Hey, Black alumni! Come back to the Danforth Campus and experience the magic of “Black gravity” once again at this fall’s Black Alumni Weekend. Check out our full schedule of events and register today. As noted below, advance registration is strongly recommended for some events, and Black Alumni Weekend online registration closes on October 6.
Friday, October 13
2-8:30 P.m.
Black Alumni Weekend Check-In
Danforth University Center, Goldberg Formal Lounge
Visit the Danforth University Center (DUC) to check in and receive your name tag, t-shirt, and any necessary items for pre-registered events. Reunion staff are also available to process on-site registrations, provide general event details, and answer any questions you may have. While at the Welcome Center, classmates can catch up with friends and enjoy light refreshments.
5:30 P.M.-11 p.m.
Friday Bear Club
Danforth University Center, Second Floor
Wondering what to do with your kiddos during the welcome party? We have the answer! Our Bear Club child care program keeps your kids ages 0-17 safe and entertained while you enjoy your event. Enjoy catching up with classmates knowing your children are being cared for by professionally screened, vetted, vaccinated, and trained Jovie caregivers.
Divided into age-appropriate tracks, your child will participate in engaging themed activities sure to capture their attention! The evening’s theme, “Minions, Minions and more Minions,” is sure to be a hit! Minions are always taking things apart and building new things … what can our minds think of next? Kids will pretend to be inventors as they explore the different activities of Legos, Kinex, puzzles, and games.
Special snacks and meals are included.
Cost: $35 per child
6:30-8:30 p.m.
Welcome Party
Tisch Commons, Danforth University Center
Kick off the weekend by renewing old connections and making new ones at a welcome event for all Black alumni! Enjoy heavy appetizers, beer, wine, and soda.
Casual party attire
Advanced registration recommended.
9-11:30 p.m.
Friday Night Kick-Back
Location TBD
Not ready to end the night yet? Continue reconnecting and reminiscing over light refreshments.
Casual party attire
Advanced registration recommended.
Cost: $10
Saturday, October 14
9:15-10 a.m.
Check-in
Frick Forum, Charles F. Knight Center
Continental breakfast will be provided to in-person participants
10-11 A.M.
This Present Moment: A Conversation with University Leaders about Today’s WashU
Emerson Auditorium, Charles F. Knight Center
This conversation will convene four university leaders including Kia Caldwell, vice provost for faculty affairs and diversity, and Anna Gonzales, vice chancellor for student affairs. Leaders will share how they are prioritizing equity, diversity, and inclusion and helping to position the university for continued progress.
Attendees will have the opportunity to submit questions in advance.
11:15 A.M.-12:15 P.m.
Concurrent Panel Discussions
Knight Hall and Bauer Hall
Following the “Conversation with University Leaders event,” choose one of three panel discussions:
Legacy and Leadership will feature an intergenerational panel of current students and alumni sharing their perspectives on being Black at WashU.
Involved and Invested will convene alumni leaders who will discuss opportunities for engagement and how and why they share their time, talent, and treasure with the university.
In St. Louis, for St. Louis, with St. Louis will feature faculty, staff, and alumni who are playing an integral role in operationalizing WashU’s commitment to the St. Louis region through community partnerships and impact.
More details to come!
12:30-2:30 p.m.
Black on the Quad Cookout
Brookings Quadrangle
We’re bringing the whole community together! Join other alumni, students, staff and faculty for fellowship and food catered by award-winning Pappy’s Smokehouse. Rep your fraternity or sorority and enjoy yard games and children’s activities throughout the event.
Casual attire is recommended.
Advanced registration required.
Cost: $25 per adult, $12 per child (children 6 and under are free)
2:30-5 p.m.
Wine Tasting at City Winery
City Winery St. Louis
Connect with other alumni and friends during an intimate tasting at one of St. Louis’ newest venues. City Winery is St. Louis’ premier winery, where the rustic appeal of wine country meets modern, urban amenities. This main space, containing 2,000 square feet of event space, was once an electric factory and before that an iron foundry. Now re-imagined by City Winery, it offers customizable event configurations for intimate dining experiences, weddings, large gala fundraisers, and everything in between.
