Returning to College Hill: Highlights and stories from Brown Reunion 2026

Reunion classes honor Brown experience by giving back

Updated May 24, 2:30 p.m.

This year’s Reunion classes made a tremendous impact through their giving. 

Collectively, classes ending in 1 and 6 have so far raised more than $18 million in gifts, pledges, and planned gifts for the Brown Annual Fund. 

Reunion classes always set ambitious fundraising and participation goals, working together to reach them by the end of Brown’s fiscal year in June. This year, alums gave back generously—the 20th, 25th, 40th, 45th, and 55th Reunion classes all met their Reunion Class Gift goals and the 50th Reunion class surpassed its participation goal. 

Reunion class giving is a meaningful way for alums to support current and future students while they’re celebrating their own time at Brown. Alumni gifts to the Brown Annual Fund helps increase financial aid, recruit world-class faculty, and strengthen the overall student experience.

Peter Whitehouse ’71, here for his 55th Reunion, is a Brown Annual Fund volunteer. He made his Reunion Class Gift because, “As a professor who has been a fellow or on faculty at Johns Hopkins, Harvard, Toronto, Case Western Reserve University, Tokyo International, and Oxford, Brown is where my heart belongs and where my brain woke up. In a time of multiple crises it is a beacon of true hope."

Welcoming graduates to the alumni community 

Updated May 24, 2 p.m.

The grand finale of every Reunion Weekend is the Commencement Procession on Sunday morning—a truly unparalleled experience that only Brunonians understand. 

This year followed tradition with Brown’s “inverted sock” Procession approach. Starting with the earlier classes, alumni walked through the Van Wickle Gates and then lined the sides of the streets, ready to cheer on everyone who came after them. After all alumni classes were lined up, the Class of 2026 walked through—welcomed by thousands into the alumni community. Then, in the inversion, those who lined up first get their moment to walk through again, surrounded by everyone they've just cheered on.

Every year, alumni are nominated to serve in special roles during this event based on their commitment to giving and volunteerism with Brown. Aides and marshals dress in traditional regalia and perform important ceremonial duties, including leading the Procession. 

"The best thing about serving as Brown Alumni Association President is that I get to march at the head of the alumni division in the Procession,” said Harry Holt ’84. “I can remember walking through the Van Wickle Gates as a graduate myself, and it's very meaningful to now be a part of this tradition that welcomes the next generation into this incredible alumni community."

Unity Funk Nite gets alumni on the dancefloor

Updated May 24, 9 a.m.

Late Saturday night during Reunion Weekend means one thing—Unity Funk Nite. 

Every year, this marquee party brings together alumni from across the generations to dance to the best music of the ’70s through today. 

The man behind the music is Garfield Davidson ’00 (“DJ GARF DIGGA”). He’s been DJing at Unity Funk Nite for almost 15 years now, spinning the soundtrack to Reunion. Davidson remembers discovering Unity Funk Nite as an undergrad, and now, he finds it an honor to be asked back every year to be part of this tradition. 

“It's something that alumni look forward to experiencing with friends—coming back and enjoying music they enjoyed while they were at Brown,” said Davidson. “The camaraderie, friendships, and relationships forged are all fused together by music.”

Alums take center stage to share inspiration and knowledge at forums

Updated May 23, 7 p.m.

This year’s Commencement baccalaureate address was delivered by award-winning author Xochitl Gonzalez ’99. Gonzalez shared insights from her decorated literary career and encouraged the Class of 2026 to always stay curious. 

“We’re not just linked by a set of common memories,” Gonzalez said. “We are linked by this shared trait of intellectual curiosity that Brown’s distinct culture nurtures so brilliantly.”

In addition to Brown faculty, alumni also stepped up to share their expertise during many of Saturday’s Commencement forums.

The Watson School sponsored “The Great Divide: A Conversation with Chris Hayes ’01.” Hayes, an Emmy Award-winning anchor on MS NOW, returned to campus to discuss the midterm elections, the state of politics in our increasingly online world, and his new book “The Sirens’ Call: How Attention Became the World’s Most Endangered Resource.”

During “Building the Future: Leadership, Service and Philanthropy”, Vice President for Advancement Sergio Gonzalez asked Richard Friedman ’79, P’08 for insights on purposeful leadership from his 21 years serving on the Corporation of Brown University. They discussed Friedman’s enduring connection to Brown and how philanthropy creates opportunities for future generations. Friedman and his wife, Susan Pilch Friedman ’77, are both honorary degree recipients this year.

Another commencement forum, “1976 in 2026: A Brown 2026 Oral History”, centered an intergenerational conversation between the Class of 1976 and current students. This forum was part of a broader oral history project which has so far collected over 20 interviews for preservation in the University Archives.

Bruno’s Block Party brings together Brunonians of all ages

Updated May 23, 5:45 p.m.

Alumni gathered outside the Brown Stadium for one of Reunion Weekend’s newest traditions: Bruno’s Block Party.

Held every year on Saturday afternoon, this family-friendly event features music, food trucks, a beer garden, activities for children, and a giant Bruno sand sculpture that’s a perfect photo backdrop. 

