DMV Alumni Chapter

​​Serving the Washington D.C., Maryland and Virginia Metro Area

President's Message

Greetings DMV Xavierites and Friends of Xavier (FOXes)!

​I am thankful for the privilege to serve your 2024-2026 President of the DMV Alumni Chapter.  As we are preparing to celebrate the centennial anniversary of the founding of our beloved Alma Mater, Xavier University of Louisiana, now is an excellent time to join or renew your active membership with our local alumni chapter.  We need your energy, input and Xavier Pride!   To this end, I invite you to get involved by attending one of our bi-monthly General Body Meetings.  In addition, you can donate or pay your chapter dues through the "alumni association" tab located on our main webpage.  I also encourage you to support and connect with the DMV Alumni Chapter via our LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X social media accounts!  I look forward to seeing each of you soon in your "gold and white so true!"

​​The following is a 2023-2024 annual report of the DMV Alumni Chapter's activities:  

​In November 2023, the DMV Alumni Chapter represented Xavier at the Mt. Calvary Baptist Church HBCU College Fair in Silver Spring, Maryland; the PG County, Maryland Alpha Phi Alpha College Fair; and the Alfred Street Baptist Church (ASBC) HBCU College Festival in Virginia.  In addition, the chapter held its bi-monthly November 2024 executive and general body meetings.

In December 2023, the DMV chapter hosted a well-attended and enjoyable Holiday Brunch at The Point Restaurant in Washington, DC.

In January 2024, the DMV chapter started the New Year strong with robust attendance and participation at its bi-monthly general body meeting. And, in February 2024, the DMV chapter supported the “XU Comes to D.C.” event held at Busboys and Poets. Local alumni leaders and Xavier administrators were on hand to encourage and answer questions from parents and accepted DMV students. 

On March 3, 2024, in observance of Xavier’s Foundress Saint Katharine Drexel’s Feast Day, DMV Alumni convened at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC. During the gathering, Xavierite and Catholic Deacon Kyle Simon reflected on the significance of Xavier’s Foundress, Saint Drexel, and charged Xavierites to uphold her legacy. Thereafter, our alumni members and friends shared their thoughts, laid flowers at her statue, and dined together at Busboys and Poets. The DMV Alumni Chapter also held it’s bi-monthly executive and general body meetings. Later in March 2024, during the National United Negro College Fund Gala held in Washington, D.C., Xavier DMV Alumni had the honor and pleasure of attending with Xavier Vice-President of Institutional Advancement Phillip Adams and other HBCU alumni leaders.

In early April 2024, the DMV Alumni Chapter supported Give Love Xavier (GLX) Day by rallying local alumni to donate funds to our beloved Alma Mater on behalf of the chapter. Through these efforts, the chapter raised $17,610 for Xavier, placing 4th among alumni chapters and 9th overall on the GLX Captain’s Leaderboard! Later in April 2024, the DMV chapter represented our Alma Mater at an HBCU college fair at Bald Eagle Recreation Center in Washington, DC.

In May, the DMV Alumni Chapter held it’s bi-monthly executive and general body meetings.

June 2024 was a busy month for the DMV chapter. On June 20th through the 22nd , Xavier Alumni from across the nation convened in Washington, DC for the Annual Leadership Conference held at the Washington Hilton. DMV Alumni showed up and showed out to plan, host, support, present and participate at this conference. Later in June 2024, nearly a dozen DMV Alumni participated in the collective, annual DC HBCU Alumni Alliance (DCHBCUAA) 11th Annual 5K Run/Walk fundraiser at Nationals Park in DC.   

In July 2024, the DMV Alumni Chapter held its bi-monthly executive and general body meetings. 

In early August 2024, the DMV chapter hosted its Freshman Sendoff celebration for 20 future Xavierites and their families! Local Alumni shared fond memories of their time at Xavier and all enjoyed catered food selections provided by local, black owned Chick Fil A restaurants while listening to New Orleans jazz music. The DMV Alumni Chapter also presented $1000 financial awards to two (2) incoming freshmen from the DMV. In addition, incoming students participated in the traditional XULA scavenger hunt where they were encouraged to learn facts about our Alma Mater, interact with various Alumni and partner with returning upperclassmen. And DMV Alumni President Charles Brown presented gift bags to incoming freshmen in attendance. Also, in August 2024, the DMV Chapter partnered with the DCHBCUAA in support of its 5th Annual Black Tie Scholarship Gala held in Greenbelt, MD. This signature event brought together over 200 HBCU alumni from the DC area to “party with a cause.” Dinner was catered and live entertainment was provided by the Let It Flow Band. DMV Alumni supported this signature fundraiser with the purchase of tickets and advertisements in the Gala’s souvenir journal.

In early September 2024, the DMV Alumni Chapter held its bi-monthly executive and general body meetings.  The chapter also solicited nominations for its 2024-2026 executive board positions.  In late September 2024, the chapter hosted a coffee and beignets get together at PJ’s Coffee in PG County, MD.

In October, the DMV Alumni Chapter elected its 2024-2026 Executive Board as follows: President Charles Brown ‘93; Vice-President Alexanderia Haidara ’03; Recording Secretary Yvette Green '00; Corresponding Secretary Felicia Martin Latief '95; and Financial Secretary Elise T. Nicholls '63. And, in November the Chapter elected Treasurer Reginald Salter '95 and Parliamentarian Theron Mercadel '83. The newly elected 2024-2026 Executive Board was installed and begin their two-year term at the Chapter's bi-monthly general body meeting held on Saturday, November 16, 2024.  

Lastly, on October 26, 2024, the DMV Alumni Chapter held its “Pre-Homecoming Meet and Greet” at Robin Hill Farm and Vineyard in Brandywine, MD.  Alumni and friends enjoyed wine tastings, beautiful weather, good music and great fellowship!  

The DMV Alumni Chapter looks forward to an exciting and successful 2024-2025 program year! 

Pressing forward and fearing nothing, I remain

​Forever Xavier Proud, 

Charles J. Brown, Jr., XU ‘93
President, DMV Alumni Chapter (Club No. 5)

Xavier University of Louisiana National Alumni Association (NAA)