Swarthmore Black Alumni Network (SBAN) Events
Alumni, parents, and current students are invited to join the Swarthmore Black Alumni Network for thought-provoking programming, networking, and further development of this affinity group on Saturday, Oct. 29. If you have questions, please contact Caitlin Halloran Edwards (challor2@swarthmore.edu). Please note that preregistration is now closed.
Agenda
8:30–9:45 a.m. Swarthmore Black Alumni Network Welcome Reception, co-sponsored by the Lang Center and Alumni & Parent Engagement
Lang Center for Civic and Social Responsibility
Join fellow members of the Swarthmore Black Alumni Network at the Lang Center for Civic and Social Responsibility for a light breakfast and an introduction to Lang Center initiatives.
10–11:45 a.m. Swarthmore Black Alumni Network (SBAN) panel: “Social Justice and Activism in the 21st Century”
Science Center, Cuniff Hall (Room 199)
A panel discussion on the state of today's social justice movements, how they've differed from past social movements, opportunities for activism in the corporate space, and rethinking how individuals can be involved and bridge the gap given modern day constraints.
Panelists:
Keith Benjamin '09
Louis Lainé ’16
A’Dorian Murray-Thomas ’16
Desiree Peterkin Bell ’00
The panel will be moderated by Prof. Keith Reeves '88
Noon–1:15 p.m. SBAN Luncheon Meeting
Scheuer Room, Kohlberg Hall
Get caught up on SBAN current events and business. First-time SBAN members are welcome.
Please note, due to increasing demand and limited space, preregistration was required. Please contact Caitlin Halloran Edwards with questions.
1:30–2:30 p.m. McCabe Lecture with Patrick Awuah ’89
Pearson-Hall Theatre, Lang Performing Arts Center
“The Liberal Arts and the Future of Africa”
This year’s lecturer is alumnus Patrick Awuah Jr. '89, whose story is equal parts inspiring and amazing. Awuah arrived at Swarthmore in 1985 from the West African nation of Ghana with $50 in his pocket and an openness to explore all the possibilities life offered. After graduating, he began a promising career at Microsoft. Six years into it, he started wondering about his purpose in life, a quest that ultimately led to his founding of the liberal arts institution Ashesi University in his native country. He considers Ashesi “an expression of the essence of Swarthmore College.”
Awuah’s lecture will address the challenges and opportunities Africa faces—and why Awuah has come to believe more strongly than ever that a liberal education is fundamentally important to Africa’s future.
3:30–4:30 p.m. Swarthmore Black Alumni Network (SBAN), co-hosted by the Black Cultural Center (BCC) and President Smith
Robinson House (Black Cultural Center)
President Valerie Smith and BCC Director Dion Lewis welcome you back to the Robinson House for light refreshments, a few words on the current activities of the BCC, and brief remarks from the President.
5 p.m. BCC/SBAN Networking Event
Robinson House (Black Cultural Center)
The Black Cultural Center (BCC) and the Swarthmore Black Alumni Network (SBAN), in conjunction with the Office of Career Services, will sponsor a networking reception at the BCC. This event is designed to give current students the opportunity to discuss graduate studies, professional work, and overall life after Swarthmore with alumni. Alumni from a range of careers from law to finance to STEM will be there to network. Heavy hors d'oeuvres will be served.
4:30–7 p.m. Optional: Garnet Weekend Picnic Dinner
Parrish Beach
Join the Swarthmore community for this Garnet Weekend tradition. Tickets are $16 and may be purchased with cash at the door if you did not preregister.
