Swarthmore Black Alumni Network (SBAN) Events

Alumni, parents, and students are invited to join the Swarthmore Black Alumni Network to connect with campus partners, engage in thought-provoking programming, and network with community members during Garnet Homecoming and Family Weekend, Oct. 26–27. If you have questions, please contact Caitlin Halloran Edwards (challor2@swarthmore.edu). 

Friday, Oct. 26

4–6 p.m. Eugene M. Lang Center for Civic and Social Responsibility Open House

Lang Center for Civic and Social Responsibility

Visitors are invited to speak with students, meet staff members, and tour the building. Be inspired by how our students, faculty, staff, and community colleagues are shaping a more just and compassionate world! 

Five students spent their summers as Urban Inequality and Incarceration Legal Interns, under the leadership of Professor Keith Reeves '88, thanks to the generosity of Swarthmore Black Alumni Network members.  

5–6 p.m. “Black Panther” panel discussion, hosted by SBAN

Science Center, Chang Hou Hall (Room 101)

Join SBAN and Swarthmore faculty and students for a panel discussion about the 2018 Marvel Studios film, Black Panther. 

8–10 p.m. Movie Night with SBAN: Screening of Marvel Studios's Black Panther

Lang Performing Arts Center, Cinema

All community members are invited to join the Swarthmore Black Alumni Network for a screening of Marvel blockbuster Black Panther (2018).

Saturday, Oct. 27

9 a.m. President's Welcome

Science Center, Chang Hou Hall (Room 101)

Join President Valerie Smith, Provost Sarah Willie-LeBreton, Interim Dean of Students Jim Terhune, and Vice President for College Advancement Karl Clauss for an update on the College. 

10–11:45 a.m. An Enduring Legacy: A Celebration of 50 Years of the Swarthmore African-American Student Society

Science Center, Chang Hou Hall (Room 101)

Join SASS and SBAN for a celebration and reflection of 50 years of activism, community, and change—and look ahead to the next 50 years.

Noon–1:30 p.m. Optional: Garnet Weekend Lunch 

Sharples Dining Hall

Join us for a complimentary lunch in Sharples Dining Hall.

Noon–1 p.m. SBAN | UII Donor Luncheon*

The Inn at Swarthmore, The Gathering Room

Join President Valerie Smith, Professor Keith Reeves '88, and the Social Justice Legal Interns and their mentors from Keller, Lisgar, & Williams, LLC and the Chester Youth Justice Program, for a thank you luncheon to the partners and donors who made this amazing program happen.

*Invitation only. Preregistration required.

1:30–2:30 p.m. McCabe Lecture with Claudia Kawas '74

Lang Performing Arts Center, Pearson-Hall Theatre

"Age Matters: Lessons from the Oldest Old"

Over the past century, advances in public health and medical science extended life expectancy by more than 28 years. People over age 90 are now the fastest growing segment of the population, although little is known about these pioneers of aging. Based in Laguna Woods, Calif., Dr. Kawas shares lifestyle and other lessons from individuals in their tenth decade and beyond.

3–3:45 p.m. SBAN | UII Intern Presentations

Science Center, Chang Hou Hall (Room 101)

Hear SBAN Urban Inequality and Incarceration Legal Interns speak about their summer experiences and report out on the projects they worked on. 

3:45–4:30 p.m. Continuation of "An Enduring Legacy: A Celebration of 50 Years of the Swarthmore African-American Student Society" morning panel

Science Center, Chang Hou Hall (Room 101)

Finish hearing from SASS and SBAN members reflect on 50 years of activism, community, and change—and look ahead to the next 50 years.

4:30–5 p.m. SBAN Business Meeting

Science Center, Chang Hou Hall (Room 101)

The SBAN Executive Committee will host their annual network business meeting. All are invite to attend to hear a recap 2018 initiatives and events, and hear about 2019 programming.

5–7 p.m. Swarthmore Black Alumni Network Community Dinner

Clothier Memorial Hall, Upper Tarble (second floor)

SBAN and SASS welcome Black alumni to join student groups for a special dinner. Preregistration is encouraged.

7–10 p.m. Together as One, Divided by None: The SASS Family Celebrates 50 Years

Robinson House (Black Cultural Center)

Members of SBAN are invited to gather in the Black Cultural Center for a social conclusion to the weekend.