We are excited to welcome alumni back to campus for Black Alumni Weekend in April! The schedule of events offers a variety of activities for everyone. Please see event details below for the date, time, location and registration information. For questions, e-mail alumni@winthrop.edu or bac@winthropalumni.com.
Nametags can be picked up on Thursday, April 10 inside the DiGiorgio Campus Center from 4-6 p.m. or Friday, April 11 at the Morgan-Holcombe Alumni Center at the Stewart House from 9-11 a.m.
Parking for on-campus events will be available at any parking lot on campus throughout the weekend. Refer to the campus parking map for parking information.
Rock Hill's annual Come-See-Me Festival is April 3-12. Take advantage of the fun events happening in Rock Hill for the festival along with Black Alumni Weekend events!
Registration is required for each event.
Events with ($) denotes cost associated with the event.
Leveraging Legacy: Black Alumni on Social Capital and Collective Power Panel & Networking
Mixer ($)
6-8 p.m. | Richardson Ballroom, located inside the DiGiorgio Campus Center
The weekend kicks off with a powerful one-hour panel discussion featuring distinguished Black alumni sharing their insights on social capital, leveraging a Winthrop degree beyond graduation, and utilizing your Winthrop connections regionally, nationally and internationally. The panel will be moderated by Ashlye Rumph-Geddis Wilkerson '05, leadership speaker, consultant, and coach - Phenomenal Women Leading; and member of the Winthrop Board of Trustees. The panel will feature The Honorable DeAndrea Gist Benjamin '94, United States Circuit Judge for the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit; Leslie Brown '15, production manager, McGee Media; Antjuan Seawright '08, founder and chief executive officer, Blueprint Strategy; Chad Steele '97, senior vice president of communications, Baltimore Ravens; Jimi "Dammit Wesley" Thompson '08, co-founder of the DURAG FESTIVAL and creative entrepreneur; Mike Tillman '14, premium services coordinator, Tepper Sports & Entertainment.
Following the panel discussion, a networking mixer will be hosted in Richardson Ballroom,
providing an opportunity to connect with fellow alumni, meet students, share stories,
and build professional and personal networks. Enjoy heavy hors d'oeuvres and sweets. Cash bar, so must present valid ID.
$20 registration fee for the event for alumni. Students are invited to attend for
free. Approved cultural event for students.
Open House at the Morgan-Holcombe Alumni Center at the Stewart House
9-11 a.m. | Morgan-Holcombe Alumni Center at the Stewart House
525 Eden Terrace
Tour the historic Morgan-Holcombe Alumni Center at the Stewart House, where Winthrop history has been brought to life, including Black history and integration. Thanks to the generosity of Mrs. Betty Morgan Holcombe, Class of 1956, and her husband, Milton, in 2023 the Stewart House once again became home to the Winthrop Alumni Association and also to the Winthrop University Foundation and is now the front porch of campus to welcome all alumni home.
Black History Exhibit by the Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections
11 a.m.-1 p.m. | Byrnes Auditorium lobby
Discover the profound impact of Black history at Winthrop through a curated exhibit
by the Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections. From the university’s integration journey to the stories of courageous alumni who
broke barriers, this exhibit brings to life the resilience and achievements that have
shaped Winthrop’s legacy.
While you enjoy the exhibit, take a peek into the newly renovated Byrnes Auditorium! Renovations to Byrnes began in 2018. The $11M renovation project scope included
accessibility improvements to the exterior ramp, elevator, restrooms and seating along
with a new roof.
The State of the Black Student: Voices, Visions and Alumni Connections
2-3 p.m. | Dina's Place, located inside the DiGiorgio Campus Center
A panel discussion centered on the experiences, challenges and aspirations of Black
students at Winthrop. Featuring insights from Black alumni who are educational leaders,
this session will explore the state of Black students nationally and how these trends
impact our alma mater. Together, we’ll examine what today’s Black students need from
the alumni community and how we can collectively create a supportive and empowering
environment. Moderated by O. Jennifer Dixon-McKnight, associate professor of history and African American studies, this is more than a
conversation—it's a call to action for alumni to engage, mentor and uplift the next
generation.
