South SFV Today

Thousands of Stanford alumni are set to gather on campus this weekend for the annual Reunion Homecoming event. Scheduled from Thursday, October 24, through Sunday, October 27, the event will feature class parties, dinners, panels, lectures, and athletic events.

Reunion Homecoming is one of Stanford's largest annual gatherings. This year marks quinquennial reunions for undergraduate classes ending in 4s and 9s. Victor Madrigal, director of Reunion Homecoming at the Stanford Alumni Association (SAA), reported that over 8,000 alumni have registered. He anticipates attendance to surpass 9,000. "This is an exciting time for alumni to come to the university and experience a plethora of events and activities designed for making connections," Madrigal stated. "And this year, we’re doing things a little differently."

The program includes new features such as the first "All Alumni Day" catering to all class years and graduate degree programs. The weekend commences on Thursday with pop-up art exhibitions and campus tours. In the evening, Dinner on the Quad will include music and other activities.

On Friday, President Jonathan Levin will deliver welcome remarks. He is noted as the first alum to serve as university president since Wallace Sterling's tenure from 1949 to 1968. Madrigal commented on this unique occasion: “This year we have a university leader who, for the first time in many decades, will be able to attend a reunion as an alum.”

Throughout the weekend, attendees can participate in various activities including campus tours and academic discussions covering topics like black holes and journalism's future. Mini-reunions are also planned for individual class years or groups with shared interests.

A significant addition this year is All Alumni Day on Saturday, October 26. It offers programming such as Classes Without Quizzes (CWOQs), lightning talks by award-winning faculty members, and a tailgate lunch. Provost Jenny Martinez will provide welcome remarks followed by discussions with deans from several schools about their visions for future engagement with alumni.

Farm Fest is another new event scheduled for Saturday afternoon at Koret Plaza featuring food, games, music, and family-friendly activities hosted by various schools and communities.

On Friday afternoon at Tresidder Memorial Union Oak Lounge from 4 to 5:30 p.m., ethnic community centers will honor diverse alumni leaders by inducting them into the Multicultural Alumni Hall of Fame.

Sunday’s schedule includes a multi-faith memorial service open to all participants at Memorial Church Choir along with candle lighting in memory of deceased alumni and faculty members.

Alumni interested in student projects can attend the Symposium of Undergraduate Research and Public Service (SURPS) on Thursday afternoon at McCaw Hall inside Frances C. Arrillaga Alumni Center where students present research work not officially part of Reunion Homecoming but coinciding annually with it.

Saturday also features a football game between Stanford Cardinal against Wake Forest University at Stanford Stadium starting at noon after gates open earlier that morning.

The weekend concludes with a farewell lunch on Sunday at Alumni Center while encouraging social media sharing using #StanfordReunion hashtag alongside detailed information available online regarding full event schedules or ticketing specifics related primarily towards seating arrangements during certain occasions like sports matches throughout these days together here again once more among friends old & new alike gathered around familiar grounds again now too once more indeed!