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Beginning Thursday, Sept. 22, Coming Back Together X (CBT X) celebrates its 10th anniversary and the staff in the Office of Program Development, led by its associate vice president, Larry Martin, is putting the finishing touches on the milestone event. Over the course of four days, CBT X aims to provide a multidimensional campus conference, reunion,and celebration of African American and Latino alumni and students.

CBT is held every third year on campus and this year’s theme, “Celebrating the Past and Shaping the Future,” will be explored through a series of programs, workshops and social events designed to engage the African American and Latino communities.

“We have put together a series of focused workshops that are timely and relevant to our community and we really think alumni coming to celebrate this milestone weekend will have their finest CBT experience to date,” says Martin, who sees the 10th anniversary as a sign that the African American and Latino communities at SU are now fully a part of SU’s legacy; but he’s not willing to become complacent. “African Americans and Latinos have to play a leadership role in shaping the kind of society that is just and fair. While we welcome the help and assistance of all fair-minded people, we can’t wait for others to chart our future or to shape our destiny.”

This is why attendees have the opportunity to attend panels such as “Saving our Black and Latino Boys” and “Reinventing Yourself in a Challenging Economy,” both taking place on Friday morning. They can also decide to attend CBT’s first-ever networking event on Saturday afternoon.

CBT has always provided attendees with a balance of thoughtfulness and fun and this year is no exception. “Our alumni have come to expect some great entertainment during CBT weekend and our Fiesta Latina night will not disappoint them,” says Martin. “We simply cannot wait for comedian Tommy Davidson and Latino singer Frankie Negrón to take the stage on Friday night. Goldstein Auditorium will be the place to be.”

Perhaps the most emotional part of the weekend will be during halftime of the Orange football game when Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee John Mackey ’63, who passed away in July, will be honored. “This will really be a poignant moment for fans and alumni. Mackey’s widow, Sylvia, and his family will take to the field along with Football Hall of Famer Floyd Little ‘67, Detroit mayor Dave Bing ’66 H ‘06, Athletic Director Daryl Gross and Chancellor Nancy Cantor. This will be the moment for everyone to celebrate Mackey’s life and legacy as one family,” says Martin, who goes on to say the tribute will continue Saturday night, during a gala dinner.

You can learn more about the dinner and the host of other activities taking place during the CBT X reunion, including the various workshops, a reception at the Chancellor’s residence and an art exhibition at Community Folk Art Center, by visiting .

The creation of the Office of Program Development introduced a new dimension to Syracuse University alumni relations. Established in 1982, the office develops advancement projects to further the University’s interest among African American and Latino alumni. Since its inception, the office has been responsive in addressing the concerns and needs of alumni and, wherever possible, currently enrolled students.