FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 27, 2023
Contact: Danielle Miller, dmiller@dillard.edu
504.816.4328
NEW ORLEANS – Dillard University’s Office of Alumni Relations will host the 2023 Forever Bleu Alumni Reunion from May 11-14. The annual event is a great opportunity for alums to reunite with their classmates, as well as meet and engage with future alums.
The University is celebrating class years ending in threes and eights. Individuals interested in attending the reunion events should register here by April 30, 2023.
The reunion will feature special guests and notable alumni including: President and CEO of ESSENCE Ventures, Caroline Wanga, Leah Grimes ‘19, the owner of Elz Elite School of Performing Arts; Malik Batholomew ‘04, the owner of Know NOLA Tours; singer and songwriter Raion Ramsey ‘13; DJ Raj Smoove ‘98; Dr. Valerie Francis ‘83, associate professor of music at Nicholls State University; one of the New Orleans area’s hottest small ensembles, Clark J. Knighten and his group 4 X 4 Connection; the Zulu Tramps, the Pinstripe Brass Band and more.
“Along with commencement, welcoming our alumni back to campus for reunion is one of the most highly anticipated events of the year. Dillard has a legacy of producing leaders who lead ethically and make a significant impact within their professions and their communities. The economic impact of the multi-class reunion guests and honorees is also an added benefit to our city and we’re looking forward to it,” said Stephanie Rogers, executive vice president of Institutional Advancement.
THURSDAY, MAY 11 CAMPUS-WIDE BLOCK PARTY – Catch up with classmates, professors, and staff as we kick off the weekend on Kabacoff Plaza. You can also mix and mingle with graduating students! There will be food, entertainment and free giveaways. The event is free, but all-you-can-eat passes may be purchased.
FRIDAY, MAY 12 ON-SITE REGISTRATION / PRE-REGISTRATION PICK-UP – This is the time when alumni who pre-purchased tickets may pick up their tickets. Alums desiring to purchase tickets on-site should do so at this time as well.
FRIDAY, MAY 12 GOLDEN GRADUATE BREAKFAST CELEBRATION – We encourage all to help us celebrate those who graduated 50 years ago at a breakfast event in their honor. Note this is the first event on Friday. Therefore, you are especially encouraged to pay in advance. Registrants will be on the guest list at the event. No need to stop at registration for your ticket.
FRIDAY, MAY 12 SOUL LUNCHEON – Bring your appetite and your dancing shoes. We will enjoy a soul food meal as we jam to the soulful sounds of a house band sure to keep you on the dance floor. At this event, there will be a special presentation to our Silver Graduates and all former Miss Dillard queens.
FRIDAY, MAY 12 CLASS MEETING – A class meeting for all classes ending in 3s and 8s will be held to discuss recent University accomplishments and class goals. Class agents and University representatives will be on-hand to address questions and assist in any way possible.
FRIDAY, MAY 12 WHITE LINEN MIDNIGHT BREAKFAST HOSTED BY THE NATIONAL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION (DUNAA) – Wear your finest white linen as DUNAA hosts its very own midnight breakfast. This creole inspired evening will keep you on the dance floor with their live entertainment.
SATURDAY, MAY 13 COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY – President and CEO of ESSENCE Ventures, Caroline Wanga, will deliver the commencement address during the 2023 graduation ceremony on Saturday, May 13. Attendees will enjoy her “real-talk” delivery, witty thought leadership and unmitigated perspective on democratizing authenticity as a differentiator for individuals and organizations. Wanga is often quoted saying, “Who you are is who you are. If you cannot be who you are where you are, you change where you are not who you are.”
In addition, the Golden Grads class of 1973 will be celebrating their 50th year class reunion by walking the Avenue of the Oaks during commencement.
SATURDAY, MAY 13 LEGACY GALA AND AWARDS CEREMONY– Celebrate our alma mater’s past and future, starting with a cocktail reception at 7 p.m., followed by dinner and the presentation of awards to our University’s best and brightest. Semi-formal and cocktail attire is encouraged.
SATURDAY, MAY 13 THE AFTER PARTY – Alumni who are ready for a night out on the town should be ready for this. Meet us at Treehouse, the latest “it” club of our time, located at 1840 Thalia Street. Pay at the door prices are set by the venue.
SUNDAY, MAY 14 BACKYARD BARBECUE – Question: What do you get when you mix Southern cuisine, a barbecue grill, and music? Answer: A day of family fun. This reunion will end with a bang as we eat and dance the weekend to a close.
For more information regarding the 2023 Forever Bleu Alumni Reunion, please contact the director of Alumni Relations, Amanda Winfield-Buford ‘08, at 504-816-4325, or email abuford@dillard.edu.
About Dillard University
Dillard University is a historically Black institution that cultivates leaders who live ethically, think and communicate precisely, and act courageously to make the world a better place. Located in New Orleans, Dillard is a private faith-based liberal arts university that offers 22 majors and two certificate programs. Ranked 5th on 2021 The New York Times Overall Mobility Index and 14th in 2022 by Academic Influence for Best Colleges and Universities by Academic Stewardship, Dillard’s call to future leaders is to Write Your Legacy. Find out more about Louisiana’s oldest HBCU by visiting www.dillard.edu.
