If the expanded series of events is any indication, the 18th University of Mississippi Black Alumni Reunion, scheduled for March 1-4, will be the biggest and best one ever.
“We hopefully added something for everyone,” said Torie Marion-White (BSCJ 07), assistant director of alumni affairs. “We have a great offering of activities and events and hope they will be a big draw for the 2018 reunion. Continued support from Ole Miss Alumni Association members will ensure this reunion’s success for years to come.”
Begun by former assistant alumni director Bonita Terry-Malone (BA 88), the Black Alumni Reunion was part of a strategic plan to not only draw African-American alumni back to campus, but to also get them involved in and committed to influencing policy decisions, funding scholarship opportunities and networking. By the third reunion, the number of dues-paying African-American alumni had increased by more than 200 percent. Since then, the reunion remains the largest registered event sponsored by the Alumni Association.
“I’m really pleased that as the reunion has evolved and the participation of black alumni at Ole Miss has skyrocketed,” said Terry-Malone, who lives in Memphis, Tennessee, and works with the Salvation Army, “several other components of that strategic plan – such as the Ben Williams Minority Alumni Scholarship, the Black Alumni Advisory Council and the Black Alumni Newsletter – have also been realized. All these contribute to the ongoing involvement and commitment of black alumni to Ole Miss.”
This year’s weekend gathering offers fun for everyone – from baby boomers to millennials and everyone in between. Here are six reasons why alumni should register and plan to attend:
- It’s affordable: Registration for inactive Alumni Association members is $200, which includes a one-year membership to the Ole Miss Alumni Association. Registration for active Alumni Association members is $150.
- Career Center Diversity Career Expo: Join alumni and other representatives from public, private and government sectors at noon on March 1 to network for career opportunities. If you would like to represent your company or organization, please email Toni Avant (BA 97, MA 97) at toni@career.olemiss.edu for registration details.
- Stand-up comedy show: Featuring Billy Sorrells and Oxford’s very own Karlous Miller of the hit show “Wild ’n Out” hosted by JJ Williamson. Begin the weekend in style March 1 with a 7 p.m. performance in Fulton Chapel.
- ‘Full Course Love’ brunch theater experience: This March 3 event at the Powerhouse is a presentation of “Full Course Love,” written and produced by 2017 DOSF (Diversity On Stage and Film) and Artsy award winner Princeton James Echols. The show will take you on a memorable journey of love, drama and comedy. Patrons will enjoy an afternoon of theater, spoken word, music and comedy that includes an exquisite three-course dining experience.
- Greek show: See your favorite frats and sorors turn up on March 3 beginning at 8 p.m. in the Tad Smith Coliseum.
- Black Alumni Awards Gala: Starts at 6 p.m. on March 3 in the Gertrude Castellow Ford Ballroom at The Inn at Ole Miss. The banquet will celebrate our history and honor our heroes. It also offers a chance to reunite with classmates from the ’70s, ’80s, ’90s and ’00s.
Parties, dances, tours, panel discussions and a devotional service are also scheduled. Visit http://rebelnetwork.olemissalumni.com/s/1605/alumni/index.aspx?sid=1605&gid=2&pgid=1266&cid=2200&ecid=2200&ciid=2472&crid=0, or contact Torie Marion-White at 662-915-7375 for more information.