Weekend Events
WHEN YOU ARRIVE
Alumni House (5555 South Woodlawn Avenue) should be your first stop on campus. There you can pick up your registration packet with name tag, complete schedule, and an Alumni Weekend favor. Light refreshments and comfortable chairs will help you relax throughout the weekend.
ALUMNI HOUSE HOURS
Thursday, 2:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.
Friday, 9:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.
Saturday, 8:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.
Sunday, 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Registration for Medical & Biological Sciences alumni will be at the Alumni Café in the Medical Center. Enter at the Goldblatt Pavilion, 860 East 59th Street. Medical School & Biological Sciences alumni events can be found at bsdalumni.uchicago.edu/reunion. Or call 888/303-0030 for more information.
For more information about U-High events during Alumni Weekend, go to www.ucls.uchicago.edu or call 773/702-0578.
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Reorientation
Take tours of campus, visit favorite spots and intriguing new buildings, and stop for lunch in one of the many restaurants and student hangouts around campus. Registration packets, campus maps, museum listings, and a list of nearby eateries will be available at Alumni House. Free.![]()
Robert H. Kirschner, MD, Memorial Human Rights Lecture
7:00-9:00 p.m., International House
Award-winning author Alex Kotlowitz will speak as part of the Human Rights Program’s 10th anniversary. Reception to follow. Free. ![]()
Informal Gatherings
Evening
Some College classes and other groups will be holding get-togethers in Hyde Park and downtown. Check your class or division web page for specifics.
Tours
Throughout the day, various locations
Guided walking and bus tours of the Quads and surrounding neighborhoods. Schedule will be available at Alumni House. Free. ![]()
Recognizing and Treating Bipolar Disorder
9:00 a.m.-noon, International House
A workshop by Brian Quinn, PhD, LCSW, AM’79. CECs offered through SSA’s Professional Development Program. To register and earn CECs, visit www.ssa.uchicago.edu/programs/pdp.shtml. $60 (for 3 CECs); free (no CECs). ![]()
Applying to College
9:30–10:30 a.m. tour, 10:30–11:15 a.m. information session, Rosenwald Hall
Get insider information on college admissions. Alumni and their high-schoolaged children are invited on a campus tour followed by a general information session on what you need to know about the college application process—at any institution. Free.
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Argonne National Laboratory Tour and Lunch
9:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m., bus departs from Alumni House
Take a rare look at this U.S. Department of Energy research facility managed by the University. Laboratory Director Robert Rosner will join the group for lunch. Photo I.D. required. Must be 16 or older. $20. Space is limited; reservation deadline is April 25 . ![]()
Swim Team Reunion
10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m., Ratner Athletics Center
Join swim team alumni for a luncheon, alumni swim meet, and gathering at the Ratner Athletic Center. RSVP to Jason Weber at 773/702-4657 or jrweber@uchicago.edu. Free. Reservation deadline is May 20 for luncheon event. ![]()
Lunch with Dean Boyer
Noon–1:15 p.m., Gordon Center for Integrative Science
Join fellow alumni for lunch with John W. Boyer, Dean of the College, and hear about Chicago’s new learning environment, including opportunities to talk with students about intern/externships, research, study abroad, and the arts. ($15 adults; $12 children ages 12 and younger).
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UnCommon Core
1:30–4:15 p.m., Donnelley Biological Sciences Learning Center
UnCommon Core is an annual favorite at Alumni Weekend. Chicago faculty members
lecture and lead discussions on a variety of engaging academic topics. There is no advance registration for the UnCommon Core classes. Space is available first-come, first-served. Special programs are offered for families with children. Updates are forthcoming at the UnCommon Core web page. Free. ![]()
Alumni/Faculty Reception
4:30–6:30 p.m., Hutchinson Commons
Your chance to chat informally with favorite faculty from across campus. Free. ![]()
Annual Alumni of Color Networking Awards Dinner
5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. School of Social Service Administration
The annual Alumni and Student of Color Networking Awards Dinner is hosted by the African American Students Association (AASA) of SSA and the Minorities in Public Policy Students (MIPPS) of the Harris School. Join us in celebrating the accomplishments of alumni of color award winners. Free. ![]()
Young Maroon Party
5:30–11:00 p.m., Club Quarters
While parents are at evening celebrations, children ages 5–12 will have their own party with dinner and supervised activities including movies, games, and crafts. Children under five may attend if accompanied by their own sitter (fee applies only to sitter). $10.
