Tuesday is deadline for Black Alumni Reunion registration
Sept. 11, 2003
KALAMAZOO -- The registration deadline for Western Michigan University's second Black Alumni Reunion is Tuesday, Sept. 16.
The reunion, called "Making the Connection, Continuing the Climb," will take place Thursday, Sept. 18, through Sunday, Sept. 21, and is being sponsored by the WMU Alumni Association in cooperation with its Onyx Society constituent group.
"The primary purpose of the reunion is to encourage and facilitate greater interaction and meaningful dialogue between our black alumni and current African American students," says Jamie Jeremy, executive director of the Alumni Association. "It's also a great opportunity for alumni of color to celebrate WMU's centennial as well as the contributions African American alumni, faculty and students have made to the University during the past 100 years."
As part of the event, several alumni will return to the classroom throughout reunion week to serve as professors of the day, talking to current students about their educational experiences and careers.
Major activities for the reunion will begin on Friday, Sept. 19, with a Career Expo for alumni and current students and the interactive Pioneer Symposium, during which alumni panelists from the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s will share individual recollections and experiences from their college days.
Saturday's activities will kick off with a continental breakfast and welcome starting at 8 a.m. and be followed by plenary sessions featuring alumni panelists who will discuss a variety of timely topics. The day also will include a bus tour of campus, barbeque and dinner/dance.
The reunion will conclude on Sunday with an 11 a.m. ecumenical service at the Wesley Foundation.
Alumni planning to attend this year's reunion must register
in advance. The registration form was provided in an event brochure
mailed to area alumni and also may be obtained by calling the
WMU Alumni Association at (269) 387-8777 or downloading the event
brochure posted on the Black Alumni Reunion Web site at <www.wmich.edu/alumni/br>.
Media contact: Jeanne Baron, 269 387-8400, jeanne.baron@wmich.edu