See below for the updated schedule of events being hosted from June 15-18, 2023. Visit www.willamette.edu/go/arw to sign up for these events.
REGISTER ONLINE SEE WHO'S COMING
Note: If your class reunion is not yet listed, know that some reunion times/dates are still being confirmed and that you are still encouraged to RSVP so we can ensure you are on the list!
Friday, June 16, 2023
PNCA for a Day
11 a.m.–2 p.m.
Kick off the weekend with a visit to Willamette’s newest college: the Pacific Northwest College of Arts (PNCA). Enjoy lunch at the Arlene and Harold Schnitzer Center for Art and Design and learn more about how we’re welcoming PNCA into the Willamette family. After lunch, you’ll tour campus and visit PNCA’s galleries and student exhibitions.
Pacific Northwest College of Art
Campus Walking Tour
1–2 p.m.
Join a Willamette student for a guided tour of campus, exploring some old stomping grounds and new hotspots.
University Archives Open House
1–3:30 p.m.
Tour the University Archives, where the papers of US Senator Mark Hatfield BA'43 and other distinguished Oregonians are held, to view Willamette memorabilia, photographs, and other fascinating historical documents, with a special focus on this year’s reunion classes.
University Archives
Class of 1973: 50th Reunion Tea Party
2:30–3:30 p.m.
Gather for afternoon tea and treats with your 50th Reunion classmates and enjoy conversation with Dean Ruth Feingold.
Pelton Theatre Lobby
Hallie Ford Museum of Art Tour (Friday PM)
2:30–3:30 p.m.
Culture and creativity are on display at Oregon’s third largest art museum, including the featured exhibit, Tom Prochaska, Music for Ghosts. Longtime Portland artist Tom Prochaska uses painting, prints, and paper mâché techniques to create open-ended narrative works that often merge dreamlike memories with a sense of humor. Hallie Ford is proud to present a retrospective of his work.
Hallie Ford Museum of Art
Alumni Awards Presentation
4–5 p.m.
Honor alumni receiving the Sparks Medallion, Distinguished Alumni Citations and the Young Alumni Leadership Awards.
Happy Hour
5–6:30 p.m.
Connect with your classmates and fellow alumni for an evening of fabulous fare, beer, wine and fun.
Party in the Streets
8–11 p.m.
We're closing Winter Street and breaking out the party. With music, fire pits, games and more, you'll have plenty of time to relax late into the evening with your classmates.
Winter Street
Saturday, June 17, 2023
Campus Walking Tour
9–10 a.m.
Join a Willamette student for a guided tour of campus, exploring some old stomping grounds and new hotspots.
Evolution of Willamette's Architectural and Natural Landscape
9–10:30 a.m.
How did Willamette’s campus evolve from a single building in a field to the beautiful setting we appreciate today? Public historian Dr. William F. Willingham BA’66 shares what he learned while researching Willamette’s architectural and natural landscape for his popular book on the subject, then leads a tour so that you can see the spaces for yourself in a new light.
Alpha Phi Breakfast
9–11 a.m.
Start the day right on Saturday, June 17 by joining your Alpha Phi sisters for breakfast and good conversation in Goudy at Alumni Reunion Weekend.
Goudy Commons
R.A. Booth Society Hospitality Suite
10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Everyone is welcome to the hospitality suite in the Alumni Lounge sponsored by the R.A. Booth Society. Booth Society members will receive a special gift. Meet with staff you may only know over the phone or email, learn more and socialize with people who have made legacy commitments to Willamette.
Deep Dives and DNA Bring New Insights to the World Among Us
10–11:15 a.m.
Professor León Zayas will show us how her genetic research of some of the smallest organisms in the deepest parts of the oceans is helping build our understanding of how these enigmatic microorganisms evolved to adapt to extreme environments.
Hallie Ford Museum of Art Tour (Saturday AM)
10:30–11:30 a.m.
Culture and creativity are on display at Oregon’s third largest art museum, including the featured exhibit, Tom Prochaska, Music for Ghosts. Longtime Portland artist Tom Prochaska uses painting, prints, and paper mâché techniques to create open-ended narrative works that often merge dreamlike memories with a sense of humor. Hallie Ford is proud to present a retrospective of his work.
All-Class Lunch
11:30 a.m.–1 p.m.
It’s a flashback lunch at Goudy Commons. You’ll enjoy tasty salads, wraps and entrée options, including updated takes on some famous dishes from over the years.
Dean's Leadership Panel
1–2 p.m.
Willamette deans from all four colleges will discuss what's going on in the world of higher ed, and how the faculty are meeting challenges and serving students in both familiar and different ways.
Athletics Hall of Fame Induction and Ceremony
2–4 p.m.
A special celebration recognizing outstanding contributions to the heritage and tradition of the Bearcat intercollegiate athletic program.
Hallie Ford Museum of Art Tour (Saturday PM)
2:30–3:30 p.m.
Culture and creativity are on display at Oregon’s third largest art museum, including the featured exhibit, Tom Prochaska, Music for Ghosts. Longtime Portland artist Tom Prochaska uses painting, prints, and paper mâché techniques to create open-ended narrative works that often merge dreamlike memories with a sense of humor. Hallie Ford is proud to present a retrospective of his work.
Growth and Healing in Prison
2:30–3:45 p.m.
How do we create opportunities that will allow people to successfully reintegrate into society after prison? Professor Buis explores the impact that education and personal development have on incarcerated persons through her work with the Healing Garden at the Oregon State Penitentiary.
Willamette’s Admission Cycles and Trends
2:30–3:45 p.m.
The world of college admission has evolved dramatically over the years. In this session, Sue Corner BA’90, Dean of Admission for the College of Arts and Sciences, will discuss the overall admission cycle and the trends that affect us at Willamette.
Financial Planning with Jon Gerhardt MBA’97
2:30–3:45 p.m.
Join Jon Gerhardt MBA’97, financial advisor at Edward Jones, to learn how to maximize the tax benefits of philanthropic giving. We’ll cover Require Minimum Distributions (RMDs) and appreciated assets, how to bequeath non-cash assets to protect individuals from tax implications and life income gifts.
Campus Walking Tour (Saturday PM)
3:45–4:45 p.m.
Join a Willamette student for a guided tour of campus, exploring some old stomping grounds and new hotspots.
A Look at the Coronations of Elizabeth II And Charles III
4–5:15 p.m.
Dean Feingold is our resident expert on the historical, social and cultural significance of Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation. We’ll discuss the formal inauguration of Britain’s longest-serving monarch and look at how things have changed as King Charles III celebrates his investiture as the King of England.
Class of 1973: 50th Reunion Dinner and Program
5:30–9 p.m.
Enjoy a lovely meal and a special program highlighting the stories and achievements of your class — all planned by the Class of 1973 Reunion Committee.
Cat Cavern
Pub Night
8:30 p.m.–12 a.m.
Keep the energy going into the night with drinks, great food, pub games and prizes, a DJ, dance floor, and lots of lounge space to visit with friends.
Sunday, June 18, 2023
Community Memorial Service
9–10 a.m.
Gather for a time of remembrance as we pay our respects to members of our community who have passed on, with a special tribute to those in a reunion year.
Cone Chapel
Heritage Club Brunch & Classes of 1973 Induction
10:30 a.m.–12 p.m.
Celebrate members of the Heritage Club (alumni who graduated before 1973) and honor the Classes of 1973 during a served brunch. Club members will welcome the 50th Class as they are inducted into the club.