by: Tasia Williams (Digital Content Assistant, Student Affairs Marketing and Communications)
On Saturday, March 23, 2024, the Blazer Male Excellence Network (BMEN) hosted its 16th annual awards dinner at the UAB National Alumni House. The University of Alabama at Birmingham Division of Student Affairs, family, and friends came together to celebrate BMEN members who excelled in the classroom, on campus, and in their communities.
BMEN is a peer-mentoring group that seeks to uplift and provide academic and social support for Black males entering UAB. BMEN aims to enhance the new student experiences by pairing returning students with newcomers while equipping them with valuable insights from staff and other professionals on navigating the collegiate academic and social journey.
Ahkeem Lee, the assistant director of Student Multicultural & Diversity Programs (SMDP), became the organization’s advisor in December 2023. “One of my first tasks as the BMEN advisor was to plan the event,” Lee remarked. “Everything came together naturally with much prayer, support from my students and office staff, and campus-wide support.”
As the new advisor, Lee knew he needed to continue the known traditions of the annual gathering but looked for an opportunity to introduce new honors at this year’s gala:
2024 BMEN Award Presentations
| Undergraduate Outstanding Campus Contributor Award | John Goodman (Mr. UAB) and Bryan Preer II |
| The Undergraduate Outstanding Community Contributor Award | D’Andre McBride (mentor) and Grayson Pugh (mentee) |
| The Mentor and Mentee of the Year (Duo) Award | Joshua Wright (mentor) and Isaiah Wrenn (mentee) |
| The Mentee of the Year Award | Justin Duncan |
| The Mentor of the Year Award | Joshua Wright |
The purpose of adding new awards was to celebrate the academic, personal, and professional progress of BMEN participants and the relationships they’ve built within the program. “It is essential to celebrate these young men because they have done the work and earned these awards,” said Lee. “Despite being a minority on the campus, they lead inside and outside the classroom.”
Stephanie Collins, former Office Services Specialist for UAB Student Multicultural and Diversity Programs, was honored with the Campus Champion Award, presented to a member of the UAB community who selflessly gives to BMEN through dedication and service.
Lee stated about Collins's service to BMEN “Stephanie went above and beyond to assist with the program. From helping with advisor tasks to ordering supplies, she exceeded expectations to ensure that the young men in BMEN had the support and guidance for success.”
“BMEN is a transformative program, and the annual gala serves as a powerful affirmation of its value and impact within the UAB community,” said Herbert Wilkerson,Student Multicultural & Diversity Programs director.
"I am incredibly proud of the hard work and dedication shown by Ahkeem in planning and executing the gala. His commitment, along with the entire SMDP team, to uplifting and supporting Black males at UAB is truly commendable,” said Wilkerson. “It is also the collective passion of our BMEN members that inspires us all to strive for excellence and create a more supportive environment for everyone."
BMEN provides members with a wealth of resources and positive experiences. They have hosted academic success workshops, mental health conversations, sporting events, and community service, all done with the goal of retention.
One of BMEN’s core values is positively impacting Black male undergraduates’ retention and graduation rates. “Peer mentorship and brotherhood fuel retention for Black males at UAB,” remarked Lee.
To learn more about BMEN, get involved, or support its mission, visit their website here.