Black Alumnae/i Symposium

Black Alumnae/i Symposium Header banner image

The Power of Our Presence: Our Stories of Resistance, Resilience, and Restoration

April 28 - April 30, 2023

Alumnae/i, students, faculty, and staff will gather on-campus to attend the Black Alumnae/i Symposium beginning at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, April 28 and ending at 12:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 30, 2023. This year’s theme is The Power of Our Presence: Resistance, Resilience, and Restoration. Participants will enjoy a weekend of celebration, inspiration, and the power of giving back. 

Led by the African American Alumnae/i Association and supported by the Office of Advancement, the Black Alumnae/i Symposium will feature rich, alumnae/i-driven programs including workshops, panels, and receptions. This event is held every five years.

Grid of six photos of various members of the African American Alumnae/i Association

Program Highlights Include

  • Distinguished keynote speaker Dr. Adunni Slackman Anderson '73 and an awards ceremony
  • Dinner and dancing celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Africana Studies department at Simmons
  • Breakout sessions and wellness activities
  • Fellowship activities and workshops led by students of the Black Student Organization
  • A vendor fair featuring alumnae/i and black-owned businesses
  • Campus tours and more

We ask that any alumnae/i who are able to stay later on Sunday, to join the Black Student Organization as guests to the annual A Sparkling Affair ceremony that will take place at 7 p.m. More information to follow.

Ticket Prices (per person)

  • General Admission (including guests): $150 
  • Graduates of the Last Decade (Classes of 2012-2022): $125
  • Sponsor a Student: $25
  • 50th Anniversary of the Africana Studies Dinner (Saturday night only): $75

Travel and Accommodations

Room blocks and group rates:

Parking at Simmons: Please indicate in the registration if you plan to utilize the Simmons Parking Garage, which is a complimentary offer funded by the Advancement office.

Grid of six photos with many members of the African American Alumnae/i Association

Schedule of Events

View the schedule of events for this year's Black Alumnae/i Symposium taking place on April 28-30, 2023.

Schedule of Events

Members of the Black Student Organization posing for a photo

Make a Gift

Make a gift to support the Black Alumnae/i Symposium Legacy Endowed Scholarship or the Elizabeth B. Rawlins Endowed Scholarship

Make a Gift Today

An amazing photo collage made up of Black members of the Simmons Community to form the Simmons Emblem and the word SIMMONS

Black History@Simmons

This exhibit presents an overview of the experience of the Black students who attended Simmons and the impact their presence had on the institution, most significantly, perhaps, through the promotion and provoking of conversation, reflection, and change.

Learn More!