Alumni Weekend

8 a.m. – Field Station Hike
Enjoy a guided morning hike before heading back to campus for the Alumni Breakfast and Awards Ceremony.

8 a.m. – Yoga Session
Ease into your morning with a relaxing yoga session led by Javonne (Woodland) Gray ’11.

9 a.m. – Alumni Breakfast and Awards Ceremony, $25
Doors open at 8:30 for breakfast, ceremony at 9. Celebrate the 2026 Alumni Award recipients and their outstanding achievements over a delicious breakfast, complete with a create-your-own mimosa and Bloody Mary bar.

10 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. – Hiram Goes to Space
Join Dr. Rob Ferl ’76 as he shares his journey to space, a journey founded in science and curiosity. Dr. Ferl is a Distinguished Professor and Assistant Vice President in the Office of Research at the University of Florida and former Inaugural Director of the Astraeus Space Institute.

11 a.m. – Noon – Dance Class
Dance your way into the weekend with Dora Rae Vactor, Founder of Cleveland Dance Movement. All ages and skill levels are welcome.

11 a.m. – 3 p.m. 4^th Whitcomb Reunion, $30
Join the gang at Bonney Castle! Enjoy lunch, beverages, and laughs before heading over for a tour of your favorite residence hall at 2 p.m.

11 a.m. – 4 p.m. – Residence Hall Tours, Open House
Visit your old residence halls as your schedule allows. A complete list of halls that will be available to walk through will be available in the coming months.

11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. – Picnic at the Field Station, $15-Adults, $8-Children 12 & under
Bring the kids, the sunscreen, and your appetite – crafts, animals, and outdoorsy fun for all ages.

11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Lunch Buffet, $20
Enjoy various options offered by AVI Foodservice.

11:45 – 1 p.m. – Golden Terriers Luncheon, $25
Enjoy a light lunch and program in the company of classmates celebrating 50+ years since graduation, followed by a poetry reading by William Heath ’64 filled with vivid imagery, thoughtful insight, and touches of humor.

1 – 2 p.m. – Name that Tune Showdown
Challenge your music memory with Ashley Andrews ’14 as she spins hits from every era!

1:15 – 2 p.m. – From First-Generation Student to Physician-Leader
Join Dr. John W. Cassidy ’76 as he talks on how Hiram changed the arc of his life. Dr. Cassidy is the Executive Chairman and Founder of Nexus Health Systems and is certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, with more than 30 years of experience in clinical neuroscience and neurobehavioral rehabilitation.

2 – 4 p.m. Putt-Putt and Crafts at the Library
Enjoy some family time in the library with various crafts and activities. This is open house style so stop in at any time. All ages are welcome! 

2:15 – 3:45 p.m. – Wine Tasting with VineCraft Selections, $20
Travel the world one glass at a time at our tasting, featuring hand-crafted, small-production wines from Spain, France, and Italy with owner, Marcus Roth ’94. Wine will be available for purchase after the tasting.

2:15 – 2:45 p.m. Sugar Day – Then and Now
Join Professor Steve Romberger as he walks you through how sugar day has evolved to showcase our students of today.

2:15-3:15 p.m. – Whaling Ships, Climate Change, and the Underground Railroad:  Research Adventures of a Hiram Alumnus Historian
Dr. Timothy Walker ’86, Professor of History at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, is a scholar of maritime history, colonial overseas expansion, the Portuguese empire, and trans-oceanic slave trading. Join Dr. Walker as he shares his research adventures with the Hiram community.  

2:45 – 4:45 p.m. – Sugar Day Posters, Open House
See how Sugar Day has grown over the years while meeting current students and learning about their research.

3 – 4 p.m. – Beer Tasting with Thirsty Dog Brewing Company, $25
Sip on your favorite beers as owner and co-founder John Najeway guides you through the tasting.

3:15 – 4:45 p.m. – An Anderson German Reunion
For many years, David and Sigrid Anderson led Hiram’s German Department, guiding 13 transformative programs to Germany and mentoring countless majors along the way – now join them and fellow alumni to reconnect, reminisce, and share your favorite memories.

4:45 – 7:30 p.m. – Food Trucks and Class Photos
Choose from a variety of food vendors and be ready to hop into place for your class photo!

• 4:45 70^th and 75^th
• 5:00 65^th
• 5:15 60^th
• 5:30 55^th
• 5:45 50^th
• 6:00 45^th
• 6:15 40^th
• 6:30 35^th
• 6:45 30^th
• 7:00 25^th
• 7:15 20^th
• 7:30 15^th
• 7:45 10^th
• 8:00 5^th

8 p.m. – Dance the Night Away
Finish the weekend off strong as you dance the night away under the Hinsdale Arch!