at t h e U n ive r s i t y o f F l o r i d a

T h e B l a c k S t u d e n t U n i o n

MEDIA KIT

The University of Florida

The University of Florida is a major public, research institution

located in Gainesville, Fla. The state’s oldest, largest and most com-

prehensive university founded in 1853, the University of Flor-

ida is among the nation’s most academically diverse public univer-

sities.

The University of Florida has a 2,000-acre campus and more

than 900 buildings. The northeast corner of campus is listed as a

Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places.

The University of Florida is home to 16 colleges and more

than 150 research centers and institutes.

In addition to academic excellence, the University of Florida

prides itself on raising great athletes. Ten Gator athletic teams

turned in top-10 finishes in 2007-2008. Gainesville has gotten the

nickname “TitleTown” in recent years because of football and bas-

ketball BCS and NCAA championship teams that are birthed from

the university.

Since 1985, the University of Florida has been a member of

the Association of American Universities, the prestigious higher-

education organization comprised of the top 62 public and private

institutions in North America.

The Gator Nation includes millions of people throughout the

world— students, alumni, faculty, staff and administrators, as well as

sports fans and anyone who wishes to affiliate with the values and

spirit of the University of Florida.

In the midst of this great institution, lies

the Black Student Union.

ABOUT BSU

The Black Student Union at the University of Florida was

founded in 1968 with the mission to provide a network for

student organizations, while empowering students to impact

campus and community life.

The Black Student Union serves to CREATE, CULTIVATE,

and CHALLENGE students at the University of Flor-

ida through community service, philanthropic ven-

tures, entertainment, and quality programs. We aim

to create an enjoyable college experience for all.

As the fourth largest student organization at the University

of Florida, the Black Student Union celebrates 41 years of

service to its campus and community.

Demographics

University of Florida

Undergraduate Enrollment: 34,654

Female: 18,796 — 54.24%

Male: 15,85 —- 45.76%

Black (includes Caribbean and African Decent): 3,513 — 10.14%

BSU Reach

Number of Members: 400

BSU Event Attendance: appx. 4,000 students attend BSU events every year

Number of Students on BSU ListServe:

BSU Newsletter Readership: 200 Copy Circulation

Number of Facebook Group Members: 1,112

Number of Twitter Followers: 144

About BSU Members

Average GPA: 3.0

Age: 17-23

Major: BSU Students are represent all 16 Colleges at UF

Yearly Retail Spending: $14,000

Average Time on Internet: 22 hrs/wk

Programming

The Programs Cabinet of the Black Student Union serves as the student organization liaison.

The cabinet’s purpose is to plan and coordinate events for the enrichment and enjoyment of stu-

dents at the University of Florida and within the Gainesville community. It provides programs

for freshmen orientation, the annual Welcome Back Barbeque, various speaker engagements and

social activities. The Programs Cabinet’s goal is to not only entertain, but inform and improve

the quality of life for students on this campus.

Umoja

Originating in Spring 1994, this graduation ceremony

recognizes and rewards undergraduate, graduate and

professional black students at the University of Florida

for their successful completion of college. Kente stoles

are given to the graduates to wear at graduation signi-

fying unity and a sense of identity.

Multicultural Dance Night

This event helps diverse student organizations show-

case their culture,, and style of dance while encourag-

ing others to learn about different ethnicities through

active participation.

Blackout Weekend

This weekend is filled with entertaining and edu-

cational events geared toward bridging the gap

between black students in the Gainesville com-

munity and the University of Florida. The

weeks events consist of an annual basketball

tournament, BSU Conference and Legend’s Ball.

Annual Mr. and Ms. BSU Pageant

The purpose of this pageant is to induct the Mr.

and Ms. BSU representatives for the school

year. Mr. and Ms. BSU become the face of the

organization. They compete to be the best in

poise, style, talent and intellect.

