The sporadic rain did not discourage more than a thousand black Ohio University alumni from flooding into Athens this weekend for their alma mater's largest organized reunion.
More than 70 of the alumni attended a town hall meeting Saturday morning and hundreds more sat down for a formal dinner and gala that evening in Baker University Center - just two of more than 30 events offered during OU's Black Alumni Reunion. The reunions are held every three years and began in the 1970s.
For 1976 graduate Gale Campbell Wilson, the reunion marked her first visit to OU's campus in more than ten years. Wilson noted changes that took place - the new Baker University Center, a coffee shop where a movie theater once stood and a modified West Green.
The parking still sucks
but I like that they didn't change that you can cross the street in any direction on Court Street Wilson said. I love that. It gives the university character.
As part of the reunion, President Roderick McDavis and Brian Bridges, vice provost of Diversity, Access and Equity, answered questions about the state of the university at a town hall-style meeting early Saturday. They discussed the five-year academic improvement plan, athletics and diversity.
We want to go back to the place where we are a mini United Nations McDavis said. We want to expand not only our African American students but other students of color and international students.
McDavis also encouraged alumni to remain involved and contribute to OU.
All of us are at a place in our lives where we can think about - what can we give back? McDavis said.
Aaron Thomas, a 2001 graduate and local business owner, suggested OU work on improving city-university relations. There are only six businesses in Athens County owned by African Americans, Thomas said.
The town hall meeting was an especially important event because it allowed administrators to combat misinformation, Bridges said.
Gregory Moore, who was OU's second black Student Senate president during the 1981 school year, attended the town hall. During his time as president, he successfully pushed OU to recognize Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday and hold Student Senate elections. He also fought to have students serve on the Board of Trustees.
The campus has been built up
but I like how it has the same cultural spirit. It has the same warmth
said Moore, who graduated in 1983. The activism still seems strong
and students are still fighting for the same things.
At a formal gala Saturday evening, alumni listened to keynote speaker Yvette McGee-Brown, Gov. Ted Strickland's running mate and a 1982 alumna.
McGee-Brown said she learned the importance of continued alumni support during her time in Athens.
At OU
I got the chance to grow up; I got the chance to be a leader
McGee-Brown said. I couldn't have had a better college experience. ... When I think about this great university
I know we are investing in those young people who are setting the records of the future. We've got to take what we had and pay it forward.
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