Story Highlights
- Syracuse University’s 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 Coming Back Together (CBT). The triennial reunion, hosted by the Office of Multicultural Advancement (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 Our Time Has Come Scholarship (OTHC) program.
SUMA Advisory Council member and OTHC donor Vaughn Irons ’97, a CEO/real estate developer from the Atlanta area, recognizes how influential his Syracuse University 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’s hard for a student to see what the future looks like without examples. We can show this generation that it’s possible to get to where they want to be from where they are, because we’ve done it.
Today’s 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.
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’ll be able to count on for life are the students, faculty and staff at Syracuse University. You’ll be surprised how important it will become. Don’t discount the experience you gain while in college. Do all you can…be 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 ’93
Cast members of the sitcom "A Different World" including Darryl Bell ’87 (left), speak to students and alumni for Coming Back Together.
Featured Events at CBT
This year’s 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 ’87, K.G. Tan Auditorium, National Veterans Resource Center. Simulcast for students at Schine Student Center.
- CBT Comedy Show featuring D.L. Hughley, Goldstein Auditorium, Schine Student Center.
Saturday, Sept. 14
- Barner-McDuffie House Donor Celebration, 119 Euclid Ave.
- Exhibitions and tours hosted by the Community Folk Art Center, La Casita Cultural Center, Syracuse University Art Museum and Special Collections Research Center.
- CBT Live, talk show format featuring well-known alumni interviewed by Angie Martinez and Ana Navarro of The View, 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 ’10 (College of Arts and Sciences), founder and chief executive officer of AfroFuture Fest.
- Ada Agrait ’94 (S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications), executive vice president and global head of corporate marketing for SAP.
- Tara Favors ’95 (College of Arts and Sciences), chief human resources officer for Mutual of America Financial Group.
- JaNeika James G’05 (S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications), executive producer on Peacock’s Bel-Air.
- Jason Olivo ’95 (School of Information Studies), senior vice president for investments at JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.
- Savalle Sims ’92 (Martin J. Whitman School of Management), executive vice president and general counsel for Warner Bros. Discovery.
Young Alumni Award Recipient
- Sadé Muhammad ’12 (S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications), chief marketing and impact officer of Time.
Stay tuned for more CBT coverage in the coming weeks.
