Forrest A. Parker, Sr. Homegoing

Our beloved Forrest Parker, Sr. was called home on January 1, 2024. He was the Assistant Director of Admissions at James Madison University, responsible for minority recruiting. He founded the “Black Freshman Weekend” experience for accepted minority students. Additionally, he was the founding director of the James Farmer Multicultural Center and creator of the annual Multicultural Fair at the University of Mary Washington. He was named CEO of the Boys and Girls Club of the Rappahannock region in 2001, remaining in leadership roles until his death. He created a legacy through his visionary leadership in establishing different minority and diverse programs wherever he went. He was a mentor to and advocate for so many students wherever he worked throughout his lifetime. The impact of his life's exemplary work touched many of us, the result of which created successful leaders in a variety of occupational fields. We owe Forrest our gratitude for being a friend, mentor, colleague, confidant, counselor, leader, and fraternity brother, and will miss him dearly.

As we have benefited from him pouring into us, it is our time to pour back into him. We are seeking donations to establish an endowment in his name at James Madison University.