INFORMATION FOR
Alumni Genina Carey ‘14 and Jevon “JV” Morgan ’15, MA ’17, and the Keep It Real (KIR) Foundation, were honored during the recent Black Alumni Celebration held on campus on February 6.
The event, titled United for Greatness: Black Alumni Celebration, “marked an extraordinary moment of connection and pride for our community of Black alumni, students, faculty, and staff,” says President Richard J. Helldobler. Nearly 160 people attended the event.
Notably, the celebration catalyzed new alumni philanthropy, culminating in the endowment of the University’s Africana Studies Scholarship, which provides support for an undergraduate student as well as a powerful and lasting investment in William Paterson students and in the ongoing celebration of Black history and achievement.
Carey and Morgan were recipients of the inaugural Pioneer Leadership and Spirit Award, in honor of their dedication to William Paterson University alumni initiatives and their leadership in connecting fellow alumni following graduation.
Genina Carey ’14 (center) with Kimberly Galvez, associate director for alumni engagement and philanthropy, and Roy Garcia, assistant vice president for alumni engagement and philanthropy
Carey is an operations manager for Versant Media, a new, independent media company spun off from NBCUniversal by Comcast, where she oversees operations for The Golf Channel, USA Sports, CNBC, and MSNOW. She is also the founder of Carey Girl Creative, a creative direction company dedicated to transforming ideas into visual experiences through photography, videography, and set design. Carey founded The Fight for Big Bruce, an annual campaign in honor of her late father, Bruce Vincent Carey, which raises funds for spinal cord injury research. Carey, who earned a bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism from WP, served as on-air talent for WPTV-6’s The Roundabout, hosted The Hive on WPSC Brave New Radio, and took on leadership roles including chair of Homecoming, entertainment chair for the Student Activities Programming Board (SAPB), and orientation leader.
“Thank you for believing that I am worthy of such an incredible honor,” says Carey. “I challenge my alma mater to continue doing the work of identifying, amplifying, and celebrating African American alumni, consistently and intentionally…I don’t offer this challenge lightly. I offer it with commitment. I am prepared to do the work, to show up, and to be part of ensuring that this legacy is not just honored but actively carried forward.”
Honoree Jevon “JV” Morgan ’15, MA ’17 speaks after accepting his award
Morgan is a professional academic advisor/retention specialist at William Paterson, serving as an advocate and resource for students. He holds a bachelor’s degree in communication and a master’s degree in higher education from William Paterson. During his undergraduate years on campus, he served as president of SAPB, a peer leader, and a student patrol member; as a graduate student, he interned with Campus Activities, Service, and Leadership. He joined the WP staff in 2017. He is also a devoted father and a proud member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity.
“To be recognized by a community that values connection, representation, and excellence is truly humbling,” says Morgan. “Being a part of the Black Alumni Network has been a reminder that when we move together, we move stronger. I’m grateful to stand alongside other pioneers who uplift, inspire, and open doors for others.”
Members of the Keep It Real (KIR) Foundation who were honored at the event
The KIR Foundation received the inaugural Alumni Engagement and Philanthropy Award. The Foundation was formed in the summer of 2000 by a group of WP alumni. Recognizing the importance of supporting their community, KIR became a nonprofit organization dedicated to various charitable causes. One of their most significant initiatives was the establishment of the Annual Scholarship Brunch, proceeds from which go towards the Jeffrey Payoute Scholarship Fund, named in honor of one of the founding members of KIR. The scholarship aims to support William Paterson University students who mirror his qualities. In addition to providing scholarships, the KIR Foundation is dedicated to mentoring young men and supporting them in achieving their career aspirations.
“Thank you to William Paterson's Office of Alumni Engagement and Philanthropy for honoring African American History Month and celebrating African American alumni,” says Anwar J. Golden, board member of the KIR Foundation. “Receiving the Alumni Engagement and Philanthropy Award is a true blessing and it means so much to the Keep It Real Foundation and the community we proudly serve. We are grateful for the acknowledgment of our efforts to unite our community and give back. Will Power!”
