase a stole? No. Stoles are provided as part of the celebration, and students may choose from several culturally symbolic options.
  • When does registration close? Registration closes on Friday, March 6, 2026, at 11:59 PM CT.
  • Who is organizing the event? The celebration is hosted by the Alumni of Color Collective.
  • Will photos or videos be taken at the event? Yes. The Collective will capture photos for archival and social media celebratory purposes.
  • Who can I contact with questions? Please reach out to Jazmyne Kellogg at jkellogg@iwu.edu with any questions about the celebration.