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Reunion Celebrations
Evening
Celebrations will be held on campus and in various downtown locations for Divisional Alumni (Humanities, Physical Sciences, and Social Sciences) as well as for College classes ending in 3 and 8, the Class of 2006, the Class of 2007, and Alumni Emeriti (those who graduated in 1957 or earlier).
See your class or division web page for details. Register in advance; there is a $10 surcharge for those who register at the door. ![]()
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5K Campus Fun Run
7:00 a.m., meet at Stagg Field
Alumni of all ages are invited to our early-morning 5K run around campus.
Registration materials must be picked up at 7:00 a.m.; the run begins at 8:00 a.m. We’re starting early so that everyone will have time to get to Alumni Convocation. $30.
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Breakfast
8:30-10:00 a.m., Bartlett Dining Commons
Start your day at the student dining hall in the former gym. Made-to-order breakfast items available for purchase. Complimentary coffee.
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Tours
Throughout the day, various locations
Guided walking and bus tours of the Quads and surrounding neighborhoods. Schedule will be available at Alumni House. Free. ![]()
Alumni Banner Procession
10:00-10:30 a.m., Step-off in Bartlett Quadrangle
The University bagpipe band leads the annual alumni parade across the Quads to Rockefeller Memorial Chapel. Line up behind your College, Division, or School banner.
Children will have their own Young Maroon banner. Free. ![]()
Alumni Convocation
10:30–11:30 a.m., Rockefeller Memorial Chapel
Beginning with a colorful banner procession into Rockefeller Chapel, the annual Alumni Convocation celebrates University tradition and alumni achievement. Mildred Dresselhaus, PhD’59, a world-renowned scientist, will be the Convocation speaker. Alumni who graduated 50 years ago will be inducted as Alumni Emeriti.
Young Maroon Assembly
10:30–11:30 a.m., Ida Noyes Hall
While parents attend Alumni Convocation upstairs, children of all ages are invited for crafts and games. Free.
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House and Hall Visits
11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m., various locations
Check during Alumni Weekend to see which halls are open for visitors. Information will be available at Alumni House. Free.
University Picnic
11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m., Ratner Athletics Center grounds
Join alumni from across the University at this festive, family affair. Student performers will entertain while face-painters and balloon artists engage children. Each reunion class and school will have its own cluster of tables. Bring a new children’s book for grades K–6 to support ChicaGO READ, which benefits the University’s charter elementary school. ($15 adults; $5 children ages 12 and younger). ![]()
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50+ Luncheon
Noon–2:00 p.m., Quad Club
This event is by invitation only. SSA alumni who graduated in 1958 and earlier, emeriti faculty, and their guests are invited to attend. Free. ![]()
Young Maroon Museum of Science and Industry Tour
1:15 pm, meet in front of Ratner Athletics Center
While parents take part in the UnCommon Core lectures, children grades K–6 are invited on a special tour of the nearby Museum of Science and Industry. Space is limited. $15. ![]()
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UnCommon Core
1:30–5:30 p.m., Donnelley Biological Sciences Learning Center
UnCommon Core is an annual favorite at Alumni Weekend. Chicago faculty members
lecture and lead discussions on a variety of engaging academic topics. There is no advance registration for the UnCommon Core classes. Space is available first-come, first-served. Special programs are offered for families with children. Updates are forthcoming at the UnCommon Core web page. Free. ![]()
Rhoda G. Sarnat Lecture
2:00–3:00 p.m., Quad Club
Professor Eileen D. Gambrill, University of California at Berkeley, will deliver the 2008 Rhoda G. Sarnat Lecture. Free.
International House Open House
3:00–7:00 p.m., International House
International cuisine, live music, wine-tasting, and old friends. Free.
Conversation with President Zimmer
3:00–4:00 p.m., Donnelley Biological Sciences Learning Center
President Robert J. Zimmer will greet you and answer your questions. Free.
Organ and Carillon Gala Concert
4:30 p.m.,Rockefeller Chapel
This organ, carillon, and choral concert is in gratitude to all who contributed to the
instruments’ restoration. It will feature newly composed works for choir and organ. For more information, call 773/702-7059 or visit rockefeller.uchicago.edu. Free.
