Dillard University

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08/17/2026

We're still thinking about last week's insightful conversation with Dr. Beverly McKenna and D. Joan Rhodes '68, hosted by President Monique Guillory, Ph.D. Their stories of family, legacy and resilience resonated with the audience, especially with the Class of 2030. Conversations like this is what makes Dillard University a central hub for important and progressive dialogue to take place.

If you missed this event, don't worry, you can catch view the livestream playback here: https://vimeo.com/event/6112796

Last night’s Fireside Chat with Dr. Beverly McKenna and D. Joan Rhodes ‘68 was nothing short of amazing. These two remar...
08/14/2026

Last night’s Fireside Chat with Dr. Beverly McKenna and D. Joan Rhodes ‘68 was nothing short of amazing.

These two remarkable women captivated the room with stories of family, legacy, and resistance — reflecting on what it took to become entrepreneurs in a world where Black voices weren’t always welcomed or considered.

Dr. McKenna shared how being denied her first job as a journalist because of the color of her skin sparked a dream: to one day create a publication that tells the stories of people of color, by people of color.

Ms. Rhodes recalled watching her father become a pioneer in the funeral industry — purchasing a fleet of white limousines to be used for both weddings and funerals, a strategy later adopted across the industry.

Through it all, one message rang clear: you have to look back in order to move forward.

To Dr. McKenna and Ms. Rhodes — thank you for sharing your life, your legacy, and your wisdom with our students and community. We are forever grateful.

Legacy NewOrleans

The Dillard University community is invited to an evening of inspiring conversation, as President Monique Guillory, Ph.D...
08/13/2026

The Dillard University community is invited to an evening of inspiring conversation, as President Monique Guillory, Ph.D., hosts the 2026 Fall Convocation Fireside Chat featuring Dr. Beverly Stanton McKenna, recipient of Dillard University's 2026 Honorary Doctorate, and D. Joan Rhodes '68, distinguished entrepreneur, community activist, and culture bearer.

The Fireside Chat will take place at 6:00 p.m. in the Cook Theater and will serve as a signature event of the University's 2026 Fall Convocation.

Can't join us in person? The event will be livestreamed on the University's Live Events page: https://vimeo.com/event/6112796

08/13/2026

We’re still thinking about the amazing conversation we held last week amongst three generations of Dillard University leadership! We want to thank Dr. Michael Lomax and Dr. Walter Kimbrough for coming back home to DU and sitting down with our current President, Dr. Monique Guillory, for a thought-provoking and engaging conversation on the state of education and what it will look like in the near future.

If you missed this amazing conversation, don’t worry, you can watch the entire event on the livestream playback! Click the following link to view the livestream: https://vimeo.com/event/6089170 💙🤍

HAPPENING THIS WEEK Join us for the 2026 Fall Convocation Fireside Chat — a powerful conversation on leadership, legacy ...
08/11/2026

HAPPENING THIS WEEK

Join us for the 2026 Fall Convocation Fireside Chat — a powerful conversation on leadership, legacy & culture!

President Monique Guillory sits down with:
Dr. Beverly Stanton McKenna — 2026 Honorary Doctorate recipient, cultural preservationist & publisher
D. Joan Rhodes '68 — entrepreneur, community activist & culture bearer

Two extraordinary women. One unforgettable conversation about purpose, perseverance, and preserving New Orleans' legacy for generations to come.

Thursday, August 13
6:00 PM
Cook Theater, Dillard University
Can't make it in person? Watch live: https://vimeo.com/event/6112796

FREE & open to the public — bring a friend!

BlackExcellence Leadership

08/10/2026

The Fall 2026 semester is officially underway! Last week, we welcomed the Class of 2030 to their new home, the historic Avenue of the Oaks. From the exciting move-in day, to the emotional yet moving Parting Ceremony, our new Bleu Devils were welcomed with open arms to our beautiful campus. With classes starting today, their academic journey officially begins. Best of luck this year, Bleu Devils, and welcome to the Oaks! 💙🤍

Welcome to the Bleu Devil family, Class of 2030!This week, our New Bleu Devils arrived on campus for "Bleu & Bold" orien...
08/07/2026

Welcome to the Bleu Devil family, Class of 2030!

This week, our New Bleu Devils arrived on campus for "Bleu & Bold" orientation with bright smiles and big dreams — and what a ride it's been! From move-in day excitement to unforgettable moments together, our newest Devils have been soaking up all that Dillard has to offer--and it isn't over!

This week's activities were highlighted by The Bleu Send-Off, a moving celebration filled with words of wisdom from faculty, staff, and alumni, a libation of remembrance and blessing, and joyful dancing with the Nkiruka Drum and Dance Ensemble.

And then came the tears — happy, hard, and everything in between — as our students said goodbye to their parents and stepped into this new chapter.

To the parents: don't worry. As Dillard alum Daphney Young '93 reminded us, we are their aunties and uncles for the next four years — and we've got them covered. 💙

Welcome home, Bleu Devils. Your journey starts now.

WelcomeHome

Congratulations to Louisiana Lottery President and CEO, Rose Hudson '86, on her appointment as Secretary of the Multi-St...
08/06/2026

Congratulations to Louisiana Lottery President and CEO, Rose Hudson '86, on her appointment as Secretary of the Multi-State Lottery Association (MUSL) Board of Directors for Fiscal Year 2027!

The Multi-State Lottery Association (MUSL) is a nonprofit organization that develops and operates some of the nation's most recognized multi-jurisdictional lottery games, including Powerball, while fostering collaboration, integrity, and innovation among member lotteries across the United States.

As Secretary of the MUSL Board, Rose will help guide the organization's governance and strategic direction while proudly representing the state of Louisiana on the national stage.

The entire Dillard University family celebrates this well-deserved honor and is incredibly proud to see one of our distinguished alumni and dedicated Board of Trustees members continue to lead with excellence and integrity. Your remarkable achievements reflect the spirit of Dillard and inspire future generations of Bleu Devils.

Congratulations, Rose! We are proud of you and look forward to watching your continued impact across the nation.

Three generations of Dillard leadership came together for a conversation that our campus community won't soon forget.Dr....
08/05/2026

Three generations of Dillard leadership came together for a conversation that our campus community won't soon forget.

Dr. Michael Lomax (President & CEO, UNCF), Dr. Walter Kimbrough (EVP, UNCF), and Dr. Monique Guillory (President, Dillard University) sat down for a candid, poignant discussion on the state of HBCUs, the funding challenges facing our institutions, and the path forward for schools like Dillard.

It was a timely reminder of why this work matters — and why Dillard remains committed to building a stronger, more sustainable future for our students and our community.

This conversation kicked off our Faculty/Staff Institute, themed "Building a Culture of Care and Accountability," as we launch a bold new plans for Dillard's next chapter.

Thank you to Dr. Lomax and Dr. Kimbrough for coming home to share your wisdom with us.

Whether you are virtual or in person, join former Dillard Presidents Dr. Michael Lomax (President & CEO, UNCF) and Dr. W...
08/03/2026

Whether you are virtual or in person, join former Dillard Presidents Dr. Michael Lomax (President & CEO, UNCF) and Dr. Walter Kimbrough (EVP, UNCF) alongside Dr. Monique Guillory for a candid discussion on leadership, education, and the future of higher education.

Click link to Livestream: https://vimeo.com/event/6089170

Tuesday, August 4 at 10 AM in Georges Auditorium

Address

2601 Gentilly Boulevard
New Orleans, LA
70122

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