New Orleans, LA -- Alumni from across the country will return to their alma mater to participate in Xavier University of Louisiana’s annual Homecoming celebration Wednesday-Sunday, November 3-7.

This year’s theme, “Forever Family,” embodies the foundation of Xavier’s culture and emphasizes the importance of long lasting connections and relationship building. Xavier’s 2020 homecoming event was hosted virtually, but this year, current students, faculty, staff and alumni from all classes are expected to return to campus in big numbers to participate in the in-person homecoming celebration.

“Homecoming is a time for all Xavierites to celebrate their foundation-- the place that gave them a start,” said Associate Vice President of Institutional Advancement, Kim Reese. “Xavier is considered home to many people and homecoming is the one chance we all have to reconnect with each other. Additionally, we are excited to be in-person after such a tough year [2020] so it’s even more special.”

Scheduled activities include the joint student/alumni celebration on the Yard, the Distinguished Alumni concert featuring Lou Hill from local soul-funk band Water Seed, the XULA Golf Tournament, the annual 40under40 Awards celebration, the Alumni Gala, the Alumni Afterparty, a photoshoot for Xavierites on the frontlines, panel discussions and more.

One panel discussion, The Gold Table Talks, sponsored by Thermo-Fisher and hosted by Xavier alum Blair Dottin-Haley, will take place on Thursday, November 4, from 3-5 pm in the University Center. Co-hosts, TC Carson, famous for his role as “Kyle Barker” on Living Single and Karen Charnele Brown who starred as “Kim Reese” in A Different World will come together to discuss community and the impact of Black success during the collaborative panel. 

“This event will be a conversation on representation and the importance of it  in our community,” said Blair Dottin-Haley, who also organized the Gold Table Talks event. “I think sometimes people often don’t realize the impact of their art and their work. Kyle Barker was a successful accountant and Kim Reese was a student studying biology. They introduced us to dark-skinned, professional Black people and they weren’t even able to see real-time how they were being received and appreciated-- the incredible effect they’ve had on our community and the culture. This is an opportunity to give them their flowers and engage in conversation that builds community.”

Additional alumni events include the Rudy Lombard Civil Rights Symposium, a virtual 5K run, a mixology class, group class photos, alumni receptions for specific academic divisions, the Alumni Mixer, the Alumni After Party, the Jazz Ensemble Concert and much more. Homecoming participants should adhere to Xavier University’s mask mandate. They must provide proof of vaccination and a negative PCR COVID test (taken 72 hours in advance) to attend events. 

For more information about the Xavier University Homecoming celebration and schedule of events, visit https://www.xula.edu/homecoming/.  

 

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About Xavier University of Louisiana

Being America’s only historically Black and Catholic University is only the first among many distinctions that have set Xavier University of Louisiana apart for more than nine decades. Despite its relatively small size, Xavier is a nationally recognized leader in STEM and the health sciences, producing more African American students who graduate from medical schools each year than any other university in the United States. Its College of Pharmacy is among the top producers of African American pharmacists.

Its liberal arts-based programs in such areas as art, business, education, psychology, and political science – as well as recent additions in bioinformatics, data science, neuroscience, crime and social justice, and jazz studies – offer students an unbeatable combination of traditional classroom study, hands-on research, service-learning opportunities, and life experiences. The winning Xavier formula to provide students with a well-balanced curriculum and an environment that nurtures their intellect and feeds their souls.

For more information about Xavier University of Louisiana, visit us online at www.xula.edu or follow us on Facebook, YouTube, or Twitter @XULA1925. To book interviews and/or to speak with our experts in the field of pharmacy, education, premed, public health, science, technology, math, business, English, communications, and the arts, contact Chelsea Cunningham at (504) 520-5425 or ccunnin@xula.edu.