Texas Exes Black Alumni Network Legacy Gala

The Black Alumni Network is pleased to welcome our fellow Longhorn alumni, students, and sponsors to the 2025 We Are One...Stronger Together Fundraising Gala and Awards Ceremony. As in years past, our fundraising gala will kick off the annual Black Alumni Homecoming Weekend. Throughout the week and weekend, you will enjoy events hosted by the Network, Black Ex-Students' of Texas (B.E.S.T.), the Precursors and the students.

At 6pm: The gala reception will be held in the pre-function area outside of the Great Room on the 2nd floor. Cashless cash bar will be available.

At 7pm: Our gala and awards ceremony will commence in the Great Room with a three course plated dinner served. Vegan/vegetarian meal option available during checkout.

**Early bird ticket price of $175 will end on Friday, August 15th and tickets will increase to $200 on Saturday, August 16th . ALL ticket sales will end at 11:59pm on Friday, September 12th.**

Hotel Room Accommodations

W Austin Hotel | 200 Lavaca St. Austin, TX 78701

• $369/night (single or double room)
• Hotel valet parking $30
• Additional parking options include City Hall, nearby garages and street parking
• 15% off spa treatments at AWAY spa
• 10% discount on tours of the iconic ACL Live Theatre
• Book by Friday, August 29th

Courtyard Marriott Austin Downtown | 300 E. 4th St. Austin, TX 78701

• $209/night
• $35 overnight parking
• Book by Friday, August 29th

Marlen D. Whitley is an accomplished corporate attorney, leader, and champion of diversity in the legal profession. He currently serves as Partner-in-Charge of the Los Angeles and Houston offices of Townsend & Lockett, LLC—an Atlanta-based, Black-owned law firm. With a legal career spanning more than two decades, Marlen’s practice centers on securities compliance, corporate finance, private equity, M&A, and corporate governance.

A proud graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, Marlen earned a B.A. in African American Studies and was named a Dean’s Distinguished Graduate. He went on to receive his law degree from the University of Texas School of Law. As an undergraduate, he served as UT’s third African American Student Body President, and was deeply engaged in student leadership, advocacy, and community building.

Dr. Cierra Campbell Bridges is a three-time longhorn alum who is excited to serve the Legacy Gala this year! She hails from Richmond, Texas and enjoys service to her Austin community. You may see her at Greater Mt. Zion Church, UT Austin, a local children’s activity with her daughters, or spending quality time in the Domain with her husband and friends. Dr. Campbell Bridges is dedicated to loving people where they are and supporting them toward their goals in multiple capacities! She is currently serving as Director of Transfer Admissions at UT Austin and again, is excited to see you at this year’s Legacy Gala.

My fellow Preview ’95 alumni, we arrived on campus 30 years ago this summer. As we prepare for this year’s Black Alumni Homecoming Reunion, we’d like to represent and support scholarships for current students.
We are working on a creative way to capture the impact our class has made since 1995. If you are interested in learning more about ways you can participate, please complete the INTEREST FORM and we will invite you to an interest meeting to discuss the project.If you have questions or need additional information, contact Corey Tabor at or at 512-535-8672.

The Black Alumni Network is centered around connectivity, networking & scholarship, as it is our mission to ensure we are building our legacy for generations to come. In addition to reminiscing with old friends and new ones, the gala provides an opportunity for you to contribute to our scholarships, which support current and incoming Black students: .

Financial hardship is a barrier to graduating for many Black students, given the recent changes to DEI per the passing of SB17. All DEI initiatives will no longer be funded, including student organizations and their programs. Your support will enable us to provide more substantial and sustainable financial assistance to Black students at UT. It means breaking down barriers, opening doors, and creating opportunities that can change lives.

We want to honor our Black Texas Exes who have passed away, since we were together in the Fall of 2024. Please submit information outlined below to [email protected] by Friday, August 15th.

• Alumni full name
• Date of birth to Date of death
• Years attended UT
• Picture

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

W Austin, 200 Lavaca Street, Austin, United States