The largest alumni and alumnae event of the year is almost here! More than 3,000 alumni and guests are expected to return to campus for Reunion & Homecoming the weekend of October 12-15. This year, the event features the launch of Rensselaer’s new capital campaign, and an array of events that will demonstrate the exciting paradigm of The New Polytechnic, including faculty presentations, tours, research demonstrations, and more, showcasing how students and faculty collaborate across disciplines, across sectors, and across global regions to harness the power of advanced tools and technologies to address the complex global challenges and opportunities of today.
A wide variety of Campaign Launch experiences and Reunion & Homecoming events are planned during the weekend, including educational offerings, career networking programs, social events, sports competitions, and some exciting special events:
Campaign Launch: Presidential All-Alumni Evening. This event will be the highlight of the weekend, as President Shirley Ann Jackson hosts alumni and guests to celebrate the launch of a capital campaign designed to position Rensselaer for its third century of leadership in research and education. Friday, October 13, 5 p.m., Folsom Library and the Curtis R. Priem Experimental Media and Performing Arts Center. By invitation only; ID required.
Passport to The New Polytechnic: An immersive experience on campus will feature seminars, tours, a research showcase, and more. Thursday, October 12, 1 – 5 p.m., and Friday, October 13, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., various campus locations.
RED (Research, Education, and Discovery) Talks: “A Transformational Rensselaer Meets the Global Challenges.” At these “TED Talk”-style presentations, Rensselaer researchers will highlight solutions to societally important challenges where Rensselaer plays a leading role, and demonstrate how this research was potentiated by the vision of The New Polytechnic and The Rensselaer Plan 2024. Friday, October 13, 1 – 3 p.m., Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies, Howard P. Isermann Auditorium. A valid ID will be required for entry.
Impact on the Global Challenges: Rensselaer Alumnae in Position To Create Change. President Shirley Ann Jackson will moderate a panel discussion with Rensselaer alumnae who are top executives in major businesses and industry. Learn how these amazing alumnae leaders are positioning their companies to address the global challenges. Panelists include: Wanda Denson-Low ’78, Boeing Corporation (retired); Linda Jojo ’87, ’92G, United Airlines, executive vice president, technology, and chief digital officer; Linda Sanford ’75G, executive for The Carlyle Group; IBM, senior vice president, enterprise transformation (former); and Kristin Ann Seaver ’90, ’98 EMBA, USPS, chief information officer and executive vice president. Saturday, October 14, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m., Curtis R. Priem Experimental Media and Performing Arts Center Theater. A valid ID will be required for entry.
Anniversary Celebrations. Groups celebrating anniversaries include classes ending in 2 or 7, Black Students’ Alliance (BSA) 50th Anniversary, WRPI 60th Anniversary, Rensselaer Motorsport 25th Anniversary, Rusty Pipes 20th Anniversary, and Sheer Idiocy 20th Anniversary.
Other programs of note are the popular FanFest Midway on Saturday, featuring carnival snacks and the Food Truck Food Court, and the football team will take on Ithaca in the annual Homecoming game, also on Saturday.
Visit the website at alumni.rpi.edu/reunion for a complete schedule of events and details. Please feel free to join us at any of the public events that interest you, and encourage the alumni you know and work with to participate as well.
Volunteers Needed!
The Office of Alumni Relations invites the campus community to join the Campaign Launch and Reunion & Homecoming weekend as a volunteer! The experience will be fun for you, and our alumni enjoy and appreciate your assistance. Training will be provided; all you need is a smile and a willingness to help. Visit alumni.rpi.edu/rhcvolunteer to begin. Questions? Email Kailah Borchers in Alumni Relations.