All Class Alumni Reception Recap

Our All Class Alumni Reception on June 18th was a big hit! LINK has been investing in Black leaders for 60 years, and every year, this moment is proof of that impact.

The All Class Alumni Reception is more than just a reunion — it’s a chance to reconnect, reminisce, celebrate, and network with other LINK alumni. This year’s event was an especially wonderful time of honoring the transformative experiences within LINK’s 60-year past while building excitement for the future!

Here’s what a couple of alumni had to say about their experiences with LINK:

Kelley Brown, Class of 2010

“Retreats were always my favorite part of LINK. Those experiences created some of my strongest memories and deepest connections.”

“I’m still very close with my LINK cohort. Even though many of us have moved away from Chicago, those relationships have lasted.”

Danyell Taylor-White, Class of 1996

“The entire reason my daughter is going to Oxford is because of the Mentors I had through LINK and the impact the program had on my life.”

“I was a little girl from Inglewood, and my sponsor family took me to plays and introduced me to experiences I never would have had otherwise. Those experiences changed my life and exposed me to so many different opportunities.”

Throughout the evening, the room was filled with LINK pride, alumni love, and true celebration. We enjoyed cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and a live DJ, before we welcomed the Class of 2026 into the Alumni Association at our Scholar Celebration, uplifting their incredible accomplishments and reciting with them the LINK Alumni Pledge.

We also dedicated part of the evening toward our $25K alumni fundraising goal. If you haven’t donated yet, please share your gift today!

Thanks to everyone who participated — you are the continuing power of the LINK alumni community!