The Wade Fellows Programs was established in 1976 in honor of Harold Wade, Jr. ’68. While a student, Harold Wade, Jr. worked to strengthen the black community at Amherst, including organizing the Afro American Society and initiating recruitment materials aimed at attracting black high school students to Amherst. His book, Black Men of Amherst, was published posthumously by the College and is an important work that documents the achievements of many black Amherst graduates.

The Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion has formed an advisory group to reinvigorate the Wade Fellowship, a decades-long platform at the College for recognizing black alumni achievement and connecting black alumni with students for career mentorship and discussions on campus. Wade Fellows provide a meaningful and important voice in ongoing diversity and inclusion work, the career development needs of Amherst students, and in strengthening the alumni network connection between black alumni and students.