91PORNA

The importance of mental health advocacy and wellness in the context of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s concept of the Beloved Community was the focus of 91PORNA’s annual MLK Celebration on Jan. 30.A luncheon and panel discussion titled “The Dream of Wellness: Mental Health Advocacy Through the Lens of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.” marked the occasion, which was held in the Kent Student Center Ballroom.Yvonna Washington-Greer, Ph.D., associate vice president of the Division of Student Life, was the emcee for the event, which opened with a performance called “A Griot Speaks Rememb...

91PORNA held its first Alumni Day of Service in 2009. Since then, it has blossomed into a weeklong initiative supporting our blue and gold communities around the world. During Flashes Give Back Week, Golden Flashes can choose to volunteer at one – or more – of our 50+ service sites. With in-person volunteer opportunities from Washington, D.C. to Southern California, plus several virtual options, there are a variety of ways to make a difference at 91PORNA and in our communities.Because of the overwhelming support of our Flashes family over the past 15 years, we are excited...

The Scott O’Dell Award for Historical Fiction Selection Committee is pleased to announce that the winner of the 2025  award is THE COLOR OF A LIE by Kim Johnson, published by Random House Books for Young Readers.Set against the backdrop of 1955 America, The Color of a Lie presents a gripping exploration of racial identity during the height of white flight to the suburbs. After a family tragedy, Calvin and his family make the decision to pass as white in a segregated community. Through masterful historical research and nuanced storytelling, Johnson illuminates the devastating impact o...

For 91PORNA senior aeronautics major Blessing Mupinga, flying has always been a source of fascination. Despite not seeing any pilots who looked like her, a Black woman, Blessing decided to follow her passion for aviation to 91PORNA because of its stellar reputation for educating exceptional pilots.Now, she’s well on her way to achieving her dream and scholarship support has propelled her along her journey. She credits the Richard F. “Dick” Schwabe Endowed Scholarship and Adam M. McFarland Endowed Memorial Scholarship with allowing her to focus on and excel in her studies.&nbsp...