Save the date

We’re making plans for WashU’s second Black Alumni Weekend, October 9-11, 2026 — three days of reconnection, reflection, and celebration. From campus tours and curated conversations to city excursions and our signature SneakerBall, this weekend honors the brilliance, joy, and impact of Black alumni across generations.

Mark your calendar and fill out the Planning to Attend survey below. All WashU community members are invited to be part of the weekend.

Planning to Attend? Let us know!

Schedule sneak preview

Celebrate community with these can’t miss signature events. Events subject to change.

Friday, October 9, 2026 | Welcome Reception

Saturday, October 10, 2026 | Talk Black to Me: A Legacy in Motion
Saturday, October 10, 2026 | Community Lunch on the Quad
Saturday, October 10, 2026 | Radiant: A BAC SneakerBall Experience

Sunday, October 11, 2026 | Soulful Sunday Brunch

More than 300 alumni from seven decades celebrated the first university-wide Black Alumni Weekend in 2023. They reconnected with the university community and explored St. Louis, all while celebrating the powerful legacy of Black students, faculty, staff, and alumni at WashU.

highlights of the weekend
conversations with leaders panel discussion
Four university leaders: Kia Caldwell, vice provost for faculty affairs and diversity; Anna Gonzales, vice chancellor for student affairs; Grace James, executive director of undergraduate admissions; and Will Ross, associate dean for diversity and principal officer for community partnerships at Washington University School of Medicine, hosted a conversation about Today’s WashU. It was moderated by Shanti Parikh, chair of African and African-American Studies.
2023-10-14--during the 40th Annual WashU Black Alumni Council (BAC) Sneaker Ball in Tisch Park on the campus of Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri.
2023-10-14--during the 40th Annual WashU Black Alumni Council (BAC) Sneaker Ball in Tisch Park on the campus of Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri.
2023-10-14--during the 40th Annual WashU Black Alumni Council (BAC) Sneaker Ball in Tisch Park on the campus of Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri.
2023-10-14--during the 40th Annual WashU Black Alumni Council (BAC) Sneaker Ball in Tisch Park on the campus of Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri.
2023-10-14--during the 40th Annual WashU Black Alumni Council (BAC) Sneaker Ball in Tisch Park on the campus of Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri.
2023-10-14--during the 40th Annual WashU Black Alumni Council (BAC) Sneaker Ball in Tisch Park on the campus of Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri.
2023-10-14--during the 40th Annual WashU Black Alumni Council (BAC) Sneaker Ball in Tisch Park on the campus of Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri.
2023-10-14--during the 40th Annual WashU Black Alumni Council (BAC) Sneaker Ball in Tisch Park on the campus of Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri.
2023-10-14--during the 40th Annual WashU Black Alumni Council (BAC) Sneaker Ball in Tisch Park on the campus of Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri.

Attendees of the Black Alumni Council’s 40th Anniversary Sneaker Ball enjoyed a festive evening including dinner, drinks and live music. The BAC collected new and gently worn sneakers to provide to St. Louis residents who need them.

View full album of Black Alumni Weekend

Questions?

Dontrel SmithAssistant Director, Alumni Networks