Washington University Alumni Events: A Comprehensive Guide to Reconnect, Engage, and Celebrate
Washington University in St. Louis (WashU) offers a vibrant and diverse calendar of alumni events designed to foster connections, celebrate achievements, and provide opportunities for lifelong learning and engagement. From milestone reunions to networking opportunities and cultural experiences, there's something for every WashU graduate to enjoy. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the various events and activities available to WashU alumni.
Reunion Celebrations: A Time for Reminiscing and Reconnecting
Reunion at Thurtene Carnival is packed with exciting events on campus and around St. Louis, but there are a few extra-special reunion experiences you don’t want to miss. These signature events include the Welcome Back Party and the Alumni BBQ, and - of course - your 1st Reunion Happy Hour!
Class-Specific Gatherings
Each reunion year is marked with unique celebrations tailored to specific graduating classes. These events offer a chance to reconnect with former classmates, reminisce about shared experiences, and celebrate milestones.
Class of 2025: Welcome back, Class of 2025! There’s no place like home. Join the celebration at Risa Commons and enjoy an evening of fabulous music, drinks, food stations, and photo opportunities.
Class of 2021: Reconnect with the Class of 2021 at The Post Building, the iconic former home of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Located in St. Louis’ innovation district, Downtown North, The Post Building blends contemporary amenities with historic details.
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Class of 2016: Raise a glass with the Class of 2016 at City Winery! Located in the heart of Midtown’s lively City Foundry entertainment and dining district, this urban winery offers the perfect spot to celebrate your first decade as a WashU alum.
Class of 2011: Welcome home, Class of 2011! Join the party at a.casa, an intimate and lovely gem nestled between St. Louis’ charming Northampton and Tower Grove South neighborhoods.
Class of 2006: Raise a glass with the Class of 2006 at La Verona on The Hill. This charming space is a gorgeous addition to the beloved St. Louis neighborhood, introducing new night life options while preserving its unique history.
Class of 2001: Join the Class of 2001 for an unforgettable evening at Third Degree Glass Factory, co-founded by WashU alum Jim McKelvey Jr., AB ’87, BS ’87. This working artisan glass studio and gallery is conveniently located in the Delmar Maker District, midway between the Central West End and Delmar Loop.
Class of 1996: Celebrate in style with the Class of 1996 in the heart of St. Louis’ iconic Forest Park. This enduringly beautiful landmark provides the perfect setting for reminiscing with old friends while making wonderful new memories to cherish.
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Class of 1991: Raise a glass with the Class of 1991 at Oliva on the Hill! This spectacular space tucked away in one of St. Louis’ most charming neighborhoods provides a perfect setting to catch up and celebrate with old friends.
Classes of 1981 and 1986: Join the Classes of 1981 and 1986 in beautiful Holmes Lounge on the Danforth Campus. Originally the university’s library in the 1900s, the historic main entrance overlooks Brookings Quadrangle, where university-wide events such as Commencement and WILD were once held.
Signature Reunion Events
Welcome Back Party: The WashU Bears are taking over Ballpark Village! Kick off reunion weekend at the Welcome Back Party with alumni from 10 different classes. Enjoy music, fun photo opportunities, a ballpark-inspired menu, and drinks with the WashU alumni community. Advanced registration recommended. Packet pickup will be available at Ballpark Village for pre-registered attendees. Registration will be available for the Welcome Back Party only.
Alumni BBQ: Join classmates and their families for a fun-filled afternoon of great BBQ catered by the award-winning Pappy’s Smokehouse. Complimentary beer, wine, and soda will be provided.
Special Reunion Programs
Danforth Scholars Program 25th Anniversary: Join fellow Danforth Scholar alumni and students to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the William H. and Elizabeth Gray Danforth Scholars Program. Seating is limited. Don’t miss this opportunity to reconnect with fellow alumni.
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Beyond Boundaries Program Reunion Breakfast: Alumni of the Beyond Boundaries Program are invited for a reunion breakfast to connect and re-connect with program staff and each other. Seating guaranteed for the first 8 attendees.
Campus Tours and Exploration
Danforth Campus Developments: From the reimagined landscape of the east end to the 50,000 sq. ft. renovation at the Mallinckrodt Center, you and your classmates will get to experience, engage with, and explore the latest developments on the Danforth Campus. Capacity is limited.
Art on Campus Tour: Put on your walking shoes and join us for a tour of Danforth Campus artwork, installed as part of the Art on Campus program. Capacity is limited.
Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum Tour: Tour the Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum with a student-educator and enjoy an in-depth exploration of several works from the museum’s renowned permanent collection. Capacity is limited.
South 40 Reunion: Return to the South 40 to revisit the places you called home during your time as a student. All Ervin, Danforth, and Rodriguez Scholar alumni are invited to join the Office of Scholar Program team and current scholars to meet and share stories.
