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Alums taking a photo with Testudo at Black Terp Fest

Black Alumni Weekend 2026

Information about the Black Alumni Weekend 2026 event

Black Alumni Weekend

April 10-12, 2026

University of Maryland, College Park, MD

The University of Maryland’s biennial Black Alumni Weekend welcomes alums back to College Park to celebrate and enjoy a weekend filled with inspiration, music, great food and endless Terp Pride! Join the University of Maryland as we welcome alums back to College Park to reconnect with fellow classmates, honor Terp legacies and celebrate Terp pride! Register today.

Alumni Association Members will receive discount pricing to select events: Black Terp Fest (Saturday) and Shell of a Brunch (Sunday), plus a complimentary commemorative Black Alumni Weekend t-shirt.  Not a member? Join today to receive discounted event tickets to Black Alumni Weekend, invites to numerous member events, and additional perks and discounts.

Weekend Highlights

Explore a few key events during Black Alumni Weekend and find the full schedule below.

Testudo

Beyond the Game

Friday, April 10 | 6-7:30 p.m.

Join us for a powerful conversation with Terp athletes as they share their journeys from campus competition to professional play. Explore what it means to be part of a lasting athletic tradition. Discover how the lessons learned in competition extend far beyond the scoreboard.
Hosted by The University of Maryland Alumni Association

People gathered with University of Maryland President, Darryll Pines, at Black Terp Fest 2024.

Black Terp Fest

Saturday, April 11| 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Join the University of Maryland Alumni Association and fellow Terps for the Black Terp Fest. This music festival brings the energy with a family-friendly live music experience, featuring alumni artists and local talent. Beyond the main stage, enjoy games, food, drinks, and entertainment for all ages!
Hosted by The University of Maryland Alumni Association

People gathered together around the table, smiling at Shell of a Brunch 2022

Shell of a Brunch

Sunday, April 12 | 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

This is the DMV—where Sundays are for brunch! Back by popular demand, Shell of a Brunch will feature mimosas, music and joyful connections. Join the UMD Alumni Association and fellow Terps for as we close out Black Alumni Weekend in style.
Hosted by The University of Maryland Alumni Association

Schedule

April 10-12, 2026

Friday, April 10

Experience the start of an amazing weekend, together.

11 a.m.-1 p.m.

The BSU-UMD Social Justice Alliance honors the life of Lt. Richard W. Collins III at its 8th Annual Social Justice Alliance Symposium titled Freedom Dreams and Radical Joy: Youth Voices in the Pursuit of a Just Society, taking place on April 10, 2026, at the University of Maryland. This year’s symposium will center the voices, visions, and leadership of young people who are reimagining justice through creativity, resistance, and collective joy. Together, we will explore how radical hope and youth-led movements are shaping a more just and liberated future.

Speakers include Abby Phillips, Marley Dias, Lynae Vanee, Kier Gaines, and Stevener Gaskin, among others. A reception will follow the event. To learn more about Lt. Collins’ life and legacy, watch the mini-documentary Rich with Love at go.umd.edu/richwithlove.

Host: BSU-UMD Social Justice Alliance (SOCY)

Cost: Free, but you must pre-register to attend. Space is limited.

1-3 p.m.

This panel explores how Black entrepreneurs can move beyond survival mode into sustainable growth. Panelists will share available resources to help business build resilient foundations—financially, operationally, and mentally—while preparing their businesses to scale for greater impact. Attendees will gain insight into balancing risk, growth, and purpose while building companies designed to last.

Host: Creators of The Black Terp Entrepreneurship Summit

Cost: $30 per person

2-3:30 p.m.

Explore the legacy of African Americans and their impact on the campus of the University of Maryland, College Park through a 90-minute walking tour. The tour, developed by Dr. Kim Nickerson (BSOS), is an affirmation of the positive and meaningful African American presence and existence on our campus.

Host: College of Behavioral and Social Sciences (BSOS)

Cost: Free, but you must pre-register to attend. Space is limited.

4:30-5:45 p.m.

The Black Honors Caucus (BHC) is excited to host and welcome Honors alumni back to campus. Kick off your weekend meeting current Black Honors students and the Honors College staff.

Host: Black Honors Caucus (Honors College)

Cost: Free, but you must pre-register to attend. Space is limited.

4:30-6 p.m.

Come sit around the table with the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources to learn tips for successful wine and cheese pairing with AGNR alumni made wine and cheese! This event is open to all alums.

Host: College of Agricultural & Natural Resources (AGNR)

Cost: $15 per person

6-7:30 p.m.

Join us for a powerful conversation with Terp athletes as they share their journeys from campus competition to professional play. Explore what it means to be part of a lasting athletic tradition. Discover how the lessons learned in competition extend far beyond the scoreboard.