Transportation for this event is provided.
Cost: $35 per person
3-4 P.M.
Black Graduate Student Association (BGSA) Networking Mixer
The Orchid Room, Danforth University Center
Meet and mingle with students currently pursuing graduate degrees at WashU. Hosted by the Black Graduate Student Association.
3-4:30 p.m.
Whiskey Cocktail Making + Tasting
Holmes Lounge
Join David Shanks, founder and owner of Whisky on Washington, for a fun and educational tasting and cocktail making class. David will bring his team and unique vibe to the WashU campus. Learn about one of the nation’s oldest Black-owned whiskey brands, Uncle Nearest Whiskey, during the tasting and then practice making your own whiskey-based cocktail. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert-level enthusiast, you’ll enjoy Whisky on Washington’s warm and welcoming approach.
Guests must be 21+ to participate in this event.
Casual attire is recommended. Space is limited.
Cost: $35 per adult
3-4:30 p.m.
Danforth Campus Tour
Tour starts and ends on Danforth Campus East End
From the new construction on the East End to a re-designed South40, engage, and explore the latest developments on the Danforth Campus. You will get to reminisce about your college experience while celebrating the milestones and enhancements of the next generation.
Please wear comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate casual attire.
Capacity is limited. Advanced registration is recommended.
3-5 p.m.
See St. Louis Bus Tour: Delmar Divide
Tour starts and ends on Danforth Campus East End
This bus tour visits historic neighborhoods throughout both north and south St. Louis, exploring the evolution of 20th-century racial divides, how they were perpetuated, and how they affect us all today. The past and present are illustrated through themes of disinvestment, housing vacancy, white flight, and more in neighborhoods such as Dutchtown, Benton Park, Mill Creek Valley, St. Louis Place, and The Ville. In exploring this complex topic, guides will provide space for dialogue and reflection throughout this meaningful experience.
Transportation for this event is provided. Note: We are unable to accommodate children’s car seats on this tour.
Casual attire is recommended.
Cost: $25 (children 6 and under are free)
3-5 p.m.
See St. Louis Bus Tour: Black History in St. Louis
Tour starts and ends on Danforth Campus East End
[Tour description to come.]
Transportation for this event is provided. Note: We are unable to accommodate children’s car seats on this tour.
Casual attire is recommended.
Cost: $25 (children 6 and under are free)
6-11:15 p.m.
Saturday Bear Club
Danforth University Center, Second Floor
Wondering what to do with your kiddos during the Sneaker Ball? We have the answer! Our Bear Club childcare program keeps your kids ages 0-17 safe and entertained while you enjoy your event. Enjoy catching up with classmates knowing your children are being cared for by professionally screened, vetted, vaccinated, and trained Jovie caregivers. Divided into age-appropriate tracks, your child will participate in engaging, themed activities sure to capture their attention! The theme for the evening will be “Super Hero Training.” Kids will create their individual superheroes and test their superhero powers including web slinging, wall crashing, super selfies, costume creation, capturing the villains, etc.!
Special snacks and meals are included.
Cost: $35 per child
6:30-10:30 p.m.
Black Alumni Council’s 40th Anniversary Sneaker Ball
Tisch Park
The WashU Black Alumni Council (BAC) is celebrating 40 years! Dress to impress and join us for a fun and festive evening including dinner, drinks and live music.
The BAC will be collecting new and gently worn sneakers to provide to St. Louis residents who need them. Donation bins will be available on-site.
Formal attire and sneakers are recommended.
Advanced registration required.
Cost: $55 per person
Sunday, October 15
9:30-11:30 A.m.
Come As You Go Brunch
Clark-Fox Forum, Hillman Hall
Reflect on your amazing weekend with friends and enjoy an all-you-care-to-eat brunch at Clark-Fox Forum, Hillman Hall.
Casual attire is recommended.
Cost: is $15 per adult, $7 per child (children six and under are free)