Among those enjoying the outdoor festivities were Vivian Asare ’06 and her son. “It’s special being here. The essence of being back on campus and being able to show him around and then also seeing everyone has been really awesome,” she said.

Many alums were delighted to see some Rhode Island classics—like Del’s lemonade—in the food truck lineup, bringing back memories from their time in Providence.

“I live in Chicago now so I don't go back to the East Coast that much,” said Ellen Wernecke ’06. When we saw that there would be Del’s, we were like, ‘Yeah!’”

Graduate, professional, and medical schools welcome back their alumni 

Updated May 23, 4 p.m.

Brown’s professional schools held events for their own communities, bringing together alums, faculty, and students. 

The School of Engineering hosted a “Back to Brown” reception for alums as well as a special event honoring Professor Barrett Hazeltine, which included a film on his legacy produced by Tom Scott ’89. The Watson School of International and Public Affairs brought together alums and the school’s first graduating class of MPA students. The School of Public Health held a community celebration and presented two awards: Arvinjit Singh ScM’19 and Ashley Stacy-Boddapati MPH’25 were honored for their work improving health outcomes in communities.

The Warren Alpert Medical School held a reception for medical alumni and the MD Class of 2026. Over 200 medical alums and their families have returned to campus this weekend to celebrate where their physician journeys began. Among those in attendance were members of the MD Class of 1976, celebrating their 50th Reunion, as well as participants in the Brown-Tougaloo EIP program, commemorating the program’s 50th anniversary. In addition to the broader Reunion schedule, medical alums were invited to two lectures, a class dinner, and student-guided tours of the Medical School.

Dean of the Medical School Mukesh K. Jain toasted the MD Class of 1976, saying, “This school is built on the shoulders of those who came before us, and we are so fortunate to have some of our pioneers with us here this evening.”

From Brown Bears to the Brown Band, alumni and students celebrate their shared bonds 

Updated May 23, 3 p.m.

This weekend includes many different opportunities for alumni and students to connect through their shared experiences at Brown and beyond. 

On Saturday morning there was a special breakfast recognizing the 25th anniversary of the Brown University Latino Alumni Council (BULAC). Friday evening, the annual Unity Celebration featured music, food, and dancing, and graduating seniors were presented with gifts to recognize their accomplishments. 

Alumni athletes enjoyed the annual Brown Bears Social put on by the Brown University Sports Foundation, along with several gatherings for various teams. The Brown Band hosted a BBQ for current Bandies, alumni, and families. There are also various open houses across campus for alumni to visit, including the Nelson Center for Entrepreneurship, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary, and the Swearer Center, which is marking its 40th year. 

Events that bring together alumni and students are important for building community. As Coral Roost Rothenberg ’27, current president of the 102-year-old Brown Band, said at that afternoon’s BBQ, “The band’s camaraderie, music, traditions and school spirit transcends generations. Spending time with the whole band, current and past, spreads so much joy. It is a reminder that we always have a home with each other.”

Classes mark milestones: From 80s dance parties to fireside chats

Updated May 23, Noon

Reunion classes also have their own lineup of events, from receptions and dinners to forums and campus tours.

Here for their signature 25th Reunion, the Class of 2001 will mark this milestone at a memorable class dinner on Saturday night. The Class of 1986 will celebrate 40 years at a “Back to the 80s” dinner and dance party. For their 15th Reunion, the Class of 2011 will be together at a party DJed by two of their own—Alicia Cepeda Maule ’11 and Steven Aguiar ’11. Maule and Aguiar have been friends since their undergraduate days, and after going on to build a business that supports nonprofits together, they've come full circle by returning to Brown with their class.  

”There's something about Brown that never really lets you go—the people, the energy, the sense that anything is possible,” said Maule. “Celebrating 15 years with this community, and doing it alongside Steven, feels like the best kind of homecoming.”

The Class of 1976 is back for their signature 50th Reunion—the largest 50th Reunion in Brown’s history—and is holding special events throughout the weekend, from class dinners to student-led campus tours. At an elegant celebration inside the main hall of The Lindemann Performing Arts Center on Friday night, President Christina H. Paxson gave a warm welcome to the class. 

“I am really thrilled to be here with you as we celebrate your 50th Reunion. This is such a significant milestone for all of you,” said President Paxson. “The great Class of 1976—welcome back to campus!” 

President Paxson discussed their four years here—a transformational time for women at Brown and a time of significant campus activism. The hall filled with laughter as Paxson also pointed out something they had that current students would have loved: Bruce Springsteen performing for Spring Weekend. 

Many members of the Class of 1976 contributed to their Reunion Class Gift—in fact, the class surpassed its participation goal, reflecting the spirit of generosity that is a hallmark of the tight-knit Brown alumni community. 

Class forums allowed alums to connect around their expertise and experiences. Andrew Yang ’96, former presidential candidate and New York Times bestselling author, participated in a fireside chat on “AI and the Future of Work and Education.” Meanwhile, the Class of 1991 explored “The Future of Reading and Publishing”, the Class of 1986 focused on impact during “86ers Making a Difference,” and the Class of 1981 tackled career transitions in “Pivots, Purpose & What Comes Next.” Alums from the Class of 1976 heard “Curiosity, Courage, and the Future: Turning Points in Our Lives—and at Brown,” led by Nalini Nadkarni ’76, Honorary PhD ’14, a forest canopy ecologist and National Geographic explorer. 

