BAR Events 2025
For more than 40 years, Black Alumni Reunion (BAR) has served as a forum for Black alumni and students to convene and celebrate their unique individual and shared histories that define their experiences at their alma mater, 帝王会所. BAR is an opportunity for Bobcats to foster connectivity to our beloved campus and the people and programs who are associated with it. ALL alumni are welcome to join our celebration as we are dedicated to inclusivity and intergenerational relationships. BAR exists to inspire, to learn and to teach, to engage, to advocate and, ultimately, to celebrate.
Registration is required to attend any/all BAR 2025 Signature Events. There is a registration fee 鈥 in addition to individual event costs. Until March 15, 2025, the registration fee is $35, which includes promotional items, including a BAR 2025 bag and t-shirt. Individuals who register between March 16 - March 27, 2025, will pay a late registration fee of $50. Please note: Late registrants will not receive their promotional items at the event. They will be mailed after the event. The increased fee amount will cover shipping costs.
Thursday, April 10, 2025
Bridging Generations: The Legacy and Leadership Expo | 4-6 p.m.
Baker University Center
Cost: Free for Registrants
Today鈥檚 students are tomorrow鈥檚 alumni. Student leaders from campus organizations will share insight about how their efforts are shaping campus and building lifelong affinity to 帝王会所. The Bridging Generations: The Legacy and Leadership Expo opens the door to conversation, presenting alumni with a unique opportunity to learn about campus from current student leaders. The expo will also help alumni identify unique opportunities for them to support students through networking and mentorship. Jumpstart your weekend and invigorate your mind by engaging young Bobcats who are dedicating themselves to community 鈥 here in Athens, across the nation and around the globe.
Welcome Reception | 4:30-6:30 p.m.聽
Baker University Center, Multicultural Center (Baker 203)
Cost: $10
We鈥檙e kicking off BAR 2025 with a casual, 鈥渃ome as you are鈥 opportunity to connect with alumni and students, grab a bite to eat and get the party started. Registrants will receive $15 food vouchers for West 82, located on the ground floor of Baker University Center, that offers an array of appetizing food options sure to please any palate. This will be our first BAR without our beloved Dr. Francine C. Childs. Her love for ice cream is fondly remembered by those who knew her well. In her loving memory and in her honor, enjoy something sweet from our complimentary ice cream sundae bar and dessert station. Get there early to enjoy games and fellowship.
Comedy Show | 6-9 p.m.
Reception: 6-7 p.m.
Baker University Center Theatre Lounge, Second Floor
Show: 7-9 p.m.
Baker University Center Theatre, Second Floor
Cost: $20*; cash bar available
We鈥檝e scheduled an all-star line-up for a night of laughs. The evening includes sets by two OHIO alumni comedians Scott Banks and Mr. Bankshot. Our Headlining Act is Leighann Lord, a seasoned, NYC-based stand-up comedian who has been seen on Comedy Central, HBO,鈥疶he View, and in the Netflix鈥疍ef Comedy Jam鈥25th Anniversary Special. She鈥檚 performed for the troops in the Middle East, in all 50 states, 20 countries, six continents, and Guam. A cash bar will be available.
*Early Bird Discount: The first 100 tickets purchased will sell for $15 per person!
Friday, April 11, 2025
Young, Gifted and Black - the Official BAR Entrepreneurial Pitch Competition | 10:30 a.m.-Noon
Baker University Center Grand Ballroom
Cost: Free for Registrants
Hosted by the BAR Committee and the 帝王会所 Alumni Association, in partnership with the Center for Entrepreneurship, we welcome you to join us for 鈥淵oung, Gifted and Black.鈥 Current students and recent graduates (alumni from 2015 to present) are invited to bring their entrepreneurial ideas before a panel of Black-owned alumni business owners. Our distinguished judges will analyze idea/product/services, provide feedback and score an idea鈥檚 profitability. Prizes will be awarded in both current student and young alumni categories. Light appetizers provided after presentations. Young, Gifted and Black is NEW to this year鈥檚 BAR and is sure to be an exciting, in-person offering. We encourage all alumni come support our current and future entrepreneurs!
Submission materials will be available on the BAR website in mid-February if you are interested in participating as a student or a recent graduate. Participating entrepreneurs will pitch their ideas "Shark Tank"-style, with winners announced at the conclusion of the competition.
Academic Summit | 1-2 p.m.
Baker University Center, Various Locations
Cost: Free for Registrants
A visit to campus would not be complete without hearing from today鈥檚 thought leaders from various colleges and programs. Four concurrent sessions will be available during this time:
- The Future of Care (College of Health Sciences and Professions, Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Voinovich School): Grants, policy, and Supporting healthcare access for minority populations.
- From First Gen to Future Leaders (College of Business, University College, Patton College of Education): Mentorship practices for first-generation students, sense of belonging and community building.
- Law, Media, and Perception (College of Arts & Sciences and Scripps College of Communication): Examine how media shapes perceptions of justice through imagery, narratives, and public trust.
- Building Inclusive and Ethical AI (Honors Tutorial College, Russ College of Engineering & Technology): Diversity and ethics in AI design through collaboration and innovation.
