Event Schedule

9 a.m.–4 p.m. | Archives Open House
DeWitt Wallace Library, second floor
Take a stroll through Macalester history in the College Archives—view (and handle) archival items and materials from throughout the 151 year history of our college.

10 a.m.–5 p.m. | Visit the current exhibition at Law Warschaw Gallery
Janet Wallace Fine Arts Center, first floor
Enjoy the current exhibition at Macalester’s Law Warschaw Gallery! Electrospiritology: Fernando Orellana’s Dual Entanglements. Electrospiritology is a curatorial framework developed by LWG director Heather Everhart in response to Orellana’s work. A professor of art at Union College, Orellana works across robotics, AI, drawing, murals, and more—utilizing technology as a tool to extend human experience. His ongoing Shadows series of “ghost machines” inhabits the charged space where technology meets spiritual phenomena. Each Shadow begins long before circuitry is soldered, in the quiet act of collecting objects from the departed—an intentional archaeology of memory. Orellana’s automatic drawings and fever paintings are also on view. These works serve as his personal mediumship with Mayan ancestors and are presented here as conceptual blueprints for Shadows—where mourning and speculation coexist, and the human urge to collect, connect, and remember endures. The exhibition is on view through November 9, with closing events featuring Orellana on Halloween.

11:30 a.m.–12 p.m. | Dedication Ceremony for Earl W. Bowman, Jr. Hall
Bowman Hall, 30 S Macalester St.
The 30 Mac Residence Hall is being renamed in honor of Earl W. Bowman, Jr. ’50 P’75, an accomplished higher education leader, M Club Hall of Fame member, and honorary degree recipient. Join us for the official naming ceremony and celebration. Light refreshments will be provided. 

12:30–1:30 p.m. | Lunch & Friday (Jumu’ah) Prayers
Center for Religious and Spiritual Life, Weyerhaeuser Memorial Chapel
Members of the Muslim community and families are invited to gather for lunch, conversation, and Friday (Jumu’ah) prayer. Gathering in the Center for Religious and Spiritual Life (lower level of the chapel). Lunch at noon, followed by 1 p.m. prayers. The prayer room will remain open throughout the day.

1–2 p.m. | Sacred Belonging and Snacks
Center for Religious and Spiritual Life, Weyerhaeuser Memorial Chapel
Join Chaplain Sorrel and members of our Christian/Christian lineage community for a snack break to reflect on the subject of sacred belonging. We’ll gather outside the Center for Religious and Spiritual Life (weather permitting) to enjoy creation, do some liturgy together, and contemplate what it means to be in right relationship to each other. We’ll provide chairs for seating. Rain site the CRSL.

1–6 p.m. | Mac Fest Check-In and Name Badge Pick-Up
Lowe Dayton Arts Commons, Janet Wallace Fine Arts Center
Check in for the Mac Fest weekend, pick up your name badge, and find information.
On-site registration is available.

1–6 p.m. | Mac Fest Welcome Hub/Tree Tour/Poetry Tour
Reissner Lounge, Janet Wallace Fine Arts Center, second floor
Stop by the Mac Fest Welcome Hub (above Mac Fest Check-In) throughout the weekend to meet informally with other Mac families, alumni, and community members with light refreshments and information to enhance your time on campus, including a couple of campus walking tours. 

2–4 p.m. | Self-Guided Tours for Families & Alumni
Around campus
Campus maps are available at check in, or utilize our online guide.

2–4 p.m. | Highland Hunt (Find Coo!)
Around campus
Pick up clues for a Coo-themed scavenger hunt at Mac Fest Check-In. Turn in your completed hunt card for a prize at the registration table.

2:00–4:00 p.m. | Snack Break with the Chaplains
Center for Religious and Spiritual Life, Weyerhaeuser Memorial Chapel
All are welcome to stop by the Center for Religious and Spiritual Life for a snack break—take a rest for reflection in the sanctuary, or meet or reconnect with the chaplains, including Rev. Dr. Hannah Adams Ingram, the new college chaplain and associate dean for Institutional Equity, over coffee, tea, and a treat.

3:00–4:30 p.m. | Lealtad-Suzuki Center for Social Justice Open House and Flemming Room Opening
Lealtad-Suzuki Center for Social Justice and Kagin Commons
We invite the Macalester community to join us to explore the newly renovated and expanded Lealtad-Suzuki Center for Social Justice (LSC) and witness the opening of the new Arthur S. Flemming Room. As part of our program, we will feature a signature LSC program: In the Kitchen with Institutional Equity, where we will highlight our new teaching kitchen while feeding guests a delicious treat. 

