Increasing Diverse Voices Through the Aubry-LeBuffe Scholarship Fund

In 1969, just three years after graduating in the height of the Civil Rights Movement, Thaddeus Aubry Jr., B.A. 1966, and Leon LeBuffe, B.A. 1966, Ph.D. 1973, returned to campus to spearhead an initiative to build a more diverse and welcoming community at The Catholic University of America. Their efforts led to the establishment of the Partnership Program, a scholarship and retention program for marginalized city residents.

The fall of 1969 marked what was then the largest increase of Black students in the University’s history through the support and influence of the Partnership Program. While there was still much work to be done in combating racism and inequality, it was the beginning of a culture shift at Catholic University. In 2023, the Partnership Program hit a major milestone when it celebrated the 50th anniversary of its first graduating class.

Celebrating Our Scholars

Partnership Program alumni created the Thaddeus F. Aubry and Leon A. LeBuffe Scholarship Fund in honor of their mentors in 2016. This scholarship supports educational diversity at Catholic University and benefits promising young students from the Washington, D.C. area. Each year, these scholars and other friends of the program gather for a reception as part of Cardinal Weekend. This event provides past and current scholars with the opportunity to spend time with one another and hear from fellow Black Catholic University alumni.

Supporting a Diverse Community

Today, you can see the impact of the Partnership Program and Aubry-LeBuffe Scholarship all around campus life. These instrumental programs set the foundation for the establishment of the Center for Cultural Engagement and the Sister Thea Bowman Committee, and continue to help and connect students of color to a network of Black alumni who provide advice, insight, and mentorship during their time at the University and beyond.

“Remember what our wise and beloved grandmothers taught us: To those to whom much is given, much is expected,” said Ronny Lancaster, B.A. 1973, and a member of the 1969 first-year class that Aubry and LeBuffe had an incredible impact on. “We have been given much, and it is our sacred charge to share our blessings with others.  Remember, just as we needed and deserved support, so too those coming behind us. Let’s make our grandmothers and ancestors proud.  Please make an annual gift to help the next generation by supporting the Aubry-LeBuffe Scholarship.”

For more information or to support the Thaddeus F. Aubry and Leon A. LeBuffe Scholarship Fund, visit our website.