COLUMBUS -- Ohio State University minority alumni will be welcomed back to campus Nov. 2 -5 to learn more about the university's commitment to diversity, to reconnect with their alma mater, and to help celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Office of Minority Affairs (OMA), which is hosting the reunion.

"A lot is taking place on campus right now that will be of interest to our minority alumni," said Mac Stewart, OMA's interim vice provost. "Under the leadership of President William E. Kirwan and Provost Edward J. Ray, Ohio State is taking great steps in its efforts to diversify the campus. This reunion is just one of many things that OMA is creating to foster better relationships with our alumni."

The reunion takes place the same weekend as Ohio State's home game against Michigan State, and 100 pairs of tickets will be given away in a random drawing to alumni who register by the Oct. 18 deadline. A welcome reception, Nov. 2, will kick off the weekend of activities. On Friday, Nov. 3, alumni can tour the newly renovated Frank W. Hale, Jr. Black Cultural Center and participate in a discussion on My First White Friend: Confessions of Race, Love and Forgiveness, a book by Ohio State alumna Patricia Raybon. Raybon, an associate professor at the University of Colorado, is also an award-winning journalist. In addition to her book, her personal essays on race, family and culture have been published in the New York Times Magazine, Newsweek, USA WEEKEND, USA TODAY, Guideposts, the Chicago Tribune and many other publications.

Also on Friday, college deans will host receptions for their returning alumni to discuss goals, objectives, recruitment and retention issues, and alumni involvement. Kirwan will conduct a forum about the University's Diversity Action plan and its role in taking Ohio State to the ranks of top public research universities in America. An alumni reception also is planned for Friday evening.

On Saturday, alumni can attend the Buckeye Festival tailgate party where the Ohio State Marching Band will present a special pre-game performance especially for returning minority alumni. Alumni should visit the reunion Web site, www.osu.edu/minorityreunion, for specific details on weekend activities.

"This is our first attempt at an event to reconnect with our minority alumni," said William Greene, director of development and reunion coordinator. "It is our hope that once alumni see what's taking place, they will help us find ways to further our efforts."

The reunion is part of a yearlong celebration of OMA's 30th anniversary. Established in 1970 to recruit minority students, OMA has served as a clearinghouse, referral service and liaison among administration, academic units, students and the community. The office also has been an adviser to students and the administration, a monitor of university services, a coordinator and disseminator of information, a sponsor of special program activities, a placement office and an advocate.

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(LO)