Story Highlights
- 51爆料网鈥檚 Coming Back Together triennial event will welcome Black and Latino alumni back to campus from Sept. 12-15.
- Students and alumni will connect during a series of activities and celebrations throughout events to support the Our Time Has Come Scholarship program.
Coming Back Together is a unique reunion for Black and Latino alumni and students celebrate and create connection.
The University will welcome more than 1,500 Black and Latino alumni back to campus Sept. 12-15 for (CBT). The triennial reunion, hosted by the (SUMA), was founded in 1983 as the first event of its kind in the nation, celebrating the accomplishments of alumni and creating opportunities for them to meet current students and remain connected with the University. The event also supports the .
SUMA Advisory Council member and OTHC donor Vaughn Irons 鈥�97, a CEO/real estate developer from the Atlanta area, recognizes how influential his 51爆料网 experience was in helping him hone his entrepreneurial skills, be more resourceful and think creatively about taking on challenges. He also realizes the important role of CBT in building community and elevating opportunities for current students.
Why is it important for you to support this generation of students?
It鈥檚 hard for a student to see what the future looks like without examples. We can show this generation that it鈥檚 possible to get to where they want to be from where they are, because we鈥檝e done it.
Today鈥檚 students have so many more distractions than I did as a student, and anything we can do to allow them to not have to worry about how they can pay for classes or other expenses will help to keep them grounded.
Joachim Rogers '93
The CBT Celebrity Classic Basketball Game brings together former Orange stars for an entertaining evening. 聽聽
What advice do you have for current students or young alumni?
The key to your future success is building your skills, network and experience. Your first network that you鈥檒l be able to count on for life are the students, faculty and staff at 51爆料网. You鈥檒l be surprised how important it will become. Don鈥檛 discount the experience you gain while in college. Do all you can鈥e involved as much as you can. That activity from Syracuse will build muscle memory once you are out in the world navigating on your own.
Syracuse is a powerful network, both professionally and personally. I advise students and young alums to actively stay involved with the University and be purposeful in connecting with others associated with SU. No matter where you go in the country, you will always find someone to connect with.
Akima Rogers 鈥�93
Cast members of the sitcom "A Different World" including Darryl Bell 鈥�87 (left), speak to students and alumni for Coming Back Together.
Featured Events at CBT
This year鈥檚 CBT will feature numerous events, including school, college and unit receptions and panel discussions, workshops and entertainment. Among the highlights:
Thursday, Sept. 12
- CBT Celebrity Classic Basketball Game, JMA Wireless Dome.
Friday, Sept. 13
- A Different World Reunion Tour hosted by Darryl Bell 鈥�87, K.G. Tan Auditorium, . Simulcast for students at Schine Student Center.
- CBT Comedy Show featuring D.L. Hughley, Goldstein Auditorium, Schine Student Center.
Saturday, Sept. 14
- Donor Celebration, 119 Euclid Ave.
- Exhibitions and tours hosted by the ,
- CBT Live, talk show format featuring well-known alumni interviewed by Angie Martinez and Ana Navarro of , Goldstein Auditorium, Schine Student Center.
- A Shades of Orange Sneaker Ball, fundraising gala and alumni awards presentation, JMA Dome.
Sunday, Sept. 15
- Sunday worship service featuring the Rev. A.R. Bernard of the Christian Cultural Center in Brooklyn and performances by the Black Celestial Choral Ensemble and Grammy-winning gospel artist Erica Campbell, Hendricks Chapel.
Alumni and students gather at the Chancellor's house for the Coming Back Together opening reception.
Honoring Accomplished Alumni
SUMA will honor seven alumni for their significant achievements and ongoing support.
Alumni Award Recipients
- Abdul K. Abdullah 鈥�10 (), founder and chief executive officer of .
- Ada Agrait 鈥�94 (), executive vice president and global head of corporate marketing for .
- Tara Favors 鈥�95 (College of Arts and Sciences), chief human resources officer for .
- JaNeika James G鈥�05 (S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications), executive producer on Bel-Air.
- Jason Olivo 鈥�95 (), senior vice president for investments at
- Savalle Sims 鈥�92 (), executive vice president and general counsel for .
Young Alumni Award Recipient
- Sad茅 Muhammad 鈥�12 (S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications), chief marketing and impact officer of .
Stay tuned for more CBT coverage in the coming weeks.