3–4 p.m. | I Know What You Did Last Summer: A Preview of the Academic Summer Showcase
Hall of Fame Room, Leonard Center
While many assume campus quiets down during summer break, Macalester comes alive in a different way. This summer, over 200 dedicated students are immersed in transformative experiences—conducting cutting-edge research, pursuing meaningful internships, and launching entrepreneurial ventures alongside our exceptional faculty, staff, and community partners. Hear stories of discovery, innovation, and growth while getting a behind-the-scenes preview of Summer Showcase. Light refreshments will be provided, with the Academic Summer Showcase immediately following this reception. 

Invite only. Additional sign-up is required.

4–5:30 p.m. | Academic Summer Showcase
Fieldhouse, Leonard Center
This past summer, over 200 Mac students engaged in summer internships, research projects, and entrepreneurial endeavors in collaboration with faculty, staff, and community partners. Come hear them present and celebrate their accomplishments. Light refreshments served.

6–7:30 p.m. | Shabbat Sukkot Services and Dinner with Macalester Jewish Organization
Campus Sukkah (near Marvin Plaza); Rain Location: Center for Religious and Spiritual Life, Weyerhaeuser Memorial Chapel
Join the student-led Macalester Jewish Organization (MJO) for a songful Shabbat service followed by a casual and friendly Shabbat dinner outdoors in and around the campus sukkah. If it’s raining, we’ll be upstairs in the Weyerhaeuser Chapel for the service and downstairs in the Center for Religious and Spiritual Life for dinner. Questions? Reach out to Rabbi Emma: [email protected].

6–9 p.m. | M Club Hall of Fame Banquet
Alexander G. Hill Ballroom, Kagin Commons
Join in celebration of this year’s M Club Hall of Fame inductees: Jim Mitchell ’74, Mike Vidmar ’89, Sarah Smith Cauthorn ’92, Eric Klinker ’01, and Renee Jordan ’14. For questions or to modify your Banquet registration, contact the Alumni Office at [email protected] or at 651-696-6295.
Dinner Cost: $35 adult entrée. $12 children’s entrée (12 and under). RSVP by Thursday, October 2.

Additional sign-up is required.

6:45–7:45 p.m. | Theater Performance
James A. Williams Black Box Theater, Janet Wallace Fine Arts Center (lower level)
Join us for an evening of theater as our talented students perform a staged reading of three brand new plays written by student playwrights through Macalester Theater and Dance Department’s playwriting classes. Curated by Audrey Smyczek ʼ25, directed by Sam Stephen ʼ28, with new works written by Grey Henry ʼ28, Alma Capone ʼ28, Beja Puškášová ʼ26. Admission is free on a first-come, first-served basis. Doors open fifteen minutes before the performance begins.

7–10 p.m. | Open Ultimate & Gender Inclusive Ultimate Frisbee Alumni Event
Leaney Field, Macalester Stadium
Come and join us for the annual Ultimate Frisbee Alumni and Community Event. Compete with and against the current teams and fellow alumni or hang out and cheer your heart out! This is an alcohol-free event hosted by our Open and Gender Inclusive Ultimate Teams. All Mac Fest attendees are invited to join as spectators. 

8–9 p.m. | Music Concert
Mairs Concert Hall, Janet Wallace Fine Arts Center
The Music Department presents the Chorale and the Concert Choir (Amanda Weber, conductor), the Wind Symphony (Aaron Isakson, conductor), and MacJazz (Joan Griffith, director). The concert will last an hour, and the audience is free to come and go between the different ensemble performances.

8−10 a.m. | 5K Fun Run/Walk
Shaw Field/Leonard Center Portico/Stadium Track
Join us for the Mac Fest 5k Run/Walk. This event is for the entire Macalester community and is designed to be fun—no need to be an Olympic athlete! Faculty, staff, students, family members, alumni, dogs, and strollers are welcome. Check in begins at 8 a.m. at the Leonard Center Portico, and the run/walk begins promptly at 9 a.m. at Shaw Field. There is no fee to participate, but all participants must have completed the waiver; registration is available on-site.

Additional sign-up is required. Have your QR codes ready when you arrive. At-door registration will also be available.

