UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Generations of Black Penn Staters will come together Oct. 2–4 at University Park for the Penn State Alumni Association’s 2026 Black Alumni Reunion, a weekend highlighting the stories, achievements, and experiences that have shaped the Black Penn State community.

This year’s theme, “Welcome Home: It’s a Family Affair,” reflects the enduring bonds that bring alumni back to campus and celebrates the shared history, traditions, and relationships that connect past, present, and future generations of Penn Staters.

“Black Alumni Reunion convenes every other year, but the sense of family keeps us connected in between,” says Nilda Cid Gumbs, chair of the 2026 Black Alumni Reunion and a 1992 graduate in communications. “It lives in the scholarships we fund, the students we mentor, and the connections that continue long after the weekend ends. Welcome Home: It’s a Family Affair is more than this year’s theme: it’s who we are. I’m looking forward to coming together, celebrating our community, and building on the record attendance we achieved in 2024. That’s not luck—that’s family showing up.”

Hosted by the Penn State Alumni Association, the reunion will feature opportunities for alumni, students, faculty, staff, and friends to reconnect, celebrate Black Penn State history, engage with current University leaders and students, and experience signature programming throughout the weekend.

The weekend will begin Friday with “Welcome Home: A Taste of Old State at the Hintz Family Alumni Center,” where attendees can enjoy ice cream from the Penn State Berkey Creamery, reconnect with their colleges, and learn more about the programs, students, and faculty shaping Penn State’s future. That evening, attendees will gather for “Friday Night Watch Party: Lions in the Alley,” at Northland Bowl and Arena Bar & Grill, where they can cheer on the Nittany Lions, enjoy food and games, and kick off the reunion weekend with friends and family.

Saturday’s programming will highlight the legacy, progress, and future of Black Penn State. “The State of the State: Legacy, Progress, and Future of Black Penn State,” panels, presented in partnership with the Office of Educational Equity, will bring together University leaders and scholars to discuss the current landscape, ongoing work, and future of the Black Penn State experience. Attendees will also hear directly from Bunton-Waller Scholars as they share their journeys and the impact of their Penn State experiences.

At the “Our Story, On the Record: Library & Archives Open House,” attendees can explore the history of Black Penn State through University archives, discover stories from generations of students and alumni, and reflect on their own place within the broader University legacy.

One of the most anticipated events of the weekend, the “NPHC Step Show with the Divine Nine,” will bring the energy, tradition, and pride of the Divine Nine Black fraternities and sororities to the HUB-Robeson Center stage. Hosted by comedian and entertainer Chico Bean of Nick Cannon’s “Wild ’N Out,” the competition will showcase teams as they bring synchronized precision, creativity, and culture to the stage while competing for the Step Show championship title and bragging rights. The Step Show is presented in collaboration with the Paul Robeson Cultural Center and the Student Programming Association.

Saturday evening, alumni will come together for “The White Out: BAR Saturday Night Party,” the signature social event of the weekend. Inspired by one of Penn State’s most iconic traditions, the celebration invites the BAR community to come together Penn State style, dress in their best white attire and enjoy music, dancing, and reunion energy.

The weekend will conclude on Sunday with the “Legacy and Leadership Awards Brunch,” honoring two Penn Staters whose leadership, service, and dedication have left a lasting impact on the University community. Dr. Ronald Scott will be recognized for his historic contributions as a student leader, including his leadership of Penn State’s Black Student Union, participation in the Moratorium March, and his influential protest speech on May 6, 1970, which continues to resonate and inspire students today. Associate Head Coach Terry M. Smith will be honored for his accomplishments, service, and continued commitment to Penn State, embodying the leadership and impact celebrated through this recognition.

Registration for the 2026 Black Alumni Reunion is now open. The event is limited to 400 attendees, and alumni are encouraged to register early to reserve their place for this highly anticipated celebration.

Penn State Alumni Association membership is required to attend and can be added during registration. Current Alumni Association members can register for $99. Those who are not members will be prompted to add a $25 annual individual membership during registration.

For more information and to register, click here.