SUMA Hosts 40th Celebration on Martha’s Vineyard

On August 16, the Office of Multicultural Advancement (SUMA) paid tribute to its 40 years at Syracuse University with a celebratory luncheon by the ocean hosted by Bettye Foster Baker, wife of the late Lt. Col. (Ret.) William Baker G’64, and her daughter, Janet Baker G’91. More than 120 attendees enjoyed a delicious meal from Sarah Brown’s Catering, owned by alumnus Kenny Brown’ 89, and an afternoon filled with fun and fellowship. “This was the largest gathering we’ve ever hosted on Martha’s Vineyard,” says Rachel Vassel ’91, G’21, associate vice president of multicultural advancement. “The location of the Baker home adjacent to Inkwell Beach was a great place to enjoy the beauty of summer on Martha’s Vineyard, the warmth of our Orange community, and the legacy of SUMA at Syracuse University. We are grateful to Dr. Baker for hosting us at her home for a third time.”

“It was a momentous walk down memory lane for all who attended,” says Miko Horn ’95, director of alumni events in the Office of Multicultural Advancement. Alumni representing numerous decades at Syracuse University shared heartfelt stories about their college experiences. Speakers included former Coming Back Together (CBT) Reunion co-chair Sylvia Mackey ’63, Syracuse 8 member Dana Harrell ’72, G’73, SUMA Advisory Council members Keith Brown ’82, Connie Orlando ’89, and Fatimah Moody ’90, also a former CBT co-chair, and Vassel. “Alumni not only shared what SU was like during their own eras, but how the creation of SUMA has continued to unite and connect them post-graduation through CBT, other events, and through their support of current students with the Our Time Has Come (OTHC) program.”

The luncheon was one in a series of events held in 2022 to commemorate SUMA’s 40-year anniversary and support the OTHC program.