It was a weekend filled with honoring the past, connecting to the present and building the future at Ohio University’s triennial Black Alumni Reunion (BAR). Hosted by the Ohio University Alumni Association (OUAA) in partnership with the entire OHIO community on the Athens Campus, BAR 2022 (Sept. 15-18) brought thousands of OHIO alumni back to the bricks and the place that forever ties them all to one another.
It was a time to reunite with former classmates and friends while forging Bobcat bonds with the students following in their footsteps. It was a time for reliving college memories and creating new ones. It was a time to reflect on progress made and engage with campus leadership as the OHIO community forges into the future. It was a time to remember those lost and to celebrate those whose contributions to campus, community and the world embody excellence.
“This cherished tradition brought together Bobcats from across the country and the pond including Denmark, South Africa and Botswana, to celebrate the University’s black alumni and their unique and substantial contributions to the OHIO community,” said Ty Carr, BAR Director and Director, Alumni Diversity Initiatives. “We are proud to acknowledge their commitment to advancing Ohio University and its students.”
Jenn Shutt Bowie, BSJ ’94, MS ’99, interim associate vice president of alumni relations and executive director of the OUAA amplified the sentiments of BAR Gala Keynote Speaker Dorian Spence, BBA ’06, who serves as vice president of strategy and programs for the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under the Law in Washington D.C.
“Mr. Spence, in an eloquent and powerful address, shared with us the three words that, for him, sum up the Ohio University experience,” said Bowie. “He started with ‘love’ — the love for people that's defined here. Second was ‘community’ — the ‘sacred and special’ community that's created here. ‘Our alumni are not visitors,’ he said. ‘This is home.’ And finally, ‘fidelity’ — life-long loyalty and support that is Forever OHIO. I couldn’t have chosen three better words to sum up Black Alumni Reunion: Love. Community. Fidelity.”
It was four days that not only made Ohio University history – as the largest BAR to date – but built on the rich history and deep commitment of OHIO’s Black graduates and friends whose love for alma mater spans decades.
Here’s a look back at BAR 2022 and just a few of the many moments of Bobcat love, laughter and fellowship.
View and download additional photos from BAR 2022.