College of Business Open House | 3-4:30 p.m.
Muck Annex, 108
Cost: Free for Registrants
Join College of Business (COB) faculty, staff, students, and fellow alumni to learn more information about current initiatives to promote inclusive leadership. Network and find out how your support and connections can create impact at OHIO in the COB.
If you have any questions, contact Nicole Smith at smithn5@ohio.edu.
Affinity Block | 4-6 p.m.
Various Locations
Cost: Free for Registrants
Several campus organizations and affinity groups 鈥 including Greek organizations and athletics 鈥 are working to establish opportunities for alumni to converse with current student leaders in informal settings. The affinity block is just that. The goal is for these sessions to not overlap, allowing alumni to attend as many opportunities as possible. A detailed schedule will be available in advance of BAR.
Apollo-Style Variety Show | 7-9 p.m.
Blackburn-Templeton Memorial Auditorium
Cost: $10
Current students and alumni have an immense amount of talent 鈥 and this is their opportunity to show it off. Prizes will be awarded to the top three acts. There are no judges for this event. The audience says who stays and who goes. That鈥檚 right: The variety show is an Apollo-style competition!
Saturday, April 12, 2025
EBN Breakfast | 9-10:30 a.m.
Walter Hall, Rotunda
Cost: $25 for alumni and adult guests, Free for students
Established a decade and a half ago, the Ebony Bobcat Network (EBN) was founded following an inspirational BAR 2010 and by a charge from alumnus and then-president, Dr. Roderick J. McDavis, the first African American president of 帝王会所. Today, EBN continues in its commitment to 鈥淐elebrating Black Excellence.鈥 We are honored to have Dr. McDavis as our keynote speaker for this year鈥檚 breakfast, and some of our scholarship recipients will be in attendance as well. The triennial EBN Breakfast is an opportunity during BAR for the current six affiliate networks from Akron/Canton, Cincinnati/Dayton, Cleveland, Columbus, Florida-statewide, and Washington, D.C., to assemble and highlight their work, as well as encourage membership and engagement.
Indulge in a hot breakfast buffet featuring fluffy pancakes, savory eggs, crispy bacon, and so much more! We look forward to seeing you there.
A Fireside Chat with President Gonzalez | 11 a.m.-Noon
Walter Hall
Cost: Free for Registrants
Dr. Lori Stewart Gonzalez serves as the 23rd President of 帝王会所 鈥 the first woman to serve in this capacity. Under her leadership, the University has strengthened its mission and vision and developed a Dynamic Strategy that will elevate the university鈥檚 service to students and to the state of 帝王会所. During the fireside chat, University leaders will honor the university鈥檚 past and dream about its future. STAY TUNED: Watch for exciting updates about leadership participants!
BAR Cookout | Noon-3 p.m.
Walter Fieldhouse
Cost: $35
An afternoon of food, fellowship and FUN is what the BAR Cookout is all about. There will be games (corn hole, spades, bid whist, etc.), photo booths and, of course, a DJ to Lo Key Entertainment will be on the 1's and 2's playing your favorite hits from the 60s 鈥 today. Lunch will be served from 12:30 pm 鈥 2:30 pm. A group photo will be taken around 2:40 pm. This indoor venue ensures the event goes on 鈥 rain or shine!
Black Alumni Reunion Awards Ceremony | 5-7:30 p.m.
5 p.m. (main doors open)
6-7:30 p.m. (program)
Blackburn-Templeton Memorial Auditorium
Cost: Free for Registrants
Join us for an unforgettable evening of inspiration as we celebrate and honor Black excellence. The BAR Awards Ceremony recognizes the extraordinary achievements of individuals who are making a significant impact on their alma mater and in their communities through their dedication, time and talent. The BAR Awards Ceremony is open to all 鈥 students, alumni, faculty/staff, and entire OHIO community. Registration is free to those who register. Black-tie optional; dress to impress.
Black Alumni Reunion Awards Reception | 7:30-9:30 p.m.
Baker University Center Grand Ballroom, Fourth Floor
Cost: $65
Immediately following the BAR Awards Ceremony, continue the celebration with a buffet of delicious heavy hors d'oeuvres and a variety of sweets sure to please any crowd. The band 鈥淛ust Vince and The Fellas鈥 will be sure to get you on your feet and to the dance floor with musical selections from various eras and genres including R&B, hip hop, Motown, pop and rock. Grab your friends and pile in the photo booth to snap some pictures to commemorate BAR 2025. For guests 21+, complimentary beer and wine will be available, as well as an assortment of non-alcoholic drinks, including our own special Bobcat mocktail.
We kindly ask that our guests have their ID's available.
Sunday, April 13, 2025
Sunday Send Off | 10-11:30 a.m.
Walter Hall, Rotunda
Cost: Free for Registrants
The inspirational finale to our festive, informative weekend includes musical selections from the Gospel Voices of Faith & Friends. As we depart, let鈥檚 lift up our spirits and one another. This is our opportunity, together as a community, to share our hopes and dreams for all future Bobcats. The conclusion of BAR 2025 includes an intergenerational unity circle. A continental breakfast will be provided.
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