Reunited by Reunion: A Brunonian love story

Updated May 23, 9 a.m.

Two alums returning for their 40th Reunion had extra reason to be excited for this weekend—it was also their wedding.

Mary-Jo Haronian ’86 and Scott Joy ’86 met on their very first day on campus as next door neighbors in the Champlin dorm. They were friends through their first year, but then lost touch—until Brown brought them back together decades later. As two active Brown volunteers, Haronian and Joy reconnected leading up to their 25th Reunion, then were both involved in planning their 30th, and by their 35th Reunion in 2021 they were taking the lead as co-chairs. It was virtual because of the pandemic, so they got together to host the weekend’s events through a live-stream. They decided to take their first bike ride together—their first unofficial date—and the rest is history. 

Haronian and Joy knew they wanted their wedding to have a connection to Brown, and figured what better time to do it than their 40th Reunion? 

“Our alumni class leaders have been so excited for us since our engagement a year ago,” Haronian said. “They had seen us fall in love almost thanks to them. Reunion co-chair Cristina McQuiston practically served as our wedding planner, and our classmate Sean Keepers designed a custom t-shirt logo for us. Classmates are a key part of our ceremony as we share our happiness with Brown and family, exactly what we pictured when we chose our Reunion union.” 

Their grown children, siblings, and moms all gathered on College Hill, where they were joined by ’86 classmates at a “flash-mob” wedding in a secret garden at the edge of campus, officiated by Haronian’s dormmate Jane Smalley ’86. After a family dinner, Campus Dance became their special reception, where they got to celebrate alongside thousands of Brunonians. 

Campus Dance: Under the stars and paper lanterns

Updated May 23, 9 a.m.

Last night, the main green underwent its annual transformation for Campus Dance, one of Brown’s most-loved and longest-running Reunion Weekend traditions.

Campus Dance originally started as Class Day in 1856, a celebration that marked the end of the academic term with concerts, speeches, and a class dinner. By the 1880s, the now iconic paper lanterns had become tradition for Class Day and dancing was the focus of the night. In the 1930s, electric lights were first used to spell out the graduating class year—a tradition that continues today. Class Day was retired in 1961, but Campus Dance endured as a marquee annual event. 

This year, over 14,000 attendees—including alumni, students, faculty, and staff—came together under the canopy of glowing paper lanterns to dance the night away.

The winners of the annual student Battle of the Bands—The Stowaways and MAMBO— performed on Simmons Quad after a guest performance by Dolapo Akinkugbe ’16 (DAP The Contract). And then at midnight, graduating seniors from the Class of 2026 took to the steps of Sayles Hall for another time-honored Brown tradition: Senior Sing. 

Welcome home: alumni return to College Hill

Updated May 22, 9 p.m.

Brown alumni were brimming with enthusiasm as they checked in at Wriston Quad and prepared for a weekend full of reminiscing, reflecting, and reveling in favorite traditions.

Freya Zaheer ’06 met up with a group of friends who were in the same first-year residence hall and still keep in touch 20 years later.

“To me, Brown is the most special place on the planet, and to come back and see both how little has changed and how much has changed is such a beautiful thing,” Zaheer said. “About a third of our class is expected to turn up for Reunion, so I’m super proud of us.”

Her friend Krista Knight ’06 recalled how her academic and extracurricular experiences at Brown “totally shaped” her career path as a playwright. Alice Shay ’06 said she was thinking about the “magic of a liberal arts education” and enjoying being back on campus and in Providence.

“I almost forget how lovely the city is,” Shay said. “I feel so joyful right now.”

Catherine McLenahan ’21 said she was especially looking forward to attending Campus Dance, which brings the Brown community together to sway under the stars and was canceled the year she graduated due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Being back at Brown—where she studied political science and was a member of the national championship-winning sailing team in 2019—has already surfaced memories, she said.

“I’m thinking about sitting in the Rock with my friends and going to the Ivy Room late at night to grab food—that’s what we found special, just those regular moments,” said McLenahan, who traveled to campus from Washington, D.C.

A meaningful Reunion for Brunonians

While Reunion Weekend is always special, this year marks an especially meaningful return. For many alums, it’s their first time back in a decade, since the last Reunion for these classes was held virtually due to the COVID pandemic. It will also be the largest homecoming of alumni since this past December’s tragic events that took the lives of two students and injured nine others. There will be special opportunities throughout the weekend for alums to pause, reflect, and show support for the Brown community.

“We have been on a healing journey for the past five months, and alumni support has been crucial to that process,” says Zack Langway ’09 ScM ’27, vice president of alumni relations. “It’s important that we take time this weekend to acknowledge our collective recovery and the resilience of our community, while also still embracing the joyful energy that is central to Reunion Weekend every year.” 

That joyful energy has already been palpable for weeks leading up to Reunion 2026—alums are excited to come back and reconnect, and College Hill is ready for a Reunion to remember.