Hundreds of Brunonians experienced a boost of fall energy and that contagious Brown enthusiasm as the University hosted Family Weekend this October 21-23, which, for the first time ever, also coincided with an All-Advisory Council Fall Weekend and an autumn day for alumni. College Hill was filled with good cheer and palpable Brown spirit as returning alumni, parents and students alike participated in a cornucopia of offerings.
Joy, camaraderie, and insight on College Hill
A perfect October weekend brought Brown parents, students, and alumni to Providence in celebration of the Brown community.
The weekend in photos
See how Brunonians from across the decades enjoyed this beautiful fall weekend in Providence.

Campus was buzzing with activity as Brunonians gathered in October for Family Weekend, All-Advisory Council Fall Weekend, an exhilarating Brown vs. Cornell football game, and a special University-sponsored WaterFire lighting.

Vice President for Alumni Relations Zack Langway ’09 (right) joined Harry Holt ’84, P’16 (center) and fellow alumni at the Brown Faculty Club for a Volunteer Leader Appreciation Breakfast on Saturday morning.

Susan Y. Chon '91 (center) catches up with fellow volunteer leaders at a cocktail reception following President Christina H. Paxson’s State of the University remarks.

Rachel K. Berg '93, P'23 (right) and Chandra R. Metzler '95, P'26 (left) met up before President Paxson’s State of the University remarks.

Preparations for the Victory Club End Zone Hospitality Event were underway before alumni leaders gathered to cheer on the Bears against the Cornell Big Red.

It was a beautiful day for a football game as the Brown Bears took on Cornell.

During the weekend, Brown’s Warren Alpert Medical School celebrated the groundbreaking for a new laboratory space in the Jewelry District where Brown will be an anchor tenant.

The Brown/RISD Gendo Taiko group performs during WaterFire, one of several student performances and art displays during the event.

Members of the Brown community, including Inman Page Black Alumni Council President Andrea O’Neal ’03, served as torchbearers during the University-sponsored WaterFire lighting.
“Such a fun weekend at @BrownUniversity connecting with fellow @brown_alumni leaders for the first time in person!”
— @amrasabicPHD, President-Elect, Brown Alumni Association
In between strolling along Thayer Street and soaking in the feeling of fall on campus, some weekend highlights included cheering on the Brown Bears at a thrilling Brown vs. Cornell football game, and enjoying the city’s beauty by firelight at a Brown-sponsored WaterFire lighting. A Providence tradition created by Barnaby Evans ’75, Saturday’s spectacular art experience featured more than 80 crackling bonfires, enchanting music from around the world, a diverse lineup of student performances, and a celebration of the tremendous accomplishments of 50 Years of Medicine at Brown.
“What a weekend! Brown’s first All-Advisory Council [Fall] Weekend, combined with Family Weekend, made for a campus brimming with energy, excitement, and camaraderie. Hundreds of alumni volunteers gathered together to engage in topics concerning the future of Brown alumni activity, and built around the pillars of belonging, engagement, and experiences.”
And while campus was abuzz with these and other Family Weekend-related festivities, more than 300 of Brown’s senior volunteer leaders participated in critical planning sessions at dozens of meetings and connected with other leaders during Brown’s first All-Advisory Council Fall Weekend.
“Volunteer leadership is a pillar of the Brown alumni community, and we are so fortunate to have 2,500+ brilliant and committed volunteers who give back to Brown regularly through their time and talent,” said Zack Langway ’09, vice president for alumni relations. “It’s through their extraordinary service that we are able to keep the spirit of Brown lively and bold in our community of 100,000+ alumni around the world. I have spent thirteen years as a volunteer leader myself, and I know how much time and commitment each individual puts forward.”
Participants also paused to recognize the incredible contributions that dedicated Brunonians have made to Brown and the world at a special event held during WaterFire.
“Blessed to have received the Joseph M. Fernandez ’85 Award this weekend but even more blessed to have had [friends], frat, and coaches around to celebrate with me. Grateful for the recognition @brownu #evertrue.”
— @eldridgegilbert3, 2022 Joseph M. Fernandez ’85 Award recipient
An Alumni Celebration
A special hospitality tent at WaterFire honored alumni award recipients–past and present.

Brown Alumni Association President Carlos Lejnieks ’00 welcomed alumni award recipients to a special reception at WaterFire.

The Brown Derbies performed as part of the special WaterFire reception.

Eldridge H. Gilbert III ’05 (left, pictured with Oscar Groomes ’82, P’15) received the Joseph M. Fernandez ’85 Award, which is presented to an individual who has worked to bring diverse alumni together to make a positive contribution to the University community.

Lynn C. Pasquerella PhD’85 received the William Rogers Award, the highest honor bestowed upon a Brown graduate who exemplifies the University's mission to prepare alumni for lives of “usefulness and reputation.”

Preston C. Tisdale '73, P'10, P'10 MPH'16 MD'16, P'12 received the Brown Bear Award, recognizing “outstanding and wide-ranging personal service rendered to the University.”

Jeffrey S. Feingold ’92 received the John Hope Award, presented to an alum who has made a significant impact in their community or society, and who demonstrates an unwavering commitment to public service either as a professional or as a volunteer.

Mandy J. N. Tachiki ’95 received the Alumni Service Award, presented for distinguished, continuing volunteer service to Brown.
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