UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — More than 375 Penn State alumni and friends came together Oct. 2-4 for the 2026 Penn State Black Alumni Reunion, a biennial celebration planned by the Black Alumni Reunion Committee in collaboration with the Penn State Alumni Association.
This year’s theme, “Welcome Home: It’s a Family Affair,” reflects the idea that “home” is not just a place, but also the people, relationships, traditions, and memories that stay with students long after they graduate. For the Black Penn State community, the Black Alumni Reunion (BAR) creates space to celebrate generations of Black Penn Staters and strengthen the connections that carry that legacy forward.
The weekend began Friday with an ice cream social and college and campus open house, where alumni reconnected with their respective colleges and shared memories of their Penn State experiences. After BAR Committee Chair Nilda Cid Gumbs opened the afternoon event, Penn State Alumni Association CEO Reggie Bustinza welcomed attendees back to campus and introduced Penn State Women’s Basketball Head Coach Tanisha Wright. Wright reflected on her return to Penn State after a successful WNBA career and the importance of creating opportunities for Black students and alumni to build cultural connections. Alumna Rasa Drane, known as “Ray Dray,” closed the afternoon event by getting attendees on the dance floor with line dancing.
The celebration continued Friday night at Northland Bowl & Sports Center with a watch party for Penn State’s football game against Northwestern. Bowling, music, and dancing kept spirits high.
Saturday began with brunch and a surprise exercise class led by alumnae Whitney Stringer and Dania Langley. Later, the “State of the State I: Legacy, Progress, and Future of Black Penn State,” panel brought together Penn State leaders to discuss the current Black Penn State experience, while “State of the State II: Meet the Educational Equity Scholars,” gave students an opportunity to share their experiences and the futures they are building.
The Penn State Alumni Association and Black Alumni Reunion Committee extend their appreciation to Penn State Educational Equity for its partnership and support throughout the weekend, helping create opportunities for connection, learning and community.
Alumni had time Saturday afternoon to explore Penn State at their own pace, including options to visit the University Archives, where participants could find familiar faces and materials that helped tell the story of Black Penn State, or take a behind-the-scenes tour of Beaver Stadium, including the football locker room, team tunnel, and field level. Attendees then gathered on the steps of Old Main for the BAR group photo, taking advantage of the opportunity to commemorate this gathering of Black Penn Staters from across many generations.
The afternoon continued with the National Pan-Hellenic Council Step Show, hosted by comedian, actress, and content creator B. Simone. Representatives of the Divine Nine historically Black Greek-letter organizations filled Schwab Auditorium with strolls, step routines, and stories celebrating their organizations. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. swept both the audience and judges' awards with “Project 1913, the Delta Formula.” The Step Show was presented with support from the Paul Robeson Cultural Center and the Student Programming Association.
Saturday night brought the “White Out Party,” at the Penn Stater Hotel and Conference Center. DJ Aladdin Da Prince kept the dance floor moving before R&B singer and actor Christopher Williams, known for his hit “Dreamin’” and role in "New Jack City," took the stage.
The weekend concluded Sunday with the "Legacy & Leadership Awards Brunch," where Bustinza reflected on the enduring legacy of Black Penn Staters. He emphasized the importance of continuing to invest in one another and creating opportunities for future generations to find community, connection, and belonging at Penn State.
In a video message, Penn State President Neeli Bendapudi highlighted the University’s milestone of more than one million degrees and the role each person in the room has played in that collective story. She also emphasized the importance of continuing to gather and celebrate the Black community and its impact on Penn State’s history and future.
The BAR Committee honored Ronald Scott with the Trailblazer Award for his student activism, including his leadership of the Black Student Union, participation in the Moratorium March, and a seminal protest speech he delivered on May 6, 1970. Though Scott was unable to attend following recent surgery, he shared video remarks expressing his gratitude and describing himself as one small piece of the larger puzzle of Black history at Penn State. He also reminded attendees that the work is not finished.
Associate Head Coach Terry M. Smith received the Black Excellence in Leadership Award in recognition of his impact on Penn State and his work with the football program. A former Penn State football player, Smith has remained closely connected to the University and now helps guide the next generation of student-athletes. Smith’s father, Harvey Smith Sr., surprised him by traveling from Pittsburgh to introduce the award, making the recognition an especially meaningful moment for Smith and his family.
The brunch concluded with R&B Bingo, giving alumni one final opportunity to celebrate together.
As attendees returned to their communities across the country, they said they took the spirit of BAR with them. For many, the weekend brought a powerful sense of nostalgia and a renewed appreciation for the importance of creating spaces where Black Penn Staters can return, reconnect, and celebrate one another.
From revisiting familiar places and traditions to hearing directly from today’s students and celebrating alumni who have helped shape Penn State, the 2026 Black Alumni Reunion offered a chance to reflect on the generations who came before, celebrate the community that exists today, and look ahead to those still writing the story of Black Penn State.
Penn State alumni interested in helping to shape future Black Alumni Reunions can reach out to Jess Dunlow at jessica.dunlow@psu.edu to learn more about joining the Black Alumni Reunion Committee.
View photos from the 2026 Black Alumni Reunion here.
About the Penn State Alumni Association
For more than 150 years, the Penn State Alumni Association has provided alumni with a strong and welcoming community representative of the Penn Staters it proudly serves. The association keeps alumni connected to the University and to each other, while upholding Penn State traditions and supporting the University’s mission of teaching, research and service. The association also produces the award-winning Penn Stater magazine and other publications, and offers alumni and friends volunteer opportunities, educational programming, and many other services. For more information about membership in the Alumni Association, visit alumni.psu.edu/youbelong.