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
Whale Watching with EcoExcursions in Depoe Bay
7:30 a.m.–1 p.m.
Gray whales migrate past the Oregon coast every summer so reliably that researchers can identify them by name. Take a boat out to meet some of this year’s returnees and learn all about their different personalities from marine biologist Carrie Newell. You'll enjoy lunch back on land in Depoe Bay.
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
Willamette Valley Wine Tasting
11 a.m.–3 p.m.
Our group will visit three local wineries, beginning with Evesham Wood Winery where you’ll enjoy a light charcuterie lunch along with a tasting of wines that represent the styles of both Evesham Wood and Haden Fig’s diverse vineyards. The next stop is Christom Vineyards, where they focus on growing benchmark Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The final stop is Bryn Mawr Vineyards where you’ll take in dramatic views of the valley and Van Duzer Gap along with the final tasting of the afternoon.
Silverton Brewery Tour
11 a.m.–3 p.m.
Sit back, relax and enjoy the scenery as you travel to three breweries in and around Silverton. Spend time with the brewers and enjoy some of the best locally crafted beer available at Silver Falls, Ratchet (where the tour will have lunch), and the Benedictine Brewery in Mt. Angel.
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BA'43 and other distinguished Oregonians are held, to view Willamette memorabilia, photographs, and other fascinating historical documents, with a special focus on this year’s reunion classes.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.
TBD
Hallie Ford Museum of Art Tour (Friday PM)
2:30–3:30 p.m.
Experience the culture and creativity on display at Oregon’s third largest art museum, including featured exhibit, David Roberts: Artist and Traveler. David Roberts (Scottish, 1796-1864) was a self-taught painter who rose from the depths of poverty and obscurity in Edinburgh to become one of the most celebrated artists and travelers of his generation. Come learn why director John Olbrantz waited 44 years to get this exhibition. A full-color, lavishly illustrated book written by Olbrantz will accompany the exhibition.
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.
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 Gathering
9–11 a.m.
Enjoy breakfast or just a cup of coffee with your Alpha Phi members. Everyone from all-classes is welcome.
Goudy Commons
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.
Communicating Grief
10–11:15 a.m.
Grief is a taboo topic in our culture, despite our shared experience of it. Professor Brooks has helped cultivate bonds among grievers — both on our campus and in the broader community. Learn more about communicating grief through a discussion of Brooks's Grief Communication class, campus’s new Diversity of Loss support group and her work as a facilitator.
Hallie Ford Museum of Art Tour (Saturday AM)
10:30–11:30 a.m.
Experience the culture and creativity on display at Oregon’s third largest art museum, including featured exhibit, David Roberts: Artist and Traveler. David Roberts (Scottish, 1796-1864) was a self-taught painter who rose from the depths of poverty and obscurity in Edinburgh to become one of the most celebrated artists and travelers of his generation. Come learn why director John Olbrantz waited 44 years to get this exhibition. A full-color, lavishly illustrated book written by Olbrantz will accompany the exhibition.
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.
Experience the culture and creativity on display at Oregon’s third largest art museum, including featured exhibit, David Roberts: Artist and Traveler. David Roberts (Scottish, 1796-1864) was a self-taught painter who rose from the depths of poverty and obscurity in Edinburgh to become one of the most celebrated artists and travelers of his generation. Come learn why director John Olbrantz waited 44 years to get this exhibition. A full-color, lavishly illustrated book written by Olbrantz will accompany the exhibition.
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.
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 1968: 55th Reunion and Dinner
5–7 p.m.
Your reunion class enjoys time to catch up and eat great food and take in special programs that highlight your class stories and achievements, all planned by your respective reunion committees.
All-Class Social
5:30–7 p.m.
Saturday evening celebrations kick off with a beverage, hors d'oeuvres and time to mingle with friends, old and new.
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
Reunion Class Dinners
7–9 p.m.
Your reunion class enjoys time to catch up and eat great food and take in special programs that highlight your class stories and achievements, all planned by your respective reunion committees.
Class of 1959: 64th Reunion and Dinner
7–9 p.m.
Your reunion class enjoys time to catch up and eat great food and take in special programs that highlight your class stories and achievements, all planned by your respective reunion committees.
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.