Central State University celebrates 17th year of Visiting Alumni Day

Each year, during Homecoming, Central State University alumni return to campus for a special event that truly embodies the spirit of family and connection — Visiting Alumni Day. Now in its 17th year, this event provides alumni with a unique opportunity to share their experiences and insights with current students, building bridges between generations of Central State Marauders. 

Angela Davis, chairperson of Visiting Alumni Day, reflects on the evolution of this program: “When we started this event, there was nothing like it on campus. The goal was to directly connect alumni with students, giving them the opportunity to hear firsthand what it means to navigate life and careers after Central State,” she said. 

Today, it is a cherished part of Homecoming, fostering relationships that continue beyond the classroom. 

“Alumni from all across the country... have come onto this campus a day early to talk to students about life after college, career choices, and making the most of their time here at our beloved alma mater,” Davis said in a video celebrating 15 years of Visiting Alumni Day in 2022.  

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From 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., alumni visit classes across all disciplines, sharing their career journeys and offering advice to students. While many alumni are paired with students in their fields of expertise, Davis emphasized the importance of diverse perspectives. 

“Sometimes, a student will hear from someone outside of their major, and it’s eye-opening for them,” Davis said. “You never know how you might inspire someone.” 

One of the most impactful moments in Visiting Alumni Day history occurred when a speaker who did not adhere to the formal dress code captured the attention of students in a profound way.  

“I was about to tell him he couldn’t speak because he didn’t meet the dress code,” Davis recalls, “but I’m so glad I didn’t. He connected with students in a way that I couldn’t have predicted. It taught me that our alumni, no matter how they present, have incredible stories to tell, and they can reach our students in ways we don’t always expect.” 

The impact of these connections is undeniable. Davis recounted how a student once found the courage to stay at Central State after a heartfelt conversation with an alum.  

Mioni King, ’15, recounted her experience. “It was my first year at Central State University, and at the time, my mother and my father were both a little apprehensive about me staying,” King said. “I was eight hours away from home (in Washington, D.C.)... and they felt I needed to go to a college that was closer to home.” 

After Visiting Alumni Day, meeting alumni, and learning about the vast network of Centralians across the U.S., King was inspired to stay. 

“Moments like that are why we continue this tradition,” Davis said.  

Visiting Alumni Day strengthens student-alumni relationships and opens doors for internships, scholarships, and mentorship opportunities. Many alumni leave feeling inspired to give back to the University in tangible ways.   

Looking to the future, Davis envisions even greater participation.  

“Our goal is to touch every single student on campus,” she said. “It hurts my heart when I hear a student say they didn’t have any alumni in their classes. We want to ensure that every professor sees the value of what we’re doing, because it’s about more than just a visit — it’s about keeping students engaged and motivated to succeed.” 

As Visiting Alumni Day continues to grow, so does its impact on the Central State community. For Davis, it is not just about tradition — it is about creating lasting connections that make every student feel like they are part of something bigger.  

“We’re all part of the Central State family,” she said. “And that’s something to be proud of.” 

For more information about Visiting Alumni Day, contact Davis at angeladavis091@gmail.com.