Panelists include Imani Belton '20, assistant director of student conduct, University of North Carolina at Chapel
Hill; Taniqua Canzater '15, academic and career coach, University of North Carolina at Charlotte; Zachary Collier '13, assistant professor, University of Connecticut; Candice Edrington '10, assistant professor, University of South Carolina; Earl Martin, Jr. '15, '17, owner and creator of Innate Virtue Counseling, PLLC; and Antwon Sutton '02, '04, Superintendent, Chester County School District.
Approved cultural event for students.
Welcome BACk: Black Alumni Council (BAC) Happy Hour ($)
6-9 p.m. | 354 Skybar, Cambria Hotel Rock Hill
354 Technology Center Way
Rock Hill, SC 29730
Enjoy great drinks, music and conversation at the Black Alumni Weekend Happy Hour! DJ Chizzy (Corey Hill '16) will be spinning a blend of hip-hop, R&B, Amapiano and old-school jams that bring all the nostalgic vibes.
Drinks and food available for purchase. This event is for alumni only.
REVITALIZING WINTHROP: The Winthrop University Campus Beautification Initiative
11 a.m.-1 p.m. | TBD
The Campus Beautification Initiative – REVITALIZING WINTHROP – offers the opportunity to respect our institution’s history by contributing energy, vision and engagement to this important endeavor. Show your Eagle pride and give back to the Winthrop community by rolling up your sleeves for our campus beautification efforts!
This is your chance to team up with fellow students and alumni to make a lasting impact and leave a tangible legacy of care for future generations. Winthrop is an extraordinarily beautiful university campus, and its appearance reflects how we present Winthrop to our prospective and current students, alumni, employees, and community. More details to come on the specific campus beautification project we will complete.
Wear your Winthrop Black Alumni Weekend T-shirt, hoodie or Winthrop gear!
T-shirt and hoodie sales ended on Friday, March 14 and will not be available for purchase
during Black Alumni Weekend.
BACyard Cookout ($)
1-4 p.m. | Campus Green
Turn up the vibe at the BACyard Cookout! A vibe-heavy playlist of nostalgic anthems to keep the celebration going provided by B.White The DJ*. Play yard games and visit the Black Alumni Council Scholarship table to learn how you can help uplift the next generation of Eagles.
Food will be available for purchase on the Campus Green from Happy City Cairo Cuisine and Jamrock Jerk Spot. Other available dining options located inside the DiGiorgio Campus Center include Chick-fil-A, Triple G's and Starbucks. The Eagle Eatery Dining Hall will also be open from 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m., located in Thomson Hall. Beer and wine available for purchase on the Campus Green with valid ID.
Let’s eat, vibe, and give back—Winthrop-style!
*DJ must comply to Winthrop's outside noise policy.
The Ultimate Vibe: Alumni Weekend Wrap-Up ($)
Sponsored by The Black Mill
7-11 p.m. | The Power House Food Hall at University Center
378 Technology Center Way
Rock Hill, SC 29730
Close out the weekend in style at The Power House Food Hall at University Center in Rock Hill! It’s giving vibes, culture and pure joy as we turn up with good music, good people and all the Winthrop love. Bring your best moves, reconnect with your crew, and celebrate the legacy, the laughs and the memories that make us unapologetically us. Food and drink available for purchase from food hall vendors located at The Power House. Visit Middle James Brewing at The Power House and enjoy Winthrop's exclusive beer, Big Stuff Pale Ale!
Timeless throwbacks, 2000s classics, and today’s hottest hits from DJ Zay Pola. Free parking is available in the garages next to The Power House. Must be 21 to attend. Cash bar. The first 200 attendees will receive a free drink (beer, wine, or house liquor) provided by The Black Mill.
Let’s end the weekend the right way—big energy, big vibes and no holding back!
$25 registration fee for the event. This event is for alumni only.
