BAC Mentoring Circle 10 for 10 campaign

10 for 10 is a giving challenge led by the Black Alumni Council Mentoring Circle to raise $10,000 in support of mentorship and community, by inviting 100 people to give $10 a month for 10 months.

Black Alumni Council Mentoring Circle

In 2012, Virginia Commonwealth University Black Alumni Council members Gail Johnson (B.S.’86) and Jeffrey Roberts (B.S.’87) sought to create an intergenerational program for the BAC to support its mission of promoting recruitment and retention of Black students at VCU. In 2015, in partnership with the VCU Office of Alumni Relations, the BAC created the Mentoring Circle to provide students with guidance and support from alumni who have shared experiences. Since the inception of the program, nearly 800 students have been paired with a mentor.

The Mentoring Circle supports VCU students who have demonstrated interest in, experience with and/or a commitment to Black/ African American heritage and the university’s strategic plan and helps keep our alumni connected to VCU. The program is set up to ensure long-term success through a defined committee structure, leadership roles and a strong commitment from the VCU Office of Alumni Relations. It also serves as a model for others seeking to establish mentoring programs.

Why support the Mentoring Circle?

In 2025, the award-winning Mentoring Circle celebrated its 10-year anniversary. As we enter our 11th year, we want to expand and strengthen our response to the needs of participating students. Your generosity supports our mission and:

• Programming such as the Leadership Summit, networking events and celebrations
• Sponsorships for the Gail Johnson and Jeffrey Roberts Outstanding Mentee Award and Larry Powell Excellence in Service Mentoring Awards
• SABAC: Student Ambassadors of the Black Alumni Council
• Sponsorships to the Black Alumni Collective Conference

Our goal

The BAC Mentoring Circle is looking to raise $10,000 to commemorate 10 years of service for VCU students and alumni.

Please join us in fostering an uncommon VCU experience for the next generation of brilliant innovators, leaders and change makers.