Nyumburu 50th Anniversary Donor Tree Recognition

Dear Alumnus of the University of Maryland:

Since its inception in 1971, the Nyumburu Cultural Center continues to be a Home Away from Home for Black students, thereby providing academic support to increase student retention. Nyumburu serves as the key source for all students of the university seeking cultural awareness and specific understanding of the Black experience. Celebrating 50 years, the center will hold its anniversary event on October 23, 2021. On the occasion of this landmark remembrance, you can be an integral part of the next chapter in this campus success story by making a financial commitment to this worthy and worthwhile institution.

The late James Otis Williams(Brother Otis) who led the center almost from its very beginning, was the force behind what has blossomed into the longest running Black cultural center in the nation. Ms. Anne Reese Carswell (who is in her 40th year of service) continues to shape the center's nurturing atmosphere and programming that provides scholarships, job experience, and a forum for marginalized voices to be heard. Outlets like the Miss Unity Scholarship Pageant, Black Explosion Newspaper, NewsBreak, iSpeak Nyumburu, the Black Male Initiative, The Leadership Series and The Maryland Gospel Choir offer open dialogue of current events and dissenting discourse from popular opinions. Current director Dr. Ronald Zeigler later joined the ranks, and continues to lead the center's critical programming where all are welcomed and become better citizens of the world by expanding their cultural IQ. Now is your opportunity to directly support this vibrant and incredibly worthwhile institution by giving to the Donor Recognition Tree and Ambassadors Wall by September 30, 2021 to ensure your recognition is added for display by the 50th Anniversary Celebration.

The Donor Recognition Tree located in the lower level of the Nyumburu Cultural Center near the Multipurpose Room provides a great opportunity to show your appreciation. This dually purposed artistic installment will highlight alumni and organizations who give at the highest levels:

Spaces are assigned by the aforementioned dollar amounts and limited at each level. Therefore, we encourage you to make your pledge today. As an added bonus during the 50th Anniversary year, all who donate to the Donor Recognition Tree at a level of $1000 or higher, will automatically have their name etched on our Ambassadors wall.

The Nyumburu Ambassadors Wall will be located outside of our beloved facility, on the Patio/Terrace wall facing the Stamp Student Union. It is a dedicated space to acknowledge those who are unable to give at the outlined levels, yet still deserve the opportunity to have their name counted for this special occasion and in perpetuity. For a donation of $500.00, these donors will have their name and year inscribed on our outer panel and immortalized in the center's memory.

Can we count on you to show Dr. Zeigler and Ms Carswell how much you appreciate their service that continues to positively impact the student experience at the University of Maryland? We look forward to your assistance.

To donate, please click here.

Sincerely,
The Nyumburu 50th Anniversary Alumni Ambassadors Committee