Graham Chapel Visit: We invite WashU alumni to visit Graham Chapel for a moment of reflection, prayer, or remembrance. This space has meaningfully served the university for over a century, offering a quiet place to commemorate your time spent at WashU and cherished memories of classmates.
Networking and Engagement Opportunities
WashU provides numerous avenues for alumni to connect with each other, current students, faculty, and staff, fostering a strong sense of community and shared purpose.
Career-Focused Events
Center for Career Engagement Networking: Join the Center for Career Engagement for networking with students and alumni. Stop by to connect with fellow alumni and share your career journeys and advice with current students in a comfortable and relaxed setting.
Skandalaris Center Networking Event: Join the Skandalaris Center for Interdisciplinary Innovation and Entrepreneurship for a networking event. All innovators and entrepreneurs are welcome, including community members, alumni, current students, investors, and people seeking advice about the startup industry.
Affinity Group Gatherings
These gatherings provide a space for alumni with shared interests or backgrounds to connect and support one another.
WashU Asian Alumni Network (WUAAN) Gathering: Join the WashU Asian Alumni Network (WUAAN) for our annual WashU Reunion gathering. Whether you are celebrating a reunion or not, join us after the Alumni BBQ to connect with other WashU alumni and friends.
WashU Pride Alumni Network (WUpan) Gathering: Join the WashU Pride Alumni Network (WUpan) for our annual gathering during WashU Reunion. Whether you’re celebrating a reunion or not, join us to connect with other WashU alumni and friends while hearing the latest about WUpan and other LGBTQ+ initiatives at WashU.
Black Alumni Council (BAC) Day Party: Join the Black Alumni Council (BAC) for our annual Day Party during WashU Reunion. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone reunion or simply looking to reconnect, you’re invited to come through for great music, games, and cross-generational connection.
La Comunidad Gathering: Join La Comunidad at WashU for our annual gathering during WashU Reunion. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone reunion or simply looking to reconnect, you’re invited! Together, we’ll engage with simple, reflective prompts that explore what authentic community looks like, what we need from one another, and how each of us can contribute to a thriving comunidad.
Environmental, Sustainability, and Climate Change Issues Networking: Alumni with an interest in environmental, sustainability, and climate change issues are invited to connect and network with one another, and with faculty, staff, and students. The open house is located in the new Schnuck Pavilion, one of the university’s eight LEED Platinum buildings. This largely informal event will include brief remarks about the university’s teaching, research, operations, and community impact. Capacity is limited.
School-Specific Events
Olin Business School Opening Reception: Join Dean Mike Mazzeo of Olin Business School for the opening reception of the WashU-wide arts exhibition presented by the Business of Arts Club. This exhibition will be on display throughout the weekend and is designed to feature artists from all schools at WashU, including Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts and undergraduate Arts & Sciences (Performing Arts and Film and Media). Capacity is limited.
Olin Business School Happy Hour: Join us for an Olin Business School happy hour before you head to the Welcome Back Party!
Cultural and Entertainment Experiences
WashU offers a variety of cultural and entertainment events that showcase the university's vibrant arts scene and provide opportunities for alumni to explore the St. Louis region.
A Cappella Performance: Join us for an intimate (and free) performance from current and alumni members of WashU’s a cappella group - The Stereotypes - as they celebrate their 25th anniversary. Hear the group sing some of their favorite songs from over the years.
St. Louis Microbrewery Tour: Join alumni and friends for a tour of three St. Louis microbreweries: Bluewood Brewing, 2ndShift Brewing, and Heavy Riff Brewing Company. Your personal tour guide will share insights on each brewery, provide tasting suggestions, and impart historic and fun facts about St. Louis. You will spend approximately 45 minutes at each stop and receive a token redeemable for one full pour of draft beer at each location. Transportation for this event is provided. Capacity is limited.
See STL | Old North St. Louis Tour: St. Louis’ Old North neighborhood is one of its oldest and most complex, where historic architecture and modern social changes intersect. This unique guided experience will include a walking tour with one of the Missouri History Museum’s award-winning guides, as well as a hands-on visit to Central Print, a local non-profit focusing on the art of traditional printmaking and paper crafts. Each participant will have the opportunity to test their skill and creativity in the art of letterpress printmaking and walk away with an 11×14″ customized poster. Transportation for this event is provided. We are unable to accommodate children’s car seats on this tour. Capacity is limited.
Soulard Neighborhood Tour: The Soulard neighborhood boasts street after street of great 19th-century architecture as well as one of the nation’s oldest continually operating farmers markets. Transportation for this event is provided. Capacity is limited.
Family-Friendly Activities
WashU recognizes the importance of family and offers several events designed to be enjoyed by alumni of all ages.
