A large number of Alabama State University alumni and guests returned on Friday, Oct. 3, for the fifth annual “Off the Record Day Party,” hosted by the Bama State Society on the lawn next to the Vaughn College of Business Administration.

The event was organized to thank alumni who support the Bama State Society Student Support Fund, which provides scholarships that help students attend professional conferences, secure internships and prepare for graduate programs. Music from a live deejay, bar service, food vendors and outdoor seating created a relaxed space for alumni to mingle, network and reconnect with classmates.

Dominique Lee, a 2011 graduate in communications with a minor in business administration and one of the administrators of the event, said the day party has become central to homecoming.

“This is a way for us just to say thank you to those who support us and support the work that we do,” he said. “It is not really about the work that we do, but the work we all do together as Alabama State alums.”

Lee said attendance at the Off the Record Day Party has grown steadily since its launch in 2021, with this year’s celebration drawing an estimated 600 to 700 guests and reflecting the energy of the university’s standalone homecoming.

“This event has become the alumni welcome party,” Lee said. “The standalone homecoming has changed the dynamics and made Alabama State alums want to come home.”

Vendors helped set the atmosphere.

Robert Childers, Class of 2010 and owner of Southern Groove, said being both an alum and a vendor gave him perspective.

“I always had a passion for cooking, and I did not see myself in criminal justice,” he said. “Being here with my classmates makes it even better. We did not have half the things they have now, but we are thankful to come back and enjoy it together.”

Childers added that the university’s progress is visible in its facilities.

“It is good to see how the work we put in, as far as bringing money to the school, shows in the stadium and the new dormitories. The school is growing,” he said. “Honestly, the kids are not going to appreciate it. We did more with less, but I am proud to see how far the university has come.”

Ernest Cason, owner of Tropical Snow Seafood and Grill, said he was glad to return after serving at past university events. “It is wonderful, wonderful, wonderful. “ASU always treats me so well,” Cason said.

For many alumni, the day party was as much about reunion as reflection.

Penny McKinney, Class of 2007, said the gathering gave her the chance to reconnect with former cheerleading teammates.

“Now, being in the stands as an alum is different, but it is a great feeling,” she said. “Coming back here lets me see old friends, celebrate together, and appreciate how much the campus has grown.”

Many alumni expressed similar feelings.

“The campus has grown tremendously. It is beautiful,” said Tameka Pounds, Class of 2004. “Events like this give us a chance to network and support each other, but also to see the people we shared our college years with. It feels good to be back and to be part of it.”

Felithia Charlton, Class of 2000, said the day party allowed her to celebrate legacy as much as progress.

“Everything is different,” she said. “The cafeteria is different, the union is different, the campus is different, everything is different. The stadium is different. They waited until I left to renovate,” she said with a laugh. “But it is for the better. It is a beautiful campus. I sent my daughter here; she just graduated in 2022, and my niece graduated this year. Being here today, seeing classmates and celebrating together, just makes me proud of how far we have come.”

Charlton added that she enjoyed the lively atmosphere and was happy to be in attendance.

“It is about seeing your classmates, networking and just enjoying each other,” she said.