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The second day of the Malcolm X Institute of Black Studies (MXIBS) 50th anniversary Celebration opened with a panel discussion, 'Reflections of MXIBS Alumni,' where selected alumni spoke to how and why the MXIBS was their home away from home. Here, Willyerd Collier '75 says, 'My thinking was get in, get out, and get on. I wanted to be a lawyer. I began to understand what Wabash did for me when I started to apply for law school. The advice I got proved true.'

Dr. Vincent Henderson '78, said 'Everybody has a dream of what they want to become. It's part of thier DNA. Wabash College opened doors for me. That was invaluable for a kid like me. It's about the dream and the opportunity. If you can put theose two things together, you can do great things.'

Theo Johnson '98 said, 'The MXI was a retention program. The challenge isn't getting guys to attend. It's getting them to attend and return for years two, three, and four, and graduate. The MXI was essential for that.'

John Stansberry '89 said of Horace Turner H’76, the father of the MXIBS, 'HT was very encouraging. He was a believer in my dreams.'

Here the panelists respond to a humorous line from Jeremy Morris '10 (left). Morris said of the MXIBS, 'The Institute was everything. If I wasn't in class or the Allen Center, I was at the MXI. If it wasn't for the ' 'tute' and HT, I wouldn't have made it through Wabash.'

This time it's Kenny Coleman's '22 chance to make the panel laugh. Coleman, currently the MXI's membership committee co-chair, said of the Institute, 'Feeling comfortable when you walk through the door, that's what feels like home. That's the culture that's been created.'

Leo Warbington '22, also a co-chair of the MXI membership committee, said, 'This place wants to help me with life. They want me to grow. The type of people who come to Wabash don't always know what they want to do, but they know they want to grow and be challenged. The MXI has challenged me.'

Dr. William Mays '85 served as a morning panelist, saying, 'We grew up a lot in the four years I was here. We learned to look out for each other, and in the end, I know we had each other's backs.'

Clyde Morgan, Director of Track & Field and Cross Country and Assistant Director of the MXI, moderated the morning panel session.

Insightful questions came from audience members like Keith Lee '83.

Cleo Washington '85 (left) shares a light moment with classmate Houston Mills.

Coleman delivered the introduction of the luncheon keynote speaker, D.J. Singfield '11, which was written by Wes Chamblee '12.

A history major, former football standout, and current educator, Singfield's address both celebrated and challenged the audience.

'As an educator, my definition of success is how many students can I help succeed. It's challenging, but meaningful work. Who are you going to help along the way? I can talk about these things because I've lived it. 'Wabash Always Fights' doesn't mean anything until you have to fight.'

'There is a 12:1 studnet to faculty ratio here,' Singfield said. ' I love Wabash for how intimate the setting is.'

A lunchtime group photo. Back (l to r): Jack Armstead '78, Larry Walker '77, Benjamin Brown '89, and John Stansberry '89. Front: Eugene Anderson '83 and Steven Jones '87, Dean for Professional Development and Director of the MXI.

In an afternoon panel discussion, 'Keys to Graduating in Four,' alumnus Jalen Alston '17 said to the Baxter Hall audience, 'Wabash pushes you to the front. You have to be able to express yourself and make your points. A habit I developed here is that I have to give my input.'

Kevin Griffen '18 told the audience of current students and alumni of the importance of engaging beyond career services, '(Success) doesn't stop after career services. Sometimes you have to make connections with alumni yourself. You have to make the effort. That's your responsibility.'

Kim King '99, Assistant Director of the MXI, mixed personal experience into the thoughtful questions given to panelists.

Matt Kraft '10 told the audience of his struggles to adjust to the academic rigor early in his Wabash experience, saying 'If these esteemed professors can see the potential in me, why can't I see it in myself?'

Immanuel Mitchell-Sodipe '18 listens intently to a question from the audience.

The question and answer session made for engaged listening from Anthony Williams '20.

Luke Fincher ’24 sings solo during the Glee Club and T-Tones Concert.

Kayden Beatty ’25 joined the Glee Club for 'O Freedom' as the reader.