Contact: Crystal Drake, Office of Strategic Communications
Nearly 1,800 parents, family members, students, and prospective students gathered at Tuskegee University October 16-18 for Parent and Family Weekend 2026, a three-day celebration that showcased the university’s traditions, academic excellence, family legacy, and community spirit under the theme, "The Magic of Tuskegee."
Speaking on the theme, Dr. Mark A. Brown, president and CEO, reminded guests that while the Tuskegee experience can feel magical – something he knows first-hand as a 1986 alumnus – it is, in fact, the hard work and no-nonsense approach to academic excellence that makes the transformative power of a Tuskegee education possible.
“Booker T. Washington arrived here a little over 145 years ago, to find 1000 acres, and a church to teach newly freed people in, lit only by kerosene lanterns. And somehow, he knew they would have enough to empower their heads, hearts and hands but also that they would have to do the hard work to build it. Today that 1000 acres is more than 5000 acres, last year more than 70% of our graduates crossed the stage walking into careers and graduate programs of their choice, and Tuskegee is making nearly $300 million in economic impact in Alabama and the region annually. Tuskegee University is not a dream. It’s the sacred ground you walk on today,” he said.
“If you’re willing to put in the work, Tuskegee University will change your life. Social and economic mobility is what we’re best at.”
The weekend opened on Friday with campus tours and student activities including an internship showcase where students presented to parents and university leaders about their recent internships, preparation for a competitive global economy required of every Tuskegee student before graduation.
Saturday's Fall Open House served as the centerpiece of the weekend, beginning with a gathering of prospective students, current families, alumni, faculty and staff in the Daniel “Chappie” James Arena.
The program featured performances by the Marching Crimson Pipers and the Golden Voices Choir, a student-led panel discussion, academic overviews from the Deans of each of Tuskegee’s eight colleges and schools, and a rousing Golden Tigers interpretation of “Be Our Guest” from Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” in the inaugural performance of Tuskegee’s new Theatre Music Club.
Families lined campus streets for a festive parade led by Dr. Brown and First Lady Gwendolyn Brown, proudly followed by the university’s ROTC Joint Honor Guard, representing five branches of the U.S. Armed Forces. The crowd made their way to Cleve L. Abbott Memorial Alumni Stadium to join thousands of Golden Tigers supporters for Tuskegee's football matchup against Albany State where Tuskegee was victorious with a touchdown at just 2:51 remaining for a final score of 17-14.
Saturday also included a visiting band experience with students from more than 40 local and regional high schools joining the Marching Crimson Pipers for the celebration and the Tuskegee Community Rodeo and Agricultural Festival led by the College of Agriculture, Environment and Nutrition Sciences.
The weekend concluded on Sunday with the Parent and Family Pinning Ceremony, an emotional gathering to recognize the vital role families play in student success. A highlight of Sunday's ceremony was the reinstatement of the University's Parent of the Year Award, a recognition celebrating extraordinary family engagement and commitment to student success.
This year's honorees, Foster Ware and Linda Ware, were selected by a committee based on their demonstrated commitment to their students' success, active engagement with the Tuskegee University community, and embodiment of the university’s values and legacy.
They met in front of Tompkins Hall, were married in the chapel, and celebrated their wedding reception at the Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center. Their connection to Tuskegee spans three generations. Today, three of their four children are enrolled at the University: twins Logan and Lauren Ware and their youngest son, John Parker Ware.
"We are incredibly humbled”, Foster Ware said. "We met in the fall of 1993 on campus and got married in the University Chapel in 2000. We are a Tuskegee family."
Both Linda and Foster graduated from Tuskegee in 1998 and were deeply involved in student leadership. Linda studied Early Childhood and Elementary Education, served as Student Government Association secretary, and was active in the Student National Education Association. Foster majored in Chemical Engineering, served as SGA president, was a member of the football team and, after graduation, later served on the University's Board of Trustees.
In recognizing the family, Dr. Brown noted that alumni such as the Wares continue to elevate Tuskegee's reputation across industries and communities.
"How is it that Tuskegee's name comes up in rooms like that?" Brown said. "Because Tuskegee graduates are in the room."
The weekend concluded with a Sunday worship service and a “family” photo in front of the Booker T. Washington monument, underscoring that Tuskegee’s magic is real-world student success, a shared commitment of students, families, alumni, faculty, staff, and all who support Mother Tuskegee.
© 2026 Tuskegee University
