In April, Counseling faculty and current counseling students at Seminary of the Southwest organized a special gathering for Black alumni of the Master’s in Mental Health Counseling (MHC) program. The day-long event took place on a Saturday in the Harrison Library on Southwest’s campus and centered on fostering connection, reflection, and rest among faculty, students, and alumni.
“It was a pleasure working on the MHC Black Alumni Lunch with MHC alum, Shaun Gandy and MHC faculty member, Dr. Maria Reyna,” shared MHC student Sheronda Rankin. “The theme was recharge. Attendees had the opportunity to reconnect and experience a sound bath facilitated by Black-owned business owner Sri Amirah of Omni Root Wellness. It was an enjoyable experience that received great feedback.”
The program opened with a welcome from Eric Scott, Vice President of Advancement and Communications, who invited alumni back to campus and set the tone for the day. Participants then engaged in lighthearted get-to-know-you activities designed to encourage connection and shared storytelling.
Following lunch, attendees participated in a sound bath—a meditative and immersive experience—facilitated by a practitioner from a local Black-owned business. The experience offered a restorative space for relaxation and grounding in community.
At the conclusion of the event, each participant received a wellness bag featuring items from local Black-owned and operated businesses, underscoring the day’s emphasis on care, community support, and celebration of Black entrepreneurship.
