![\"baweekend?logo.2009-2.jpg\"](\"http:\/\/ezing.me\/transfer\/wp-content\/uploads\/stories\/0309\/baweekend?logo.2009-2.jpg\" "\\"baweekend?logo.2009-2.jpg\\"")
OXFORD,\nMiss. – Organizers of Black Alumni and Family Reunion scheduled this
\nweekend (March 6-8) at the University of Mississippi expect a record
\nattendance.<\/p>\n
OXFORD,
\nMiss. – Organizers of Black Alumni and Family Reunion scheduled this
\nweekend (March 6-8) at the University of Mississippi expect a record
\nattendance.<\/p>\n
Held every three years, the weekend gathering
\nroutinely registers up to 150 black alumni. The number of
\npre-registrants for this weekend has exceeded 350, said Josh Davis,
\nassistant director of alumni affairs.<\/p>\n
“We have had the highest
\nnumber of alums ever to pre-register for this reunion,” Davis said.
\n“The anticipation is growing, and people are encouraging others to come
\nback.”<\/p>\n
The expected increase in participation is a result of
\nresponding to suggestions from alumni for making the event more
\nenjoyable, Davis said. Following an alumni survey, organizers opted to
\nmake this year’s event more family-oriented and to include
\npeer-nominated awards, which will be presented at a special ceremony.
\nActivities also include a career fair, panel discussions, a Greek show,
\nnightly entertainment and campus tours.<\/p>\n
The event helps create and foster legacies, said Thomas Wallace, assistant to the provost. While the black experience on campus is less than 50 years old, the university is starting to see children and even grandchildren of black alumni graduate from UM.<\/p>\n
That legacy reveals the level of pride they have for the institution, Wallace said.<\/p>\n
“The changes that have taken place and the progress you see here at Ole Miss have enabled us to truly become one of America’s great public universities,” he said. “It’s important that we continue to hold on to that momentum.”<\/p>\n
The first Black Alumni Weekend was held in 1988. Its mission is to provide black students on campus with support from black alumni, said Rose Flenorl, UM Alumni Association president.<\/p>\n
“I’m pleased to say I’ve received support and encouragement across the board,” Flenorl said. “I am hopeful that more black alumni will get involved.”<\/p>\n
“When our alums return to campus, they all have a sense of community – a bond,” Davis said. “This event allows them to gather in the name of Ole Miss, and that goes a long way.”<\/p>\n
For more information, call Josh Davis at 662-915-1868. For assistance related to a disability, call 662-915-7375.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"