University of Rochester
African American Network
Welcome to our website.
Chairwoman’s Message
Hi, I’m Cathy Thomas,
Chairwoman of the African American Network at the University of Rochester.
On behalf of our Executive Board and members, it gives me great pleasure to welcome you to the African American Network, where our motto is “Reach back and bring someone else along”. We are a voluntary networking association made up of people affiliated with the University of Rochester who share a common interest in making positive impacts in individual lives, embracing diversity, building relationships, strengthening our communities and enhancing the quality of life for ALL at the University of Rochester and its affiliates.
Our principle mission is to inform, involve and inspire like minded individuals who desire to work in an environment that embraces diversity, individuality and creativity throughout the University. Because the University’s culture is rich and diverse with many subcultures within, fostering and maintaining productive, collaborative relationships is crucial to our success. There is a misconception that you have to be African American to participate in our network. AAN is not an organization reserved solely for people of color. We are open to everyone, and contain members of diverse backgrounds and cultures that unite as one, to facilitate a healthy environment where people can learn and socialize in a safe and respectable manner.
Our principle goal is to provide opportunities for everyone to directly contribute to the University’s effort to effectively support, manage, sustain and promote diversity and inclusion. We achieve this by serving as a resource to provide social, networking, mentoring, volunteering and personal and professional development opportunities that is open to everyone affiliated with the University.
This is an exciting time for AAN as it enters its 5th year of promoting diversity within the University and creating a working environment where cooperation and communication is encouraged and fostered. As Chairwoman of the African American Network, I pledge our commitment to these principles, and I urge all members of the University community to embrace and enhance our collective efforts to achieve these goals.
We are pleased that you have expressed an interest in the African American Network and we invite you to learn more about us by exploring our website. I invite you to get involved with us and be part of building this exciting future. Please use the Contact US link on our Home Page to pass on any comments, questions or feedback that you may have. We welcome your input concerning upcoming activities and events, and look forward to seeing you soon.
Cathy Thomas
Cathy Thomas
Chairwoman
African American Network
University of Rochester
Reach
back and bring someone else along!