8 a.m.–5 p.m. | Mac Fest Check-In and Name Badge Pick-Up
Lowe Dayton Commons, Janet Wallace Fine Arts Center
Check in for the Mac Fest weekend, pick up your name badge, and find information.
On-site registration for Mac Fest is available.

8 a.m.–5 p.m. | Mac Fest Welcome Hub/Tree Tour/Poetry Tour
Reissner Lounge, Janet Wallace Fine Arts Center, second floor
Stop by the Mac Fest Welcome Hub (above Mac Fest Check-In) throughout the weekend to meet informally with other Mac families, alumni, and community members with light refreshments and information to enhance your time on campus, including a couple of campus walking tours. 

9:30–10:30 a.m. | Men’s Soccer Alumni Game
Leaney Field, Macalester Stadium
Come and join us for the annual Men’s Soccer Alumni game. Compete alongside and against fellow alumni or a coach from the touchline! Questions can be directed to Coach Gregg Olson at [email protected]. All Mac Fest attendees are invited to join as spectators. 

Additional sign-up is required.

9:30–10:30 a.m. | Women’s Basketball Social and Campus Walk
Hall of Fame Room, Leonard Center; around campus
Join Coach AD Donovan, members of the women’s basketball team, alumni, and families at a meet and greet in the Hall of Fame room before touring campus and sharing memories. Please contact Coach AD Donovan at [email protected] with questions.

For alumni and families of the program. Additional sign-up is required.

9:30–11:00 a.m. | Swim & Dive Alumni Meet and Open Viewing
Riley Pool, Leonard Center
Come and join us for the annual Alumni Swimming & Diving meet. Compete alongside the current team and your alumni peers, or stand on-deck and cheer your heart out! Either way, we would love for you to join us at Riley Pool during Mac Fest. Meet, mingle and warm up with the current team as early as 9:30 a.m. Competition will begin at 10:00 a.m.
All Mac Fest attendees are invited to join as spectators from the Riley Pool Natatorium Balcony. Questions can be directed to Coach Kyllian Griffin at [email protected].

Additional sign-up is required.

10 a.m.–4 p.m. | Visit the current exhibition at Law Warschaw Gallery
Janet Wallace Fine Arts Center, first floor
Enjoy the current exhibition at Macalester’s Law Warschaw Gallery! Electrospiritology: Fernando Orellana’s Dual Entanglements. Electrospiritology is a curatorial framework developed by LWG director Heather Everhart in response to Orellana’s work. A professor of art at Union College, Orellana works across robotics, AI, drawing, murals, and more—utilizing technology as a tool to extend human experience. His ongoing Shadows series of “ghost machines” inhabits the charged space where technology meets spiritual phenomena. Each Shadow begins long before circuitry is soldered, in the quiet act of collecting objects from the departed—an intentional archaeology of memory. Orellana’s automatic drawings and fever paintings are also on view. These works serve as his personal mediumship with Mayan ancestors and are presented here as conceptual blueprints for Shadows—where mourning and speculation coexist, and the human urge to collect, connect, and remember endures. The exhibition is on view through November 9, with closing events featuring Orellana on Halloween.

10–11 a.m. | Women’s Soccer Social
Hall of Fame Room, Leonard Center
Join members of the women’s soccer team, coaching staff, alumni, and families for a social meet and greet. Please contact coach Maddy Buckley at [email protected] with questions.

For alumni and families of the program. Additional sign-up is required.

10:30–11 a.m. | Men’s & Women’s Basketball Dunk/Shooting Contest—Open Viewing
Bolstorff Court in Alumni Gym, Leonard Center
Come watch members of the men’s and women’s basketball teams showcase their skills and compete in a Dunk and Shooting Contest. All Mac Fest attendees are invited to spectate.

10:30–11:30 a.m. | Parent and Family Town Hall with President Rivera and Senior Leaders
Weyerhaeuser Memorial Chapel
Join President Suzanne M. Rivera, Executive Vice President and Provost Lisa Anderson-Levy, Vice President for Student Affairs Kathryn Kay Coquemont, and Vice President for Institutional Equity Alina Wong for updates on the start of the new academic year. Bring your questions for the Q&A session of the program. Please note: This event is for parents and families of Macalester students.

10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. | Club Tennis Tiebreak Tournament
Hayden Tennis Courts
Join Macalester Club Tennis at our annual Tiebreak Tournament! Enjoy friendly competition and match play with and against students, alumni, family, and friends. All levels of play are welcome to participate. Questions can be directed to [email protected]. All Mac Fest attendees are invited to join as spectators.

