PULLMAN – WSU Alumni Association and the university are preparing to welcome hundreds of 1950 and 1960 graduates to campus this week for the 61st Annual Golden and Diamond Graduates Reunion April 28-30.
The reunion allows WSU to showcase the achievements of its alumni, and gives former students the chance to return to campus with their families, meet with former classmates, and re-engage with the university. The alumni association hosts receptions, banquets and other activities, while many colleges and units from across campus welcome alumni with tours, luncheons and classes.
Susan (Bjornstad) Brown ’59 calls the 2009 reunion a once-in-a-lifetime event. “It was exceptionally well done and a very worthwhile experience.” Current football season ticket holders, Brown and her husband visit Pullman often but saw a different side of WSU during the reunion. “I learned new things about WSU and its amazing faculty and staff, and saw people I hadn’t seen in years,” she says. “Your 50 or 60 year reunion only happens once. You just can’t miss it.”
Festivities begin on Wednesday, April 28, with registration at 9 a.m. at the Lewis Alumni Centre. College luncheons will take place at 11 a.m., followed by optional tours and activities in the afternoon. The tours include Olympia Avenue Residence Hall, Student Recreation Center, Holland and Terrell libraries, CUB, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Ferdinand’s, and more. A reception will welcome attendees at 6 p.m.
On Thursday, April 29, a Veterans Memorial Presentation will take place at 8:30 a.m. followed by a guided bus tour of campus at 9:30 a.m. Attendees are invited to brunch and historical presentations at 11 a.m. and optional activities and small group reunions beginning at 1 p.m. The evening will conclude with a social hour and banquet at 5 p.m. in the Compton Union Building.
On Friday, April 30, attendees can join in a golf outing at the renowned Palouse Ridge Golf Club, WSU’s 18-hole championship facility. Afterward, alumni can round out their visit by meeting with friends, strolling campus, and enjoying scenic Pullman.
The reunion is open to Golden (50 year), Diamond (60 year), and Platinum (70 year) graduates and their families, as well as former WSU students who did not graduate due to military or other obligations. More than 310 graduates and their families have registered to attend.
For more information, please visit the events calendar at alumni.wsu.edu/events, e-mail reunions@wsu.edu, or call 800-258-6978.