The Leadership Development Institute

The purpose of the Black Student Union Leadership Cabinet is to guide and

train upcoming student leaders at the University of Florida in the areas of leadership

and service. The Leadership Development Institute (LDI) was established in

2008 as a one-year student leadership program designed to take leadership one step

further. LDI strives to help students become more well-rounded and gain skills to help

them in their future endeavors. This program is designed for freshmen, sophomores

and juniors who are looking to refine their leadership skills and pursue various leader-

ship opportunities on campus, in their communities and beyond.

LDI Contributions:

The Great Divide

-educational workshop to bridge cultural and social gaps between various ethnic

groups on the UF campus

The First Annual Leadership Field Day

-student leaders network, and build relationships through a series of competitions

Light The Night Walk

-fundraiser for the Lymphoma Society

Facilitation of Leadership workshops in area schools

Providing Christmas baskets to underprivileged families

Volunteering with the United Way of North/Central Florida

Community Service/Philanthropies

The Community Affairs Cabinet serves as the liaison between the

University of Florida community and the Greater Gainesville community.

The cabinet is responsible for coordinating events and special projects to

uplift the community and help people and groups in need.

The Community Affairs Cabinet participates in the annual Road Clean-up and also creates a

Haunted House at La Casita during the Halloween holiday each year. In addition to these events,

this year The Community Affairs Cabinet will be focusing on an iPledge program to increase

BSU's service and philanthropy every month, BSU will pledge its commitment to a different charity

or cause through service, awareness and fund raising. Members of the cabinet are responsible for

creating innovative monthly campaigns. The cabinet focuses on hunger and homeless awareness

and strives to provide assistance for the elderly, sick children, battered and abused women/

children as well as veterans/troops. The cabinet works with non profit organizations in the com-

munity such as: St. Francis House, Ronald McDonald House and the YMCA.

Members volunteer at the annual Kids’ Day

festivities with the Boys and Girls Clubs of

Alachua County

Members participate in the annual Road Clean-

up on

Black History Month

In 1978, the Black Student Union undertook the task of

bringing the nationwide Black History Month celebration

to the University of Florida. Black History Month at the

University of Florida’s mission is to educate, empower and

entertain by reflecting on the contributions of Black Ameri-

cans through quality programming.

Black History Month at the University of Florida takes

pride in planning and presenting quality programming that is

free and open to the public. In 2009, Black History Month

implemented more than 70 programs ranging from art exhi-

bitions and educational forums, to talent shows and play

productions. The month is also hosts notable speakers in an

annual speakers’ series. Some guests that have appeared in

the series include Dr. Michael Eric Dyson, Queen Latifah,

Tavis Smiley, Tracee Ellis Ross and many others.

The Black History Month committee also believes in im-

pacting our community. Every year, Black History Month

adopts an official philanthropic cause in which it donates it’s

time and resources to. In addition, members engage in sev-

eral other community service projects.

By far the most anticipated event of Black History Month

is the Florida Invitational Step Show. Thousands from across

the nation flock to the Stephen O’Connell Center to wit-

ness the largest student-run step show in the Southeast. The

weekend of the Florida Invitational Step Show often includes

the annual Fashion X-Clusive fashion show, a comedy show,

and Greek picnic. Parts of the money raised by the events go

toward scholarships and other philanthropic pursuits.

Members of Kappa Alpha Psi perform at

the Florida Invitational Step Show.

Ne-Yo performs at the Year of the Gentle-

man concert that also featured Musiq

Soulchild.

Models perform at the annual Fashion

X-clusive fashion show.

Homecoming

The Black Student Union’s Homecoming

celebration is one of the largest events at the Univer-

sity of Florida. BSU is dedicated to exposing the student

body and citizens of Gainesville to events inspired by

the heritage and legacy of universal Black culture. The

organization’s Homecoming events have attracted hun-

dreds of students, community members, faculty and

alumni to this historic celebration, The Black Student

Union established the annual BSU Homecoming

celebration in 2001 to encourage students to partici-

pate in the University of Florida’s official Homecoming

celebration. The need to foster Gator pride in the

Black community was required, encouraging BSU to

take action! For the past seven years, BSU members

have chosen eight representatives, known as the BSU

Homecoming Court, whom they felt embodied the

qualities of our culture.

