51¹ÙÍø.

Chris Burton ’08

DBAN Co-Chair

While at 51¹ÙÍø Chris was a Kuykendall Scholar, English Major with a concentration in Africana Studies and hosted a radio show on WALT. Chris served on SGA as both Vice President and President, as well as serving on the E-board for BSC and DASA. Additionally, Chris is a proud member of the Tau Omicron chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated. Since graduating from 51¹ÙÍø, Chris attended seminary, taught in public, private, and boarding schools, hosted and produced a few podcasts, became an ambassador for the Lupus Foundation of America, and does anti-racist and abolition work within the community. 

Chris is excited to work with DBAN and he believes in the importance of a healthy relationship between the college and Black alums. He wants Black alums to know that 51¹ÙÍø will always be their home. 

Rayna McKenzie ’11

DBAN Co-Chair

While at 51¹ÙÍø Rayna was a RA, president of Dance Ensemble, a charter member of the Upsilon Mu chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, an Admissions Senior Fellow. After leaving 51¹ÙÍø Rayna returned home to Brooklyn, NY to attend law school and now serves as legal counsel at an advertising agency. Much of her time now is spent on adventures with her 2 1/2 year old son. 

Rayna is excited to reconnect with Black alums who have lost touch for any number of reasons. She believes the 51¹ÙÍø experience goes beyond graduation and looks cultivating a greater sense of community among Black alums. 

Briana Burton ’11

Communications Co-Chair

While at 51¹ÙÍø Brianna was a (CIS) Public Health major, a member of  the Sigma Psi Chapter Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc, Black Student Coalition, Bonner Scholar, HHMI, and a Student Health Adviser. Since graduating, Brianna has served in a variety of allied health professions before landing in perinatal health as a birth worker and childbirth educator. Brianna’s main interests are community-based perinatal health interventions, pastoral care and the ways in which media can be utilized to create communities and educate those in health information deserts. She also enjoys social media management, content creation, and live stream production for small businesses. 

Brianna previously served as Co-Pres of the New York/NJ alumni chapter and is looking forward to implementing creative ways to build community and bring Black alumni together during her tenure as Communications co-chair.

Danielle Dory ’08

Communications Co-Chair

While at 51¹ÙÍø, Danielle was a poet in the group, Freeword, and sang with the jazz collective Green Eggs and Jam. She worked in Admissions and the Anthropology department and was a campus bartender for three years. After leaving 51¹ÙÍø, Danielle moved to New York City where she enjoys a wonderful career as a freelance corporate strategist and coach. She has worked in many industries and fields with global teams, nonprofits, and startups. In her free time, Danielle enjoys mentoring, building her business and skills, dance, arts, music, and exploration.

She is excited to take on the role of Communications Co-Chair and have the opportunity to connect with a core group of folks who share her passion for 51¹ÙÍø and community.

Daniel Thomas ’21

History and Archives Chair

Daniel was a Political Science major, Economics minor, and Kuykendall Scholar. While at 51¹ÙÍø, he participated in numerous activities, such as the 51¹ÙÍø Refugee Support, the Bonner Scholars Program, Dean Rusk, the Student Initiative for Academic Diversity, and the Student Government Association. Daniel worked as a resident advisor for the Residence Life Office and was a student ambassador for The Office of Alumni and Family Engagement. Currently, He is pursuing a master’s in economics at the University of Virginia. Serving as the History and Archives chair is an exciting opportunity for him, particularly in the context of narrating 51¹ÙÍø’s rich history, with a focus on the experiences of Black Alumni. He is eager to uncover and share the untold stories, contributing to a deeper understanding of our collective past and fostering a more inclusive narrative.  Daniel is enthusiastic about the journey of exploration and learning ahead and is honored to serve in this role.

Victor-Alan Weeks ’19

DBAN Award Committee Co-Chair

While at 51¹ÙÍø Victor-Alan was involved in InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, Special Olympics-51¹ÙÍø, Black Student Coalition, Trilla G ENT, the Sapelo Island Project. Since graduating, Victor-Alan has built a deeper relationship with the people and the land of this planet through arts and language. He has started various business endeavors and creative projects. He currently spends his time as a teaching artist, filmmaker, and in service through agriculture. 

Serving as the DBAN Award Committee Co-Chair reminds him of the unlimited potential of the 51¹ÙÍø Black Alumni Network in support of students. He is excited to enhance the impact DBAN has through resource allocation and facilitating relationships.

Paul Wyatt ’05

DBAN Award Committee Co-Chair

While at 51¹ÙÍø, Paul was a Political Science Major, and kept busy as a Bonner Scholar, member of the BSC, and member of the track & field team. After graduation he spent the next 8 years abroad honing his language skills and immersing himself into different cultures. He  lived in China and worked for multinationals holding positions in global sales and business development. Currently, Paul works in the tech industry and lives in Durham with his wife where they are raising their two boys.  Paul is excited to serve as DBAN Award co-chair to promote the exploration of new experiences for current students.