40 Years of BAR Celebration at Alumni Weekend

Celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the Black Alumni Reunion at Alumni Weekend June 4-7!

This year, to mark 40 years since the first Black Alumni Reunion, we will host special events throughout Alumni Weekend in June.

We will share and uplift stories of Black alumni while exploring how our lived experiences shape a richer, more connected Hokie Nation. The weekend will include special elements from BAR.

For four decades, BAR has served as a powerful moment of culture, community, legacy, and Hokie Spirit. Honoring this anniversary year at Alumni Weekend means all Hokies can celebrate the university’s history and important milestones. While uplifting many impactful Black Alumni Reunion traditions, we'll also be commemorating the 60th anniversary of the first Black female students who attended Virginia Tech, the 35th anniversary of the Black Cultural Center, and the 5th anniversary of the NPHC House. 

What's in store

Attendees gain full access to Alumni Weekend with BAR events and celebrations. Alumni Weekend registration is inclusive of food, drinks, and entertainment on the schedule.

Those celebrating the BAR milestone and/or alumni affiliated with the Virginia Tech Black Alumni Society and/or Black Organizations Council (BOC) groups will have spaces to gather at events such as the Taste of Virginia Food, Wine, and Beer Festival, among other signature events.

See full Alumni Weekend schedule of events for more events celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the Black Alumni Reunion throughout the weekend. 

Thursday, June 4

• Noon-5 p.m. Golf Outing, hosted by the Virginia Tech Black Alumni Society (Pete Dye River Course)
  • Register online. Registration includes green fees, cart and lunch. 
• 2-6 p.m. Open Basketball Courts: Pickup Basketball (Prairie Quad Basketball Courts)
• 7-9 p.m. 40th Anniversary of the Black Alumni Reunion Early Arrivers Social (Eastern Divide Brewery, 3175 Commerce St, Blacksburg, VA 24060)

Friday, June 5

• 10:30-11:15 a.m. 60th Anniversary of Virginia Tech's First Black Female Students  (Classroom Building) 
• 11:30 a.m.-1:15 p.m. Lunch at D2
  • Virginia Tech Stories: 40th Anniversary of Black Alumni Reunion (BAR) Edition (D2, West Flex Room)
• 1:30-3 p.m. Black Cultural Center Open House and Faculty/Staff Meet and Greet (Black Cultural Center, Squires Student Center)
• 2-3 p.m. Presidential Search Listening Session (Cascades Room, The Inn at Virginia Tech)
• 3-6 p.m. Taste of Virginia Food, Wine, and Beer Festival. Featuring food and drink from across the commonwealth. (Holtzman Alumni Center, lawn and terrace)
  • Special gathering area for BAR!   
• 7-11 p.m. 40th Anniversary of Black Alumni Reunion (BAR) Gala (War Memorial) 
  • Semi-formal/cocktail attire

Saturday, June 6

• 9-10 a.m. Virginia Tech Black Alumni Society Meeting (Squires Student Center, Room 305)
  • Hokies interested in learning more about the Virginia Tech Black Alumni Society are welcome to join for an open meeting highlighting the society's work and volunteer opportunities.           
• 9-10 a.m. Are you participating in the NPHC stroll-off? Gather in the Black Cultural Center to meet and practice. (Squires Student Center)
• 9-10:45 a.m. Nikki Giovanni Immersive Experience (Center for the Arts at Virginia Tech, ICAT Perform Studio)
• 11-11:45 a.m. Presidential Town Hall (Center for the Arts at Virginia Tech)
• Noon-1:45 p.m. Lunch with your college (Various locations)
• 2-4 p.m. Open House and Alumni Stroll-Off at the National Pan-Hellenic Council House (Oak Lane, NPHC House)
• 4-6 p.m. Virginia Tech Black Alumni Society H.O.R.S.E. Basketball Tournament (Prairie Quad Basketball Courts)
  • All are welcomes to join for a fun and competitive game of HORSE!
• 4-6 p.m. 40th Anniversary of Black Alumni Reunion (BAR) Flag Football Pickup Game (Dietrick Lawn)
• 6:30-9 p.m. Dinner on the Drillfield (Drillfield) 
  • 9-10:30 p.m. Fireworks and Band Party (Drillfield)
    • Featuring The District        
• 10 p.m.-1 a.m. 40th Anniversary of Black Alumni Reunion (BAR) Late Night Event (Holtzman Alumni Center)

Sunday, June 7

• 10-11 a.m. 40th Anniversary of Black Alumni Reunion (BAR) Non-Denominational Spiritual Service hosted by Virginia Tech Black Alumni Society (The Inn at Virginia Tech, Latham Ballroom)
• 11 a.m.-1 p.m. 40th Anniversary of Black Alumni Reunion (BAR) Closing Brunch (The Inn at Virginia Tech, Latham Ballroom)

Sign up now

Sign up using the Alumni Weekend registration link and select "BAR and/or Virginia Tech Black Alumni Society and/or BOC affiliated orgs" in the organization/community section. 

Share your photos

While you are celebrating, be sure to share your photos to the 40th Anniversary of the Black Alumni Reunion tagboard that will be shown throughout the weekend! Use #BAR2026 on social media or upload them directly using this link.