Meet the Team

The Charleston planning committee is a dedicated group of Drake University alumni committed to creating a memorable and meaningful experience at the 2026 Drake BSO Reunion.

With a shared passion for reconnecting and celebrating the legacy of the Black Student Organization, the team brings together diverse talents in event planning, communications, and hospitality to ensure every detail is thoughtfully managed. Together, we’re excited to make this reunion an experience you will not forget.

L'Tanga Johnson '90

Co-Chair

I hold a B.S. in Management from Drake. I am the Information Security Official for the Americas Region at BMW Group. As a certified coach, I empower youth and develop leaders. I am passionate about genealogy, music, & community growth.

Demetrius Henderson '86

Co-Chair

I earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Drake University and two Masters–an M.Ed. from CSU and an MBA from Ashland University. My 37-year career in behavioral health has led to co-ownership in multiple behavioral healthcare agencies.

Yolanda Radford-Sartin '90

Chaplin

I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, am the owner of Piercing the Heart, the author of "Persevere and Pursue," a retired Nurse Educator, & Associate Pastor and Director of Ministry Operations at World Outreach Center in Milwaukee, WI.

Gregory Jones '81 & '83

Venues & Experiences

I earned a Bachelor’s in Political Science and an MBA from Drake University. My work spans business, government, nonprofit leadership, and grantmaking—by grace freely given, not earned, which grounds everything I do.

Dr. Eddy Raoul, MD '82

Food & Beverage

I studied pre-med at Drake from '79 to '82, received a B.S. in Psychology, studied Medical Science, and received my medical degree in 1993. I have practiced as a Physiatrist for 25 years. Above all, my greatest pride is my family.

Gwen Witherspoon '85

Branding & Publishing

I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design at Drake. I leveraged that into a 40-year career in marketing communications, entrepreneurship, ministry, coaching, and an MBA. Now, I am a published poet, author, and branding agency owner.

Lisa Potts '90 & '92

Alumni & External Relations

After earning my MPA in 1992, I have 35 years of experience in community & neighborhood revitalization and now serve as the Partnerships Director at the St. Louis Mental Health Board. My passion is youth violence prevention.

Charles Barber '90

Talent & Programming

I left Drake with a double major in Sociology & Education. After 35 years of service, I retired as a U.S. Army Colonel and currently serve as Deputy Comptroller at Fort Bragg. Outside the uniform, I work quietly as a ghostwriter for Severa Recording Labels.

Laura Martin

Guest Experience & Design

My husband of 34 years is Drake Alum, Ken Martin, and we share a passion for marriage ministry and missions. My work is in communications and community advocacy. I hold degrees in management and public administration.

Ken Martin

Operations & 2027 Host

I pledged Alpha Phi Alpha at Drake. I became the Senior Pastor of Greater Archview Baptist Church in Little Rock, Arkansas and serve with my wife Laura. We're looking forward to hosting you in Arkansas for the 2027 reunion.

Join us in Charleston for the Drake BSO Reunion 2026. Inspired by the profound loss of Drake classmate Terri Day, our tradition was born in 2014. Each year, we gather to honor our shared Drake University and Black Student Organization experience, create new memories, and forge new friendships.

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Past Reunion Locations

2014 Chicago, Illinois

2015 Atlanta, Georgia

2016 Washington, D.C.

2017 Orlando, Florida

2018 San Francisco, California

2019 St. Louis, Missouri

2022 Birmingham, Alabama

2023 Providence, Rhode Island

2024 New York, New York

2025 Minneapolis, Minnesota

DRAKEVINE | August 2025

By Myriad Press By Adam Red

66 pages, published 8/8/2025

Relive the memories. Celebrate the moments. Capture the legacy.The 2025 DRAKEVINE Commemorative Edition is a vibrant, 66-page, full-color keepsake honoring the spirit, history, and future of Drake University’s Black alumni community. Packed with powerful features, heartfelt tributes, nostalgic photo spreads, and thought-provoking commentary from alumni thought leaders, this perfect-bound magazine blends the past and present into a…

© 2026 Drake BSO Reunion. All rights reserved. Developed by Adam Red.