Are you Rhetty to reconnect? Make the most of the weekend with these fun events.
Written by Katie Robrish | Posted August 2024
Alumni Weekend 2024, with a packed schedule of over forty events, including the inauguration of our president and welcome reception for the new dean of Wheelock, is just one month away! There’s a lot to look forward to, and we can’t wait for alums to return to campus September 26–28.
This year, we welcome Melissa Gilliam as the eleventh president of Boston University, and Penny Bishop as the dean of Wheelock College of Education & Human Development. Over the weekend, alumni will have the opportunity to attend panels and lectures such as a Fireside Chat with Dave Kerpen (CAS’98, Wheelock’98) and Curt Nickisch (Questrom’13), the Gitner Family Lecture, and a talk with higher education scholar Tony Jack on his new book Class Dismissed: When Colleges Ignore Inequality and Students Pay the Price.
Alumni will be recognized and celebrated for their accomplishments at the Best of BU Alumni Awards and individual school/college award ceremonies. For more laid-back fun, attendees can enjoy festivities at the BU Beach Festival. Special events will be offered to Terriers celebrating their 50th reunion, including a get together at Cornwall’s Pub, student-led campus tour, and brunch—where members of the Class of 1974 will be officially welcomed as Golden Terriers.
Terriers of all ages, along with their friends and families, are invited to join in on the fun. Alumni Weekend is a great opportunity to revisit your favorite spots on campus, reconnect with old friends, and make new memories. Check out the events listed below for a preview of what’s to come and go to the Alumni Weekend website to see the full list of events and register.
Back to BU Beach Festival
Saturday, September 28, 12–3 pm
BU Beach
The Back to BU Beach Festival is the largest event at Alumni Weekend. At the festival, there will be a cookout, a packed performance stage, and a Campus Expo. The festival will be catered by Woodman’s of Essex, which serves New England classics like lobster rolls and friend clams (with vegetarian and gluten-free options). The performance lineup includes student groups such as the Dear Abbeys, Liquid Fun, Inner Strength Gospel Choir, the BU Pep Band, alumni performers Dr. Cleopatra Knight-Wilkins (SAR’74) and Frank Wilkins, and an appearance by President Melissa Gilliam. The Campus Expo will highlight the exceptional BU programs, colleges and other services across campus.
Historical Walking Tour
Saturday, September 28, 12:30–1:30 pm
Leaves from 30 Bay State Rd
Grab your most comfortable pair of shoes and take a walking tour of Boston University’s Charles River Campus, which was originally purchased by BU in the early 1920s. Soak in the sights of Comm. Ave.—both new and old—from the long-adored Marsh Chapel Plaza to the newly constructed Center for Computing & Data Sciences. On the tour, you’ll learn about BU’s historical development, as well as both architectural and environmental features that make the Charles River Campus what it is today.
Golden Terrier Class of 1974 Reunion
Thursday–Sunday
Multiple Locations
It’s going to be a golden weekend for the Class of 1974, who will be celebrating their 50th reunion. Golden Terrier events will kick off on Thursday with a get together at Cornwall’s Tavern. Friday’s activities include a welcome breakfast at the Center for Computing & Data Sciences, followed by a student-led campus tour. Saturday will begin with brunch, where the Class of 1974 will be officially welcomed as Golden Terriers, and end with a panel discussion led by Black alumni from the Class of 1974 with students in UMOJA, the Black student union. On Sunday, the weekend will conclude with a farewell breakfast. See the full list of Golden Terrier events.
A Fireside Chat with Dave Kerpen (CAS’98, Wheelock’98) and Curt Nickisch (Questrom’13)
Thursday, September 26, 5–6 pm
Center for Computing and Data Services, Floor 17
Join New York Times best selling author Dave Kerpen, and Harvard Business Review Senior Editor and cohost of the IdeaCast podcast Curt Nickisch, for an insightful discussion on interpersonal dynamics and honing your people skills to increase personal and professional growth. Hosted by Nickisch, Kerpen will share knowledge from his book, The Art of People: 11 Simple People Skills that Will Get You Everything You Want.
School of Visual Arts Alumni Exhibition 2024
Saturday, September 28, 9–11:30 pm
808 Gallery
This unique exhibition showcases the incredible work of BU School of Visual Arts alumni and their journeys. Marc Schepens, the school’s director, will discuss the exhibit at 10 am.
Taproom Trivia at Sunset Cantina
Saturday, September 28, 7–10 pm
Sunset Cantina
Join fellow Terriers for some friendly competition and delicious nachos! Trivia will begin at 7:30 to allow plenty of time for teams to prepare and mingle over food and beverages.
Best of BU Alumni Awards
Saturday, September 28, 5–7 pm
Hotel Commonwealth
Registration will open in early September
Celebrate some of BU’s most accomplished alumni during the 76th Best of BU Alumni Awards. At the ceremony, five alumni will receive the Distinguished Alumni Award—the highest honor bestowed by the BU Alumni Association—and one will receive the prestigious Young Alumni Award. Enjoy hors d’oeuvres and drinks while cheering on fellow Terriers as they accept their awards and hear a few words from President Melissa Gilliam.
>> Read about this year’s Distinguished Alumni and Young Alumni Award recipients
School and College Awards
Don’t miss the opportunity to celebrate fellow graduates of your school or college at the individual school/college alumni awards. The College of Arts and Sciences, School of Law, Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, School of Social Work, Sargent College, School of Theology, and Wheelock College are hosting individual award ceremonies at Alumni Weekend.