In an elegant evening filled with purpose and pride, the Detroit Alumni Chapter of Morehouse College gathered at Chandelier Detroit on June 19th to honor the retirement of the College’s 12th President, David A. Thomas, Ph.D., and officially welcome incoming President F. DuBois Bowman, Ph.D. The private reception served as both a tribute and a vision-setting moment for the future of one of the nation’s most revered HBCUs.
This historic gathering also marked the launch of the William “Bill” McGill President’s Circle, an annual fundraising initiative created to provide vital scholarship support for Michigan-based students attending Morehouse College. Named after a legendary former president of the Detroit chapter, the President’s Circle represents a renewed commitment to uplifting local talent and reinforcing the pipeline from Detroit to Atlanta.
Throughout the evening, attendees reflected on Dr. Thomas’s impactful seven-year tenure, which was defined by institutional growth, increased national visibility, and a deepened focus on the mission to develop Black men into global leaders. His leadership navigated Morehouse through a challenging era marked by social unrest and public health crises, all while strengthening the College’s foundation and academic excellence.
The event also highlighted the homecoming of Dr. Bowman, a Michigan native and former Dean of the School of Public Health at the University of Michigan. His appointment as the 13th President of Morehouse College was celebrated as a full-circle moment, particularly for Detroit’s academic and alumni community. His background in public health, data science, and higher education leadership signals a bold new chapter for Morehouse, one rooted in equity, innovation, and forward-thinking strategy.
The reception was not only a ceremonial handoff but also a rallying point for local alumni and supporters. The Detroit chapter used the moment to galvanize financial and community support for future Morehouse students, reinforcing the College’s legacy as a launching pad for Black male excellence.
With the President’s Circle now in motion, the Detroit Alumni Chapter is calling on individual donors, corporate partners, and advocates to help close financial gaps for aspiring students from Michigan.
To pledge support or inquire about future involvement, contact:
-
Ron Spears – President, Detroit Alumni Chapter
[email protected] -
Chad Rhodes – Event Chairperson
[email protected]
About Morehouse College
Founded in 1867, Morehouse College is the nation’s only historically Black private liberal arts college for men. Located in Atlanta, Georgia, the institution is recognized globally for shaping generations of influential leaders, including Nobel Peace Prize laureate Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. With a mission grounded in excellence, social justice, and scholarship, Morehouse continues to prepare young men for lives of leadership and service.