Events for the 2009 Homecoming Week include: UF

vs. LSU watching party in conjunction with a “Meet the

Contestants” social, as well as the annual comedy/talent

showcase Homecoming ball and parade.

Special Events

The Black Student Union is committed to representing diversity on the University of Florida campus.

BSU has a history of being a strident force for change. Through yearly special events dealing with cur-

rent events and local politics BSU has been able to transform the university. Recently, in 2009, BSU

celebrated the 50th Anniversary of Integration at the University of Florida by bringing the first

black student enrolled in the university back to campus. In 2010, BSU members traveled to Washing-

ton, D.C. for the inauguration of President Barack Obama.

BSU Members travel to Washington D.C. for

the inauguration of President Barack Obama.

On the anniversary of his first day of school students march from the

Reitz Union to Tigert Hall to hear the speech of George Starke, the first

black enrolled student at UF.

Sponsorship Opportunities In order to fulfill the vision of the Black Student Union at the University of Florida

support is needed. No matter the size or form of support you can give, your gener-

osity will be put to great use.

Many of BSU’s current and past sponsors have reaped benefits from the promotional

opportunities available through working with BSU. Through print, television, radio,

Internet and other innovative forms of advertising BSU has been able to expose busi-

nesses to a diverse audience of constituents.

Whether you are a large corporation, small community business, faithful alumni, or

just a friendly neighbor, BSU can find amazing ways to work with you and utilize any

form of support you can give.

Corporate Sponsorships

From $1,000 to $25,000, corporations and businesses can benefit from sponsoring BSU and individ-

ual events. Businesses and corporations are also invited to donate gift certificates, coupons, and their busi-

nesses promotional items.

All our corporate sponsors get VIP treatment based on the level of their contribution and commit-

ment to the Black Student Union.

Alumni Friends Sponsorships

The Black Student Union is committed to staying in contact with alumni and friends of the Univer-

sity of Florida. Alumni can help by donating $50 to $5,000 to a BSU event, philanthropy, or cause.

Alumni are also welcome to be guest speakers and presenters at various BSU events. If you have a

story to tell or just want to help out, feel free to contact BSU.

In return, alumni will be featured in the Black Student Union’s bimonthly newsletter, and honored in

a BSU ceremony.

Individual Sponsorships

Throughout the years friends of the University of Florida and BSU have helped support BSU

through gifts as small as $25 and as large as $1,000.

Individuals and groups are also welcome to volunteer at community service

Events or present and speak at various BSU events.

In return, individuals will be featured in the Black Student Union’s bimonthly

newsletter and honored in a BSU ceremony.

Multiplatform Outlets

WWW.UFBSU.ORG

TWITTER.COM/UFBSU

BLACK HERITAGE

NEWSLETTER

UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA

CAMPUS

BSU E-NEWSLETTER

BSU PROMOTIONAL

ITEMS

And FACEBOOK

The Black Student Union has developed a number of media outlets in order to pro-

mote our organization as well as our sponsors’ businesses. These outlets have been

found to be the greatest resources for targeting a wide range of college age students as

well as members of the greater Gainesville community.

Contact BSU

University of Florida Black Student Union

323 J. Wayne Reitz Union

Gainesville, FL 32611

Phone: 352-392-1665 ext. 321

Website: www.ufbsu.org

Shannon McNeal, President

president@ufbsu.org

Angela Thorpe, Director of Fundraising

and Solicitations

fundraising@ufbsu.org

Rhana Gittens, Media Relations Director

mediarelations@ufbsu.org

For more information about the Black Student Union and how you can get involved

contact: