The 40th anniversary of the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) at the State University of New York will be celebrated with an alumni reunion April 18 through 20. Known as the Educational Development Program at SUNY Fredonia, the program was established to combine access, academic support and supplemental financial assistance to make higher education possible for students who have the potential to succeed, despite poor preparation and limited financial resources.
Alumni from SUNY Fredonia’s Educational Development Program will be returning to campus to celebrate the anniversary year, recognize past directors of the program, establish networking, and memorialize deceased alumni. Co-chairing the event are Emma (Sharp) McFayden, class of 1976, and Dr. Sherryl Weems, class of 1976.
The reunion is coinciding with the annual People of Color Concerns Conference sponsored by the Black Student Union. "Alumni will have the chance to interact with current students, visit the campus, and renew old friendships," Ms. McFayden said. "We’ll also be having a silent auction with proceeds going into the EDP Scholarship Fund.”
Dr. Weems said, "After sharing in dinner and a workshop on Friday night with current students, EDP alumni can take a walking tour of the campus on Saturday morning with a luncheon to follow. Then our reunion dinner will be held on Saturday night. Three past directors will be in attendance. Alumni will then have the option of going to the BSU’s annual fashion show. During breakfast on Sunday the alumni will share thoughts about fund raising strategies.”
Schedule:
- Welcome reception, dinner and guest speaker: Friday, April 18: 4:30 p.m. (welcome), 5:30 p.m. (dinner), Williams Center Multipurpose Room.
- Tour of campus: Saturday, April 19, 10 a.m.
- Conference speaker and luncheon: Saturday, April 19, 11:30 a.m., Cafe G.
- Reunion dinner, followed by Black Student Union Fashion Show: Saturday, April 19, 5 p.m., Cafe G.
- Alumni Breakfast: Sunday, April 20, 9 a.m., Cafe G.
Contacts:
- Emma McFayden – 716/878-4224
- Sherryl Weems – 716/849-6727, ext 133
- Barbara Yochym - 716-673-3317
