The largest alumni event of the year will take place October 6-9, when more than 3,000 alumni and guests are expected to return to campus for Reunion & Homecoming weekend. Traditional Class Reunions, this year for classes ending in 1 or 6, will be taking place, and many other groups return to campus to celebrate reunions, anniversaries, and milestones. Among the special interest groups who plan events are athletic teams, Greek organizations, and former student groups.
A wide variety of events are planned during the weekend, from educational offerings such as Back to Class, to career networking programs, social events, sports competitions, and some new special events. A few of the special programs include:
The Presidential All-Alumni Reception and Dinner: A University Transformed & Transformative
Friday, October 7, 6:00 p.m.
President Jackson will join with all returning alumni for a celebration of the transformation of Rensselaer, and a look forward to the future of our transformative university. The evening will showcase the Institute’s rich history, and take a look at what the future holds as Rensselaer approaches its bicentennial in 2024.
President’s State of the Institute Address and National Medal Laureates Symposium
Saturday, October 8, 9:30–11:00 a.m.
Join President Shirley Ann Jackson, a recipient of the National Medal of Science, to celebrate the progress and accomplishments of the past year, and learn about the plans for the future of Rensselaer. Following the State of the Institute address, President Jackson will lead a panel discussion with National Medal of Technology and Innovation winners and members of the Rensselaer Alumni Hall of Fame—B. Jayant Baliga ’74 (power electronics innovator), Marcian “Ted” Hoff ’58 (“father of the microprocessor”), and Steven J. Sasson ’72 (inventor of the digital camera). Enjoy an engaging discourse with the winners of these prestigious honors, bestowed by the U.S. government.
FanFest
Saturday, October 8, 11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
The FanFest carnival midway at the ECAV terrace will feature the Auto Show presented by Rensselaer Motorsport, student performances, and more. Free carnival snacks such as doughnuts, ice cream, kettle corn, and cotton candy will be provided, and a $10 per person ticket will admit you to the Food Truck Food Court, featuring a variety of vendors. There also will be an open skate at the Houston Field House.
Other programs of note are the 50th Reunion of the Class of 1966 and their induction into the 50 Year Club, celebrations of the 75th Anniversary of Navy ROTC and of the 150th Anniversary of the Rensselaer Society of Engineers (RSE), and a special kickoff event for the 50th anniversary of the Black Student Alliance (BSA). The football team will take on Hobart in the annual Homecoming game on Saturday.
Visit the website at alumni.rpi.edu/reunion for a complete schedule of events and details. The campus community is invited to sign up for public events of interest, and to encourage the alumni you know and work with to sign up as well. If you need help registering, or have questions, contact the Alumni Office at (518) 276-6205 or alumni@rpi.edu.
Volunteers Needed!
Rensselaer staff volunteers are needed to help ensure a wonderful experience for our alumni and guests. There is an especially pressing need for help at Saturday events. Please consider helping out—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.
If you would like to get involved, contact Kathy Kinsey at kinsek@rpi.edu or (518) 276-2832.