Alumni BBQ: Join classmates and their families at Tisch Park for an afternoon of fun! Enjoy delicious BBQ catered by the award-winning Pappy’s Smokehouse, veggie options catered by SweetArt, along with classic St. Louis desserts that are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Complimentary beer, wine, and soda will be provided. Enjoy children’s activities and entertainment throughout the event. It’s the perfect way to relax, socialize, and indulge in some local favorites!
Bear Club Child-Care Program: Wondering what to do with your kiddos during the Welcome Back Party? Don’t stress - we have your answer! Our Bear Club child-care program keeps your kids, infant through age 17, safe and entertained while you enjoy your reunion event. Children will be divided into age-appropriate tracks, with the evening’s “Superheroes” theme offering engaging activities sure to capture their attention and interests! Special snacks and meals are included. Wondering what to do with your kiddos during your reunion class party? Don’t stress - we have your answer! Our Bear Club child-care program keeps your kids, infant through age 17, safe and entertained while you enjoy your reunion event. Children will be divided into age-appropriate tracks, with the evening’s “Minions” theme offering engaging activities including legos, K’NEX, puzzles, and games that are sure to bring out their inner inventor! Special snacks and meals are included.
Dr. G’s Fun House: Welcome to Dr. G’s Fun House! This multi-generational gathering brings together present, future, and brand-new WashU alumni for a one-of-a-kind reunion weekend kickoff. Current WashU parents celebrating reunion - along with their students - and 1st reunion celebrants are invited to meet Dr. Capacity is limited.
Intellectual and Spiritual Engagement
WashU provides opportunities for alumni to continue their intellectual and spiritual growth through lectures, discussions, and religious services.
Rethinking Public Health: Restoring Trust in a Politically Diverse Nation. Sponsored by With You. Join Dean Sandro Galea and Dr. Salma Abdalla for an engaging fireside chat where they will explore how increasing polarization and erosion of trust impedes public health’s ability to serve whole populations. We know that public health messages and policies are now received very differently across political identities. Sandro Galea, MD, DrPHMargaret C. Ryan Dean of the School of Public Health,Eugene S.
ARC-Down Syndrome Study Presentation: Guests will enjoy a presentation from Jason Hassenstab, PhD, the Norman J. Stupp Professor of Neurology, Professor of Psychological and Brain Sciences, and Director of the Cognitive Technology Research Laboratory. He is the Principal Investigator of the ARC-Down syndrome study, an international study of Down syndrome associated Alzheimer’s disease. He also leads the Cognition Cores for the Dominantly-Inherited Alzheimer Network-Trials Unit (DIAN-TU) and the DIAN observational study and the Charles F.
Shabbat Dinner and Lunch at Hillel: Reconnect with friends and the Hillel staff at our alumni Happy Hour! Stop by on your own or with your family for drinks and refreshments. Please register for this event here. Join us for a Classic Shabbat Dinner and see how our community has grown, especially in the wake of the events of October 7, 2023. Discover firsthand why this is the most popular event for Jewish students each week! Shabbat at Chabad embodies our mission to offer meaningful Jewish experiences in an inclusive and welcoming environment. Stay after services or come by midday for our Shabbat lunch with members of the Hillel staff and OU-JLIC Co-Directors, Rav Shlomo and Kyra Ashkanazy. Shabbat lunch brings observant Jewish students of diverse backgrounds together in friendship and community. We’re pleased to welcome Scholar-in-Residence and WashU parent, Rabba Sara Hurwitz, who will lead a shiur (learning session) after lunch at approximately 2:00 pm. Rabba Hurwitz is the first woman to be publicly ordained as an Orthodox rabbi. She is the Co-founder and President of Yeshivat Maharat and, since 2003, has served on the Rabbinic staff at the Hebrew Institute of Riverdale - The Bayit. For more information and to register, visit here.
Planned Giving Breakfast: Join the Office of Planned Giving for a casual breakfast and engaging conversation about how you can leave a lasting legacy at WashU - perhaps even greater than you imagine. Discover how alumni have helped to shape the university and student experience through their gifts. Capacity is limited.
Environmental Sustainability Panel: Hear from a panel of WashU faculty and staff leaders who will discuss the university’s broad engagement with environmental, sustainability, and climate change research, teaching, and operations. Capacity is limited.
Additional Opportunities for Alumni Engagement
Beyond specific events, WashU offers various ways for alumni to stay connected and contribute to the university community.
Alumni Newsletter: Are you getting our alumni newsletter?
Sharing Knowledge with Students: Share your knowledge with current students.
Supporting Entrepreneurship Programs: Are you interested in supporting our entrepreneurship programs? Learn about Washington University initiatives that engage alumni in expanding minds and horizons.
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