Toward Deeper Inclusion

Alex Deaderick ’15 is leading a collective fundraising effort in support of Williams’ Davis Center Initiative, which seeks to provide expanded space and programming toward the college’s goal of deeper inclusion.

A volunteer for the annual Williams Men of Color Weekend and the national organization Sponsors for Educational Opportunity, Deaderick is rallying fellow Black alumni who graduated over the last 10 years to pledge gifts of at least $2,500 to help fund the renovation and rebuilding of Rice House. By October, he had raised nearly $40,000, with a goal of reaching $100,000 this winter in tandem with an Alumni Fund gift. He’ll expand the call to all graduates of the last decade once the goal is met.

“I’ve always been passionate about diversity, equity and inclusion and, in particular, making the Williams experience more accessible to more folks,” Deaderick says, adding that it’s especially important for young alumni to give, no matter the amount.

“There aren’t very many of my contemporaries who can write six-figure checks,” he says. “But I still want us, especially Black students, to feel that we can be involved in writing the future history of Williams.”

Inspired by the alumni-led effort, Liz Robinson ’90, chair of Williams’ board of trustees, has pledged to match the first $100,000 raised. “I’m grateful for and motivated by Alex’s leadership and the commitment to young alumni,” she says. “And I am delighted to magnify the impact of their generous gifts to help the college create a more inclusive and equitable institution where students of all identities and experiences can thrive.”

Learn more about the Davis Center Initiative at giving.williams.edu/davis-center.