The Gettysburg Alumni of Color Council (GACC) fosters connection, support, and representation for students and alumni of Color through impactful programs and ongoing engagement across generations.
The Gettysburg Alumni of Color Council (GACC) has spent the past five years building a thriving network committed to student success, alumni connection, and institutional support. From on-campus programming to alumni-led panels and networking events, GACC is dedicated to cultivating a more inclusive and connected Gettysburg experience for all.
“Our approach is twofold,” said GACC President Jaclynn Cross ’10. “It’s to support students of Color and show them there are people who’ve had this experience and have lived it before you—you can make it. The other side is fostering that alumni network. Even those who haven’t come back in years have stories students need to hear.”
One of the group’s most popular initiatives is the finals care package program, an annual event that delivers free care packages to students just ahead of finals week. It’s an effort that began with a simple idea: offer students a little joy during a high-stress time, while also building a visible and accessible alumni presence on campus.
“The event has proven to be a success with great student response,” said Donnie Jones ’10, who serves as finance director on GACC’s executive committee. “We get to cheer students on through one of the most crucial times of the semester. More than that, it’s about visibility—students see alumni who look like them, who’ve been where they are, and who are now coming back to lift them up.”
Care packages typically include snacks, drinks, personal notes of encouragement from alumni, and practical items like school supplies. Alumni contribute through crowdfunding, donating, and volunteering to assemble and distribute the packages. While rooted in support for students of Color, the program is open to all students at Gettysburg, reinforcing a message of campus-wide community.
“From where I sit, it’s a perfect example of GACC’s impact,” said Justin Arnold ’01. “As a Black graduate, I didn’t have alumni showing up for me when I was a student. But now, GACC creates those pathways. We’re building bridges across generations.”
“We want students to know they have support—and we want alumni to know their stories, experience, and presence matter.”
– Jaclynn Cross ’10
Beyond finals week, GACC regularly partners with student organizations like the Black Student Union and the Office of Multicultural Engagement (OME) to host networking sessions, virtual events, and alumni panels on topics such as career readiness, navigating life after college, and identity development. Virtual meetups like “Cocktails & Conversations” and documentary screenings followed by open discussions are helping strengthen bonds across classes and disciplines.
“It’s all about showing up,” said Cross, who was recently recognized with Gettysburg’s Young Alumni Achievement Award for Service. “We want students to know they have support—and we want alumni to know their stories, experience, and presence matter. There are so many ways to give back, whether it’s attending a virtual panel, writing a note to a student, or just showing up and listening.”
GACC also focuses heavily on re-engaging alumni. In recent years, alumni from the early 2000s, 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s have found common ground in shared experiences and a commitment to progress.
“We’ve been able to activate alumni from every decade,” Cross noted. “That was one of our original goals—bring back the people who’ve disengaged and make sure they feel valued, seen, and part of this community again.”
Looking ahead, GACC is planning a celebration of its fifth anniversary, which will include a crowdfunding campaign and the introduction of alumni awards recognizing service and leadership. The group is also developing systems to ensure long-term sustainability and ease of participation for future volunteers and leaders.
“Our mission right now is to regroup, retain, and re-engage,” said Cross. “We’re laying the groundwork for GACC to thrive for years to come. You can’t be what you can’t see. Representation matters—especially at Gettysburg—and that’s what GACC is here to provide: community, connection, and continuity.”
Join GACC’s mission to create a more connected and inclusive community at Gettysburg.
By Corey Jewart
Photos provided by Hang Lian, Diptiman Das ’27
Posted: 06/06/25