Alumni Reunion Weekend

It’s time to come home. Time to connect with former classmates and share your OU pride at the Alumni Reunion Weekend, formerly known as Homecoming and Reunion Weekend. From October 13-14, visit with your campus family and reminisce about the golden days. Catch up with friends and make new ones, and see all of the exciting things campus has to offer.

Staying involved on campus after graduating in 2007 was a natural progression for Shalonda Dennis, SBA ’07, who currently serves as the co-chair of the Student Outreach and Alumni Relations committee for the OU Alumni Association Black Alumni Chapter.

“It's important for alums to be visible and for current students to trust that there are alums who care and will continue the network of support beyond graduation,” Dennis says. “I also have the opportunity to meet new people, reconnect with past friends, form relationships with faculty, grow personally and professionally, and make Oakland a better place for future students.”

As part of her involvement, Dennis has attended homecoming and reunion events regularly, and warmly remembers the Association of Black Students and Center for Multicultural Initiatives reunions. “It was like reuniting a sisterhood. It felt special to be in a space with all those women, reminiscing and simply having a positive experience,” Dennis says. “I love coming back to campus, seeing the growth, and connecting with faculty, staff and alums that I haven't seen since graduation.”

For Matthew Karrandja, CAS ’97, being golden also did not end when his time as a student did. “My heart is always black and gold,” he says.

After graduating, Karrandja stayed involved on campus, serving on the OU Alumni Association Board and mentoring students. Alumni reunion events have always been important to Karrandja, who has used them not only to catch up with fellow Golden Grizzlies but also as a networking opportunity.

Karrandja says while some alumni may hesitate returning to campus for Alumni Reunion Weekend for the first time, they should still come to campus to connect and network. “The important advice I can give people is to go. Don’t feel awkward — go be on campus,” he says. “Someone will make some warm introductions for you.”