Current students and Badger alumni came out for UW–Madison’s 2018 Multicultural Homecoming events from Oct. 17 to Oct. 20. Guests of the Multicultural Homecoming Committee included alumni renowned choreographer and producer Frank Gatson Jr. (’80); dancer, choreographer and educator Rebecca Arends (’04); chef entrepreneurs Gabriel Stulman (‘03) and Matt Kebbekus (‘03); as well as music and dance performances by June’s Diary, the Band Bazaar and many more. Other guests — of course — included the many alumni who came from near and far to celebrate college memories, reconnect with long-time friends and enjoy the reunion tradition. The celebration was a joint venture between the Division of Diversity, Equity and Educational Achievement (DDEEA) and Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association (WFAA).
We hope to see you all again next year!
RedTalk
Featuring Frank Gatson Jr. (’80) and Rebecca Arends (’04) on Wednesday, Oct. 17, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Wisconsin Institutes for Discovery, 330 North Orchard Street.
UW–Madison alumni Frank Gatson Jr. (’80), center left, and Rebecca Arends (’04), center right, talk about their experiences at UW and in the dance industry at the 2018 Multicultural Homecoming RedTalk, moderated by students Anthony Ward, left, and Nia Scott, right, at the Wisconsin Institutes for Discovery on Wednesday, Oct. 17, 2018. AMADOU KROMAH FOR THE DDEEADozens of UW–Madison students, alumni, staff and faculty attended the RedTalk with Frank Gatson Jr. and Rebecca Arends. AMADOU KROMAH FOR THE DDEEAIt was a night full of laughs and real talk as Frank Gatson Jr. and Rebecca Arends regaled the audience with stories from their experiences rising up the ranks of the dance industry. AMADOU KROMAH FOR THE DDEEA
Multicultural Homecoming Networking Reception
Featuring a panel discussion with distinguished alumni Gatson and Arends along with Gabriel Stulman (’03) and Matthew Kebbekus (’03) of the Happy Cooking Hospitality food chain in New York on Thursday, Oct. 18, at Heritage Hall in Camp Randall Stadium from 6 to 8 p.m.
From left: Frank Gatson Jr., Rebecca Arends, Gabriel Stulman and Matthew Kebbekus speak at a panel discussion with moderator Nia Scott. AMADOU KROMAH FOR THE DDEEAPanelists addressed an audience of invited guests at the Multicultural Homecoming Networking Reception at Camp Randall on Thursday. AMADOU KROMAH FOR THE DDEEA
Dance Master Class
UW–Madison dance students were treated to a master class with guest instructor Rebecca Arends on Friday, Oct. 19, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:40 p.m. in Lathrop Hall.
Rebecca Arends teaches a master class of dance students in Lathrop Hall on Oct. 19. VALERIA DAVIS, DDEEARebecca Arends gives some notes to a dance student. VALERIA DAVIS, DDEEA
Multicultural Homecoming Reception
The Multicultural Homecoming Reception was a fun social mixer in two locations in the Memorial Union on Friday, Oct. 19, that gave alumni and students a chance to reconnect ahead of the featured ReUnite: The ReUnion Experience concert later that night.
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ReUnite: The ReUnion Experience Homecoming Concert
Hundreds of alumni and students turned out for a concert featuring June’s Diary, the Band Bazaar, Rebecca Arends, comedian T. Murph and a slew of UW performers at the ReUnite: The ReUnion Experience Homecoming Concert at Memorial Union’s Shannon Theatre on Friday, Oct. 19.
Comedian T. Murph performs at the Multicultural Homecoming Concert on Oct. 19. AMADOU KROMAH FOR THE DDEEAMembers of the audience laugh while watching T. Murph perform. AMADOU KROMAH FOR THE DDEEAThe Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity performs a stepping routine at the Multicultural Homecoming Concert on Oct. 19. AMADOU KROMAH FOR THE DDEEARebecca Arends performs a contemporary dance routine at the Multicultural Homecoming Concert on Oct. 19. AMADOU KROMAH FOR THE DDEEAThe lead singer of the Band Bazaar performs at the Multicultural Homecoming Concert on Oct. 19. AMADOU KROMAH FOR THE DDEEAJune’s Diary performs at the Multicultural Homecoming Concert on Oct. 19. AMADOU KROMAH FOR THE DDEEAJune’s Diary performs at the Multicultural Homecoming Concert on Oct. 19. AMADOU KROMAH FOR THE DDEEAJune’s Diary performs at the Multicultural Homecoming Concert on Oct. 19. AMADOU KROMAH FOR THE DDEEA
Tailgate and Watch Party
Hundreds of alumni, including dozens from the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority Epsilon Delta chapter — which celebrates it’s 50th anniversary at UW–Madison this year — attended a free tailgate and football game watch party at the Pyle Center on Saturday, Oct. 20.
Alumni gathered to watch Wisconsin play Illinois at the Pyle Center on Saturday, Oct. 20. AMADOU KROMAH FOR THE DDEEAPeople played games while enjoying free drinks and food at the Multicultural Homecoming Watch Party. AMADOU KROMAH FOR THE DDEEAFour alumni members of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority perform a coordinated stroll routine around the room. AMADOU KROMAH FOR THE DDEEAAlumni of the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity pose at the tailgate party. AMADOU KROMAH FOR THE DDEEAAMADOU KROMAH FOR THE DDEEAMembers of the Epsilon Delta chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority – including several charter members seated in the first row – celebrated their 50th anniversary at Multicultural Homecoming this year. AMADOU KROMAH FOR THE DDEEATrent and Cathy Jackson talk with Chief Diversity Officer Patrick J. Sims at the party. AMADOU KROMAH FOR THE DDEEAAMADOU KROMAH FOR THE DDEEA