Our History

The Dillard University National Alumni Association, Inc (DUNAA) was founded on June 28, 1934, by a group of alumni from Straight College and New Orleans University. (Straight College and New Orleans University were each founded in 1869 following the end of the Civil War in New Orleans, Louisiana and in 1935 merged into one institution to form Dillard University).

The event of the founding of a new joint alumni association was significant for the new school as the Straight College and New Orleans University rivalry had existed since 1869. However, several alumni of both institutions were committed to creating a new alumni association.

The charter of Dillard University provides that the alumni of New Orleans University, Straight College, and the Flint-Goodridge Nurse Training School, be recognized as alumni of Dillard University. A joint meeting of the three schools' alumni was held at New Orleans University on June 28, 1934. At this meeting, the Dillard University Alumni Association was organized. Through this association, the representatives of the alumni bodies of New Orleans University, Straight College, and the Flint-Goodridge Nurse Training School, express their combined interest in Dillard University. - (Dillard University Catalogue 1935-36, p. 52, Dillard University Archives)

DUNAA is the first, and only official organization created & designed with the sole purpose to support and serve as advocates for the advancement of Dillard University. In its more than 86 years of service, DUNAA has established numerous alumni chapters across the nation, given countless monetary gifts to the university, recruited thousands of students, assisted in the fundraising efforts of the UNCF, and continues to advocate for the well-being of our "Fair Dillard." Our mission is endless.

Today, the alumni association is dedicated to becoming a stellar organization in the work of educational philanthropy /advocacy while supporting the individual and collective achievements of our Alma Mater and its alumni.