Additional sign-up required.

11 a.m.–12 p.m. | Celebration of Champions
Schall Atrium, Leonard Center
Join Macalester Athletics as we celebrate and honor championship teams in milestone anniversary years from men’s cross country (’60, ’65), men’s golf (’65), men’s soccer (’90, ’05, ’10, ’15), women’s soccer (’00, ’05), men’s swim & dive (’65, ’70) men’s track & field (’60, ’65), and volleyball (’80). Print, photo, and some physical materials will be on display from Macalester Archives. Attendees are welcome to bring any materials, keepsakes, or memory books you have from your Championship years to share with fellow teammates. Reach out to [email protected] with questions. 

Additional sign-up is required. 

11 a.m.–1 p.m. | Academic Summer Showcase Gallery Open House
Fieldhouse, Leonard Center
Missed the Academic Summer Showcase on Friday? Stroll through the gallery of student posters highlighting the breadth and depth of summer internships, research projects, and entrepreneurial endeavors undertaken by Macalester students in collaboration with faculty, staff, and community partners.

11:45 a.m.–12:45 p.m. | Faculty Lecture: “Meghan: Essays on Monarchy, Race, and Colonialism” with Professor Duchess Harris
John B. Davis Lecture Hall, Ruth Stricker Dayton Campus Center
While intense, extensive media attention has been devoted to the subject of Meghan Markle, including, most recently, “Harry & Meghan,” the “in their own words” documentary series that began streaming on Netflix in December 2022, little has been offered that truly centers Markle, puts her ahead of (or indeed, independent of) Harry, and examines her identity and public figurehood through an intersectional, interdisciplinary lens. Still less has offered a nuanced analysis that is both scholarly and accessible to a general public outside of the academy. This is the void Harris’ research intends to fill. This lecture engages issues of racial identity-making (both imposed and chosen), monarchy, feminism, and motherhood.

12:30–1:45 p.m. | M Club Cookout
Macalester Stadium
Please join the M Club, Macalester Athletics, and the Engagement team for a cookout offering Macalester’s unique hot dogs—the SCOT DOG—served with chips, cookies, and beverages. Vegetarian and vegan alternatives will be available as supplies last. Stick around to support the men’s soccer team and interact with our mascot Coo the Highland Cow.

Additional sign-up is required. Have your QR codes ready at the door. At-door registration will also be available while supplies last.

12:30–2 p.m. | Mac Wagon at M Club Cookout
Macalester Stadium
A great Mac gathering means another stop for the Mac Wagon. Don’t miss the opportunity to come and meet members of your Alumni Board, purchase exclusive apparel for Mac Fest 2025, spin-to-win swag, and more!

1–2 p.m. | Center for Study Away Panel
Alexander G. Hill Ballroom, Kagin Commons
Join representatives from the Center for Study Away as they present an overview of the benefits of study away, different programs offered by Macalester, how we support students, info on finances, and timelines. Bring your questions for the Q&A portion of the program.

1–3 p.m. | Men’s Soccer Game vs. Saint John’s
Leaney Field, Macalester Stadium
Join us in supporting the men’s soccer team as they take the field against St. John’s University. Free admission. This event is livestreamed at this link.

1:30–2:30 p.m. | Indigenous Land Mural: Being in Relationship With
Harmon Room, DeWitt Wallace Library
This educational session is designed as an opportunity for our campus community to learn about the Indigenous Land Mural displayed on the pillars between DeWitt Wallace Library and Old Main. Mural artist Natchez Beaulieu will share about the creative process, and Fern Renville (Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate) will share about Dakota land, history, and art.  

2:00–3:00 p.m. | Baseball Alumni Networking Event
Nicholson Field (baseball field)
Join members of the Macalester baseball team, coaching staff, and alumni for a social networking event. Please contact Coach Matt Parrington at [email protected] with questions. 

For alumni of the program. Additional sign-up is required.

2–4 p.m. | Self-Guided Tours for Families & Alumni
Around campus
Campus maps are available at check in, or utilize our online guide. 

2–4 p.m. | Highland Hunt (Find Coo!)
Around campus
Pick up clues for a Coo-themed scavenger hunt at Mac Fest Check-In. Turn in your completed hunt card for a prize at the registration table.

2–4 p.m. | Ice Cream Truck and Surprise Guest
Bell Tower, Great Lawn
Show your Mac Fest name badge to enjoy delicious ice cream, and stick around to hang out with a very special surprise guest. 

