Support the Pioneers Club and go #allin4fandm.
Be part of the Pioneer's Club Challenge - For every Black or African American alumni donor, Annalai '03 and Ricardo '93 Rivers and an anonymous AAAC donor will contribute $100 to the Pioneer's Club and The Black Student Union, up to $6,000.
THE PIONEERS CLUB
In recognition of the 70th anniversary of the first black student’s admission to Franklin & Marshall, the African American Alumni Council (AAAC) invites you to join the Pioneers Club. Celebrating the legacy of these pioneering African American students through ongoing
philanthropic investment in F&M’s community of color, the club provides means and inspiration for those who aspire to their courage and success.
THE PIONEERS FUND
Pioneers Club members join with their contributions to the Pioneers Fund. Launched in 2016, the fund supports F&M institutions and initiatives that positively influence the ongoing presence and experience of students, faculty, administrators and staff of color at the College.
A PROUD HISTORY
In the fall of 1946, Dr. Sumner Bohee ’50, Franklin & Marshall’s first African American student, began his undergraduate studies at the College. More pioneering black students soon joined him, among them Sydney Bridgett ’51, Grant Means ’51, Dr. Henry Wiggins ’55, and the Rogers brothers, Richard Rogers, Esq., ’57, P’90, Lemuel A. Rogers Jr., M.D., '59 and Peter Rogers ’69. In the decades since, a growing body of African American students has contributed significantly to the College in and out of the classroom and beyond campus; more than 650 African American alumni strengthen our communities, lead industries and defend our nation.
PRIORITIES AND IMPACT
FINANCIAL AID
Through financial aid, the College will continue to recruit and retain talented students of color—individuals who will sustain the legacy of our pioneers and those they inspired at F&M over the course of 70 years.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND LIFELONG SUCCESS
The AAAC and the Office of Student and Post-Graduate Development have partnered to provide opportunities—national conferences, graduate school applications, prep course fees and more—for students and alumni from underserved communities.
THE BLACK STUDENT UNION
Since 1978, the Black Student Union (BSU) has served F&M’s community of color and the College at large through cultural, educational and social initiatives. In addition, the organization builds leaders, promotes unity and contributes to student success.
AFRICANA STUDIES
The first F&M academic discipline initiated due to student demand at F&M, Africana Studies also provides a critical examination of factors that have created and shaped the African American and African Diaspora experiences throughout the world.
OTHER PRIORITIES
The AAAC periodically reviews priorities and makes adjustments as appropriate. In addition to the aforementioned areas of support, council members can contribute to the Franklin & Marshall Fund and other areas of the College such as arts, athletics, scholarships and academics via the Pioneers Club.
