PRELIMINARY
WEEKEND SCHEDULE
2025 Black History Month Theme: African Americans and Labor
(We will update the schedule as we add exciting events)
FRIDAY, FEB. 21
10 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
REGISTRATION
McGriff Alumni House
Stop by to pick up your packet and get a final schedule, a directory of Black alumni, and your weekend souvenir. Be sure to check out the Benjamin Network merch table and other displays.
1–3 p.m. Ralston Listening Library Open
Enjoy music from African American musical influences in the award-winning state-of-the-art audio environment. There are sure to be special jazz selections that we know Mr. Benjamin would love.
5:30 p.m.
WELCOME RECEPTION
Learning Commons
Have a drink (wine from Black-owned business) and heavy appetizers on the first floor of duPont library. Hang out with other Black alumni and learn how to get more involved in the Benjamin Network and Sewanee. Welcome remarks by Curtis Johnson, C'11 -President of the Benjamin Network Board.
Professional headshots will be offered at no charge. Get an updated picture for your social media or other business needs.
Dinner on your own
9-11 p.m.
FRIDAY NIGHT ENTERTAINMENT:
GAME NIGHT
Multicultural Center
Spades tournament, dominos, board games—prizes, too! Bar, snacks, soft drinks/hot chocolate provided.
SATURDAY, FEB. 22
8:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
REGISTRATION
McGriff Alumni House
Stop by to pick up your packet, get a final schedule, a directory of Black alumni, and your weekend souvenir. Don’t forget to take a look at the 55 Years of Black Alumni plaque that was installed to document the important occasion.
11:30 a.m.–1 p.m.
LUNCH AT MCCLURG Students and alumni
Mentor students and share your expertise on careers, life after Sewanee, and advice for living in a city. Your nametag gets you in McClurg. Go through the lines and experience dining as the students do. Bring your meal upstairs to the balcony.
1 - 2 p.m.
OPEN HOUSE
Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (old EQB House behind the old bookstore)
A center dedicated to DEI, Inclusive Excellence, Equity, Equality, and Title IX located in the heart of campus has been created and opened its doors in 2023. Come meet the staff of the new office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion who will host the Benjamin Network participants for an open house with refreshments. We will be joined by prospective students who are on campus for the office of admission "Preview" program. Your presence can allow the prospective students to picture themselves at Sewanee and you can help answer questions they may have.
Build-your-own pizza dessert and enjoy the new art on display.
2-4 p.m.
Black Heritage Tour
Meet at Stirling's
The walking tour is a project created by the Roberson project and showcases sites and markers telling the history of Sewanee's African American community. The mission of the trail project is to honor and preserve the memory of this Sewanee neighborhood and its residents.
6:30 p.m.–midnight
BENJAMIN NETWORK PURPLE CARPET GALA AND DJ PARTY
Sewanee Inn
Don’t miss this Black-tie signature event, featuring a performance by the Sewanee Praise choir. Walk the purple carpet to enter the Sewanee Inn for drinks. Take in an elegant dinner at the Sewanee Inn. Learn about the Benjamin Network from President Curtis Johnson, C'14, and be welcomed by Vice-Chancellor Rob Pearigen. Celebrate the impact Black students and alumni have had on the University of the South and dance the night away at the DJ party with DJ John Doe. This year's gala is dedicated to Eric and Michelle Benjamin.
Sponsored by the Benjamin Network and the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
10:30 a.m.–noon
CHAMPAGNE AND MIMOSA BRUNCH McGriff Alumni House
This farewell reception will be the perfect way to hang out, say goodbye, talk about future events, and celebrate the success of the inaugural Benjamin Network Weekend.