2:15–3:15 p.m. | Mac Wagon at Ice Cream Truck
A great Mac gathering means another stop for the Mac Wagon. Don’t miss the opportunity to come and meet members of your Alumni Board, purchase exclusive apparel for Mac Fest 2025, spin-to-win swag, and more!

3–4 p.m. | A Capella Showcase
Weyerhaeuser Memorial Chapel
Join us for a performance from Macalester’s a cappella choirs in the Weyerhaeuser Chapel.

3:30–5:30 p.m. | Women’s Soccer Game vs. Saint Ben’s
Leaney Field, Macalester Stadium
Put on your Mac gear and join us as Macalester Women’s Soccer takes on the College of St. Benedict. Free admission. This event is livestreamed at this link.

4–5:30 p.m. | Ethics Bowl Demonstration Round
Weyerhaeuser Board Room, Weyerhaeuser Hall
Hosted by Forensics. Join us for a competitive forensics round featuring the newly crowned National Champions of the 2025 APPE Intercollegiate Ethics Bowl Championship! Ethics Bowl team members will analyze and discuss a 2025–26 regionals case to illustrate the critical thinking, nuanced reasoning, and respectful debate that earned them the title. You’ll witness how the champions explore complex ethical issues with clarity, empathy, and intellectual rigor.  Whether you’re new to Ethics Bowl or an alum of the program, this is a unique opportunity to learn from the best! Stick around for a Q&A session where you can pose an ethical question for the students to answer or ask them about their journey to the championship.

4:45–6 p.m. | Coo’s Pop and Pour Social
Schall Atrium, Leonard Center
Join Macalester Athletics and the Engagement Team at Coo’s Pop and Pour Social for complimentary beverages and popcorn! Customize your refreshment with your favorite candy or flavor shot add-ins. 

Additional sign-up is required. Have your QR codes ready at the door. At-door registration will also be available while supplies last.

5–7 p.m. | Volleyball Game vs. St. Mary’s
Bolstorff Court, Alumni Gymnasium, Leonard Center
Get ready to get loud and cheer on Macalester Volleyball as they face-off against St. Mary’s. Free admission. This event is livestreamed at this link.

6–8:30 p.m. | Club Rugby Game
Leaney Field, Macalester Stadium
Macalester Men’s Rugby will be hosting Bemdji State in League Play on Leaney Field.  This event is open to all and admission is free.

6:45–7:45 p.m. | Theater Performance
James A. Williams Black Box Theater, Janet Wallace Fine Arts Center (lower level)
Join us for an evening of theater as our talented students perform a staged reading of three brand new plays written by student playwrights through Macalester Theater and Dance Department’s playwriting classes. Curated by Audrey Smyczek ʼ25, directed by Sam Stephen ʼ28, with new works written by Grey Henry ʼ28, Alma Capone ʼ28, Beja Puškášová ʼ26. Admission is free on a first-come, first-served basis. Doors open fifteen minutes before the performance begins.

8–9 p.m. | Music Concert
Mairs Concert Hall, Janet Wallace Fine Arts Center
The Music Department presents the Asian Music Ensemble (Chuen-Fung Wong, director), the Symphony Orchestra (Mark Mandarano, conductor), and the African Music Ensemble (Sowah Mensah, director). The concert will last an hour, and the audience is free to come and go between the different ensemble performances.

11–4 p.m. | Visit the current exhibition at Law Warschaw Gallery
Janet Wallace Fine Arts Center, first floor
Enjoy the current exhibition at Macalester’s Law Warschaw Gallery! Electrospiritology: Fernando Orellana’s Dual Entanglements. Electrospiritology is a curatorial framework developed by LWG director Heather Everhart in response to Orellana’s work. A professor of art at Union College, Orellana works across robotics, AI, drawing, murals, and more—utilizing technology as a tool to extend human experience. His ongoing Shadows series of “ghost machines” inhabits the charged space where technology meets spiritual phenomena. Each Shadow begins long before circuitry is soldered, in the quiet act of collecting objects from the departed—an intentional archaeology of memory. Orellana’s automatic drawings and fever paintings are also on view. These works serve as his personal mediumship with Mayan ancestors and are presented here as conceptual blueprints for Shadows—where mourning and speculation coexist, and the human urge to collect, connect, and remember endures. The exhibition is on view through November 9, with closing events featuring Orellana on Halloween.