Host: University of Maryland Alumni Association

Cost: Free but you must pre-register to attend. Space is limited.

7:30-9:30 p.m.

The University of Maryland Black Alumni (UMBA) Network looks forward to welcoming you, once again, to Black Alumni Weekend. Join fellow Terps for fun, food, drinks, laughter, reconnection and community as we put our bold, black brilliance on display!

Host: University of Maryland Black Alumni (UMBA) Network

Cost: Free but you must pre-register to attend. Space is limited.

Saturday, April 11

Continue the celebration all day long.

9-11 a.m.

Join the A. James Clark School of Engineering and the Center for Minorities in Science & Engineering for our 45th Annual Alumni Celebration! For this highly anticipated event, science and engineering alumni are invited back to College Park during Black Alumni Weekend to catch up with old classmates and make new connections while enjoying brunch and family-friendly activities.

Host: A. James Clark School of Engineering Advancement Office & Center for Minorities in Science & Engineering

Cost: Adult (17 and older): $15, Child (16 and under): Free. Pre-registration is required and space is limited. 

9-11 a.m.

Join us in celebrating the spirit of community at the Student and Alumni Breakfast during a festive morning of food, fun, memories, and reconnection.

Host: Nyumburu Cultural Center Multipurpose Room

Cost: $15 per person

9:30-11 a.m.

Alumni are invited to return to campus for a breakfast to reconnect and network with fellow alumni, faculty, and staff from the School of Public Policy. This gathering offers an opportunity to strengthen community, share experiences, and celebrate the contributions of Black leaders across policy and public service. Attendees are encouraged to start the day with meaningful conversation, connection, and renewed engagement with the School.

Host: School of Public Policy

Cost: Free. Pre-registration is required and space is limited.

11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Join the University of Maryland Alumni Association and fellow Terps for the Black Terp Fest. This music festival brings the energy with a family-friendly live music experience, featuring alumni artists and local talent. Beyond the main stage, enjoy games, food, drinks, and entertainment for all ages!

Host: University of Maryland Alumni Association

Cost: Alumni Association Member: $30, Non Member: $50, Child (under 17): Free. Pre-registration is required and space is limited.

5-10 p.m.

The Student Success Leadership Council and the University of Maryland Black Alumni Network presents the 10th Anniversary of the Gift of Giving Gala! We are celebrating 10 years of Black Excellence amongst the Black community here at the University of Maryland. The Gift of Giving Gala, this year themed Casino Royale, celebrates achievements among Black Alumni, students, and staff with a lovely gala: a three-course meal, an open bar, and a night to remember.

Host: The Student Success Leadership Council (SSLC) and the University of Maryland Black Alumni Network

Cost: Alum: $65, Student: $25

Sunday, April 12

Close out the weekend with fellow Terps.

11 a.m.-1 p.m.

This is the DMV—where Sundays are for brunch! Back by popular demand, Shell of a Brunch will feature mimosas, music and joyful connections. Join the UMD Alumni Association and fellow Terps for as we close out Black Alumni Weekend in style.

Host: University of Maryland Alumni Association

Cost: Alumni Association Member: $15 Member, Non Member: $20

FAQs

Pre-registration is highly encouraged. You will be able to register for individual events on-site during Black Alumni Weekend, but the majority of events have a set capacity and will sell out. Pre-registering is the best way to guarantee your spot!

Saturday's Black Terp Fest is appropriate for all ages. Please check individual event descriptions for information regarding activities available to children.

Alumni Association members receive a special discount at The Hotel at the University of Maryland.

Explore the UMD Campus Map to locate and find information about residence halls, academic buildings, transportation schedules, walking directions, and other campus features.

Interactive Campus Map

Campus Map (PDF)

Explore the Shuttle-UM schedule here. 

Note that Shuttle-UM is fare-free and does not require registration. However, some of the routes require passengers to present a university ID to the driver. These routes are marked with “ID” on the bus schedules.

Explore campus parking options for visitors, here.

Ticket refunds are not available for this event. However, as a special benefit, Alumni Association members may receive a refund up to 10 days prior to the event date. Tickets are non-transferable.

Explore membership options here. Join today to receive discounted event tickets to Black Alumni Weekend, invites to numerous member events, and additional perks and discounts.

Self-Guided Tour
Download the map and follow the routes to discover the UMD campus through a self-guided tour.

Virtual Tour
Explore UMD from anywhere with virtual tour. See some of the campus’ most important and noteworthy locations. To start your virtual tour, simply click here!


Thank you to our Sponsors

Become A Sponsor

Support Black Alumni Weekend and help foster connection, celebration, and opportunity within a vibrant alumni community. Sponsorships advance meaningful programming while demonstrating a shared commitment to equity, engagement and impact. Please contact Jim Perrus at jperrus@umd.edufor details.

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