Feb. 16, 2000


Federal Trade Commissioner Mozelle Thompson Delivers Black Alumni Reception Keynote Address

By Alex Sachare

Mozelle Thompson (left) and Wayne Blair were honored.

Mozelle W. Thompson CC'76, Law'81, one of five commissioners of the Federal Trade Commission, and Wayne Blair, special adviser to the dean of student affairs, were honored with Black Heritage Awards at the 15th annual Black Alumni Reception in Low Library Rotunda on Feb. 10.

In his keynote address, Thompson stressed the importance of values to the students in attendance and urged them to "take risks, share your experience and your talent and turn the light bulb on for someone else as well."

He also urged the students not to compromise their ideals and their goals. "You are among the best and the brightest," he said. "It's important for you to believe that you can do anything you set your minds to. Sometimes you can get there if you don't believe what they tell you, but believe in yourself. And this place is the best place to start."

He emphasized the importance of building strong connections between alumni and students through mentoring programs and events such as the Black Alumni Reception, which was sponsored by the Alumni of Color Outreach Program, the Black Student Organization, the Black Heritage Month Committee and the Columbia College Alumni Association Outreach Committee, which Thompson chairs.

"I'm honored to accept this award in hopes that this connection will continue," he said.