From a 30-minute informational session to visiting its many campus traditions, Miami University made its debut as one of the destinations on this year’s Black Family Reunion College Tour.

Prospective students from the Greater Cincinnati area made their way to Miami’s Oxford campus on Thursday, Aug. 15, starting with a breakfast and presentation at Shriver Center.

What followed was a walking tour where participants saw a residence hall, the Center for Student Diversity and Inclusion, the university seal, the Tri-Delta Sundial, and more of Miami’s iconic buildings and locales.

“We do a lot of events centered around access and outreach,” said Ashley Lomax, director of inclusive excellence and outreach for Miami Admission. “This is one of the many group visits we host throughout the academic year with different campus and community partners. This is really exciting and a step in the right direction as we look to expand access points for students.”

Part of the annual Black Family Reunion, the College Tour made stops at other schools such as the University of Cincinnati, Xavier, Northern Kentucky, Central State University, and Wilberforce University.

Students on the Black Family Reunion College Tour stopped at Miami University's Oxford campus. (Scott Kissell photo)

Miami has been a key sponsor and participant of the Black Family Reunion for the past seven years, said Mark Taylor, the university’s associate vice president and chief procurement officer. The annual Black Family Reunion is actually a week-long event.

“It’s a big deal,” Taylor said. “It’s a great opportunity for people in the community to see Miami, and over the years it has helped Miami to increase its presence in the community. I was very happy the Black Family Reunion asked us to participate in the College Tour.”

This year’s Black Family Reunion included a job fair at Cincinnati Music Hall, a historic tour of Cincinnati, a parade, the reunion event at Sawyer Point Park, and more.

Taylor and Lomax both hope to see the tour return to Miami in the future.

“We would love to be a part of the College Tour if they continue it,” Lomax said.

Added Taylor: “We hope to continue to do things like this for the community. This is one of our marquee events we sponsor throughout the year.”