Eugenia Livings Welburn ’95 Fellows honor legacy of giving back

Cameron Goulde ’27 and Nafi Thiam ’25 meet with Arielle Barfield, the Intercultural Center’s program coordinator, in their role as Eugenia “Genia” Livings Welburn ’95 Fellows.

On the first Friday of each month, Nafi Thiam ’25 could often be found in the hallway outside of the Intercultural Center, welcoming her classmates inside. 

“We hosted First Fridays, with food from local bakeries,” said Thiam, who majored in global studies. “It’s a perfect way to bring the community together.”

Thiam has felt a special connection to the Intercultural Center since its director, Charles E. Gibson III, arrived at Randolph last year. 

As one of two Eugenia “Genia” Livings Welburn ’95 Fellows during the 2024-25 academic year, her affinity for the center grew. 

“Even on the days I wasn’t scheduled to work, I was there with my friends,” she said. “It really just became a safe space for me. I’m very proud to be a fellow. It brought me so many opportunities. It’s a way to continue a legacy, and I want to be one of the people who does that.” 

She and Cameron Goulde ’27 were chosen as the inaugural fellows. They received a stipend for their roles, which included assisting with Intercultural Center programming and events and working shifts in the office. They also had the opportunity to plan their own events.

“Creating tradition creates community,” said Goulde. “Doing this allows me to be part of the campus on a different level, to have my own event and see people enjoy it.” 

Gibson created the program to honor Welburn, an alumna and trustee who has supported the office over the years. 

“I was so honored when he shared the idea with me,” said Welburn, who was an English major. “It really was a moment of reflection on my own years at the College and how important it was for me, even as a student, to begin giving back to the community what I was getting from it.” 

Hearing about those experiences has been invaluable for Goulde and Thiam. 

“She’s told us how she made the most of her time here and how she was involved in the community,” Goulde said. “It really helped me put into perspective why I’m here, my purpose, and what I should do with my own time at Randolph.” 

Eugenia Livings Welburn ’95

Welburn spent her early professional career as an enrollment and retention specialist for both her alma mater and Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. She worked several years in enrollment, assisting students and families in making the transition to college and, for many students, into adult life. 

Her work  focused on diversity and special programs specifically designed for African American and Latino students. 

She then led the Black Client Service Staff Initiative at McKinsey & Company, an international management consulting firm. There, Welburn committed her time to growing the Black consultant community at McKinsey while providing extensive professional development support.

She also served in various leadership and teaching roles with Community Bible Study, an international, non-denominational program, and other programs at her church and in her local community.

Welburn, who now lives in Manassas, also remains committed to Randolph, where she works to connect with and inspire students.

“College is a really safe, comfortable space where students can think and begin to form ideas,” she said. “So when they do get out into the world, they understand what it means to serve in their communities, celebrate the gifts they have, and really put them to good use.” 

She believes this foundation of learning and self-discovery extends beyond the classroom and helps shape how students engage with the world.

“I had the privilege of being a military kid. I lived and moved around the world as I grew up, so my scope and my perspective on the world were pretty wide even before going to college,” Welburn said. “But being a part of the campus community helped me to understand that my community is not just the neighborhood I live in or where I work; it truly is the greater, global community.”

:The diversity of Randolph today, and the presence of the Intercultural Center, delight me because they reflect our world,” she added, “and I’m always so pleased to help students better understand the importance of giving back and understanding what it means to live as a global citizen.”

This story appears in the Spring 2025 issue of the College’s Magazine, “Vita Abundantior.”