The RAAA Executive Board is tasked with making the bittersweet announcement that co-founder and long-time volunteer, Kendall Hall will be stepping down as President of RAAA, Inc. effective February 28, 2022. We will hold a special leadership transition session on February 28 at 7:30 pm to mark the end of her tenure.
Kendall has played an integral role in the growth of RAAA since 2001. She has worked tirelessly over the last twenty-one years to help build and nurture many facets of the RAAA community. Under her leadership, the RAAA brand has expanded its footprint across the three campuses of Rutgers University and beyond. Now in its second year, RAAA, Inc. is associated with the Black Alumni Collective as a Partner School making it the only alumni organization in the Big10 and in the Northeast. Taking on the position as Hall of Fame Chair in 2008, she has taken the annual event from the Busch faculty dining hall to its semi-permanent location at the Hyatt Regency Hotel/Grand Ballroom. In 2017, with support from the Chancellor’s Office, RAAA hosted its 16th Hall of Fame at the Great Hall on the Newark campus. Our annual Hall of Fame Ceremony is now considered one of the premier alumni recognition programs.
Our philanthropic profile was elevated when she led RAAA’s efforts to assist the Class of 1971 Milestone Committee to build the Paul Robeson Plaza as well as our participation in the annual Rutgers University Giving day initiative. The RAAA PRP campaign was one of the most successful Rutgers University crowdfunding campaigns ever! Kendall was recently recognized for her efforts and was made an honorary member of the Class of 1971. In 2015, Kendall was bestowed the RAA Loyal Sons and Daughters award which honors individuals who have made a significant contribution of service to our alma mater. The Loyal Son and Loyal Daughter awards represents the highest recognition of service to alumni volunteers. The RAAA organization recognized her contributions in 2017 when she was awarded the RAAA Keepers of the Legacy award.
With her departure, Dwayne Middleton will resume the position of President through the end of the term June 2023. Kendall will lead the 2022 HOF Selection Committee. Through completion, she will lead the RAAA Timeline project as a mechanism for institutional knowledge transfer along with the Tallest Tree Project in conjunction with the Class of 1971. She has also committed to assist Dwayne in an advisory capacity for a period of time, if needed. We are forever grateful for her passionate energy and fierce commitment to our community, and we wish her tremendous success in her future endeavors.
In the midst of this change in leadership, we ask our member base, campus and community partners for their patience and continued support as we continue the great work before us.
