UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- From attending an elegant gala to the unveiling of new Penn State historical markers, African-American Penn State alumni can relive good times and reconnect with old friends while helping current students during the 2012 Black Alumni Reunion at University Park, April 20–22.
The Black Alumni Reunion, “2012 Blue-White: Black Alumni Reunion, The Collective,'' will include special dinners, tours, a career fair, student–alumni networking opportunities, exhibits and more. The “Pioneer and Legends Dinner” on Friday night will highlight the accomplishments of several famous African-American Penn Staters. Saturday will include a Black Alumni Reunion Tailgate prior to the Blue-White Game. That night, the “For the Future: The Black Alumni Reunion Scholarship Gala” will feature a reception and dinner, along with a silent auction and the unveiling of a bust of David Alston, Penn State’s first African-American football player, who played on the 1941 freshmen team.
A ceremony will be held to dedicate a historical marker for Lincoln Hall, the circa 1910 structure on Barnard Street in the borough of State College. Lincoln Hall was a rooming house for male African-American students from the late 1930s to the 1950s. Most of the living former residents of Lincoln Hall, including Wally Triplett III ’49, will attend the dedication, beginning at 3:45 p.m. April 20.
The Penn State Alumni Association and the Office of University Relations also recently installed a new campus historical marker, "Champions for Equality," near the entrance to the All-Sports Museum. The historical marker notes: "Demonstrating that sport can be a powerful force for social change, Penn State led the way in breaking the color barrier in intercollegiate football in the South. By the players’ own decision, the team refused an offer to play a segregated Deep South opponent in 1946. The Nittany Lions then became the first team to field African-American players in the Cotton Bowl in 1948 and the Gator Bowl in 1961."
Black Alumni Reunion registration is $100 for Penn State Alumni Association members and $200 for non-members. Proceeds from the black-tie gala will benefit the Penn State African-American Alumni Organization Trustee Scholarship Fund and the For the Future: The Campaign for Penn State Students.
Black Alumni Reunions have been held in 2006, 2008 and 2010 with each drawing alumni and friends from across the country. For more information or to register, visit http://alumni.psu.edu/events/black-alumni-reunion online.