Mission Statement

The Directorate’s mission is to cultivate lifelong engagement among Black alumni of Michigan State University by fostering professional networking, economic empowerment, leadership development, cultural preservation, and community advancement.

We exist to connect alumni across generations, industries, and geographies—strengthening relationships, creating opportunities, and advancing collective success.

THE DIRECTORATE:

• Builds professional networks across industries
• Facilitates business-to-business connections
• Promotes member achievements and milestones
• Organizes social, cultural, and professional events
• Creates mentorship pipelines across generations
• Supports career advancement and job visibility
• Preserves institutional memory and legacy
• Advocates for alumni engagement and representation
• Provides platforms for collaboration and innovation
• Strengthens community influence and collective voice

We focus on connection, elevation, and engagement.

MEMBER BENEFITS

Membership in The Directorate provides:

Professional Visibility

• Inclusion in the digital member directory
• Business directory listing
• Authors listing
• Profile features and recognition

Networking & Access

• Invitations to exclusive events
• Professional mixers and curated introductions
• Industry-specific roundtables

Brand & Business Support

• Promotional opportunities
• Vendor exposure
• Collaboration partnerships

Community & Culture

• Celebration of milestones and achievements
• Legacy recognition
• Alumni storytelling

Leadership Opportunities

• Committee participation
• Speaking opportunities
• Strategic advisory roles

Digital Engagement

• Zoom Meetings
• Networking tools
• Announcements and updates

PICTURED: The Magic Johnson statue that stands outside the Breslin Student Events Center as a bronze tribute to one of the most iconic Spartans in sports history. It was unveiled on November 1, 2003 and is titled “Always a Champion.” The life-like sculpture depicts Earvin “Magic” Johnson in motion — basketball in one hand, directing his teammates with the other — capturing his leadership and playmaking prowess from his days leading MSU to the 1979 NCAA basketball championship and beyond.