In Case You Missed It

Alumni Reception

Alumni enjoyed socializing, networking, and connecting over shared experiences at our annual Alumni Reception at The Promontory on Thursday, June 12, immediately preceding the Scholar Celebration.

At the reception, we connected with two alumni—Rhonda Williams (2001) and Renita Young (2003)—who spoke about the impact LINK had on their lives. They both mentioned the importance of the class retreats in their spiritual development, citing the retreats as their most memorable moment as LINK Scholars. Class retreats are an opportunity for LINK Scholars to grow deeper in their faith while also building lasting memories with their cohort, and Rhonda and Renita both expressed gratitude for the ways LINK invested in their spiritual development alongside their academic enrichment. They said it was great to be connected to LINK again—and they’re both looking forward to intentionally reengage as LINK’s 60th anniversary approaches.

Alumni of the Year Award

After the reception, Alumni enjoyed observing—and later participating in—the subsequent Scholar Celebration. During the ceremony, the Alumni of the Year Award was given to trina reynolds-tyler, Class of 2011.

trina has always shown a dedication to her community and to LINK. A native of Chicago’s South Side, she graduated from De La Salle High School in 2011. She went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in Hispanic studies with a minor in feminist and gender studies, and later earned a master’s degree in public policy from the University of Chicago. As a data scientist and journalist, she won the 2024 Pulitzer Prize in Local Reporting for her investigative series on missing Black girls and women in Chicago that revealed how systemic racism and police department neglect contributed to this crisis.

In the midst of her amazing work, trina had a full-circle moment when speaking to the Class of 2028 during their Class Retreat this past November. She shared the impact and support LINK provided her during those critical years and encouraged Scholars to see the benefit of LINK’s programming. To further demonstrate her commitment to the community, trina recently became an owner of a coffee shop, Build Coffee and Books, on 61st & Blackstone.

Congratulations, trina! We are proud of you!