Memories, fun and giving back were recurrent themes when hundreds of alumni of color returned to campus Sept. 28 to 30 for Return to Oz III.

The alumni took part in a faculty/alumni mixer, a picnic at Fallbrook with a Caribbean steel band, and a grand dinner-dance, including a performance by The Praise Dance Group and Gospel Choir members past and present, led by Kahan Sablo '90.

It was the group's first reunion since 2002.

"You are such an important part of the history of this campus," President Deborah F. Stanley told the alumni at a dinner she hosted for them Sept. 28.

"You are the success our students are looking to emulate," she told the alumni. "Teach them what a worthwhile life is.   It is all about being thinking, caring and doing people — which is what you are."

Errol Taylor '77, who also spoke at the dinner, echoed her words.

"Everything I've become I can in one way or another tie to Oswego," he said. Taylor is a partner in the New York City law firm of Milbank, Tweed, Hadley & McCloy LLP, and an expert in intellectual property law.

He explained that he came back to campus for the first Return to Oz in 1997 and hasn't stopped coming back since. He encouraged his fellow alumni to become more involved. "Find a way to get back in touch with the school and give back to students."

One way Taylor is giving back is by an innovative challenge he has announced. He will match any gifts up to $15,000 until June 30, 2008, from alumni who attended the Return to Oz reunion or were eligible to. For more information contact the Office of University Development at 315-312-3003.

Kendis Gibson '94 was presented with the GOLD Award for Graduates of the Last Decade. He was chosen for the recognition in 2004, but was unable to come back to campus to receive his award at that time. Gibson is a co-host of the HGTV show "I Want That!" which showcases some of the newest gadgets for homeowners. He is an Emmy Award winner, who, among other things, served as an entertainment host for CNN.

"It is amazing to be back in Oswego," said Gibson, who recalled that after covering the terrorist attacks of September 11, he returned to Oswego as a place to relax and reconnect with life. He urged his fellow alumni to get involved with the college. "It's really important to give back [to Oswego]," he said. "I hope a lot of other people will decide to do that, too."

—Michele Reed

PHOTO CAPTIONS:
PHOTO 1:
Errol Taylor '77

PHOTO 2:
Parents and children at Return to Oz III gathered for an Oswego family picture with President Deborah F. Stanley, right.

PHOTO 3:
An enthusiastic participant leads the conga line at the barbecue at Fallbrook Saturday afternoon.

PHOTO 4:
Kendis Gibson '94, co-host of HGTV's "I Want That!" accepts his Graduate of the Last Decade Award. He was chosen in 2004 but could not return to campus to receive his recognition.

PHOTO 5:
Gospel Choir members past and present, led by Kahan Sablo '90, sang songs of praise during the grand dinner-dance and ball.

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Oswego Alumni Association, Inc.
King Alumni Hall - SUNY Oswego - Oswego, NY 13126
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Email: alumni@oswego.edu
Web site: www.oswego.edu/alumni