Graham School of General Studies Reception
5:00–7:00 p.m., Oriental Institute
Graham School alumni are invited to a wine and cheese reception. $15.
SSA Nite!
5:00–7:00 p.m., School of Social Service Administration
A celebration for School of Social Service Administration alumni with special recognition for milestone classes. Presentation of the Elizabeth Butler Alumni Award, live music, food, and drinks. $20. (Free for SSA Classes of 1958, 2003–2007, faculty, staff, and current SSA students only.)
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LGBTQ Alumni and Student Discussion
5:00–6:00 p.m., The 5710 Center
Students and faculty will introduce LGBTQ alumni and friends to the new 5710 Center. Free.
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Multicultural Alumni Reception
5:00–6:00 p.m., The 5710 Center
Visit the new 5710 Center, reconnect with other alumni, and discover new volunteer opportunities. Free.
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Harris School Reception
5:30–6:30 p.m., Donnelley Biological Sciences Learning Center
Following the UnCommon Core, the Harris School will host a reception. Free. ![]()
5710 Center Founders Celebration
6:00-7:00 p.m., The 5710 Center
Celebrate the new 5710 Center (located at 5710 S. Woodlawn Avenue), home of the Office
of Multicultural Student Affairs, the LGBTQ Programming Office, and the Amandla Center. Free.
Young Maroon Party
6:30–11:00 p.m., Ratner Athletics Center
While parents attend the ChicaGO Party and Interfraternity Sing, children ages 5–12 are invited to their own party with dinner and supervised activities, games, and crafts. Children under five may attend if accompanied by their own sitter (fee applies only to sitter). $10.
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ChicaGO Party
7:00 p.m.–midnight, Ratner Athletics Center
An annual gala you won't want to miss! $40 (includes buffet dinner and three drink tickets); $15 (entry after 9:30 p.m.; includes appetizers, desserts, and one drink ticket). Classes of 2003-2007 may attend the full evening for $20. Register in advance; there is a $10 surcharge for those who register at the door. ![]()
97th Annual Interfraternity Sing
8:00–9:30 p.m., Hutchinson Courtyard
Fraternities, sororities, and their alumni gather to compete for the Quality Cup, the Quantity Cup, the Spirit and the Overall Best Performance awards. Free.
4th Annual LGBTQ Reunion Celebration
9:00–11:00 p.m., location to be announced
A festive evening for LGBTQ alumni, faculty, and friends to celebrate their past, present, and future. More details to come. Free. ![]()
Farewell Breakfast
9:30–11:30 a.m., Swissôtel Chicago, 323 East Wacker
This classic breakfast buffet is a great way to say goodbye to your friends and make plans to meet at Alumni Weekend 2009 (June 4–7). ($20 adults; $15 children ages 12 and younger). Register in advance; there is a $10 surcharge for those who register at the door.
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Human Rights Brunch
10:00 a.m.–noon, International House
Graduates of the Human Rights Program will celebrate the program’s 10th anniversary with a brunch. Free. ![]()
The Devil in the White City Bus Tour
11:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m., bus departs from Club Quarters, 75 East Wacker
Erik Larson’s book The Devil in the White City brings the 1893 Columbian Exposition to life. Now you can tour some of the South Side sites from the book, and learn more about this influential period of Chicago and Hyde Park history with docents from the Chicago History Museum. Space is limited. $15.
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Brunch with Books
11:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m., Alumni House
Celebrate the growing Klowden Family Library of alumni and faculty publications in Alumni House. Join alumni and members of the Graduate Library School for a light brunch and an engaging talk by Professor James Redfield, Edward Olson Distinguished Service Professor in Classical Languages & Literatures, the Committee on Social Thought and the College. $15. Register in advance; there is a $10 surcharge for those who register at the door. ![]()
GLS Alumni Reception and Panel Discussion
1:30–3:00 pm, Regenstein Library
Reunite for refreshments and lively conversation with fellow GLS alumni, then join Library specialists in a discussion on “Permeable Walls: The Evolving Library Environment.” Free. ![]()
TO KEEP IN MIND
Alumni Authors
Bring a book you have written or edited to add to the rapidly expanding collection in the
Klowden Family Library at Alumni House.
Religious Services
A schedule of religious services observed on campus will be available during the weekend.

