Gilded in Gold: A Centennial Celebration of Black Excellence ✨

As part of Southeastern’s Centennial Homecoming celebration, the SLU African American Alumni Chapter hosted Gilded in Gold: Celebrating Black Excellence—an unforgettable evening honoring the strength, legacy, and brilliance of Black alumni and community leaders.

Held on October 17, 2025, at the Southeastern Alumni Center, the event brought together alumni, students, faculty, and friends for a night of music, connection, and celebration. The evening shimmered with elegance, from the Gilded in Gold 100 Cocktail Hour to heartfelt moments of recognition, all in support of empowering the next generation of Black excellence at Southeastern.

Guests enjoyed delicious bites from KT’s House of Soul, a lively cash bar, and the smooth sounds of DJ Troy BAM on the 1’s and 2’s. The stunning décor, curated by Tanya Turner, set the perfect tone for an evening of elegance and celebration. Every detail reflected the chapter’s mission to celebrate community, uplift legacy, and invest in the future. The night was beautifully captured by IndyPhotography and Alexis Benjamin, ensuring that the golden memories live on.

Honoring Our 2025 Award Recipients 🏆

The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Gilded in Gold: Black Excellence Awards, recognizing alumni and organizations whose leadership, service, and dedication embody the spirit of Southeastern.

• Sankofa Black Excellence Award – Jeoffrey Harris Jr.

• Pinnacle Trailblazer Award – Marjorie Parker

• Alafia Volunteer of the Year – Demetra Dantzler

• Nakia “Boog” Merrill Philanthropy Award – Juanesta Phillips

• Entrepreneurship Award – Angelle Harris

• Stewardship Award – Sherry Ferrill

• Veteran Hometown Hero Award – Tanya Turner

• Department of the Year – Career Services

• Organization of the Year – SLU Black Student Union

These honorees represent the heart of our community—visionaries, advocates, and trailblazers who continue to make powerful impacts across industries, campuses, and communities. Read more about our awards and how to apply.

A Heartfelt Thank You

The success of this celebration would not have been possible without the dedication and hard work of many. A special thank you to our E-Board for their leadership and vision, our planning committee for organizing every detail with care, our volunteers for their tireless support, and our sponsors for helping us make this evening possible. Your contributions ensured a memorable night that truly honored Black excellence at Southeastern.

A Night of Legacy and Light

The Gilded in Gold celebration was more than an event—it was a reflection of 100 years of Black excellence at Southeastern and a glimpse of the bright future ahead. As the SLU African American Alumni Chapter looks toward the next century, the spirit of unity, pride, and purpose that filled the Alumni Center continues to guide our work and inspire our mission.

💛 Relive the moments. Celebrate the honorees. Continue the legacy.

[View photos from the event →] https://www.aaac.indyphotographyllc.com/