Back to Class Lectures and Featured Programs

One of Reunion’s most beloved traditions is reconnecting with faculty and continuing that life-long learning that was further developed when you were a student at Macalester. Back to Class Lectures invite alumni and guests to return to the intellectual energy that makes Macalester so distinctive. Step back into the classroom experience through thought-provoking lectures, interactive walking tours, timely conversations, and engaging faculty-led discussions that explore history, politics, literature, sustainability, public service, and more. Whether you want to learn something new, revisit subjects you once loved, or simply be inspired by the curiosity and ideas that define the Macalester community, these sessions offer the perfect chance to reconnect with the spirit of lifelong learning.

In addition to Back to Class offerings, this year’s schedule also features special conversations with alumni leaders, bestselling authors, and changemakers whose work continues to shape communities near and far.

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Thursday, June 4

3:30–4:30 p.m.

BACK TO CLASS: Building the Future: New Residence Hall & Welcome Center Talk and Tour 

Presenter: Nathan Lief, AVP of Facilities

Join AVP of Facilities Nathan Lief for an inside look at one of the most exciting building transformations on campus right now, the new residence hall and welcome center currently under construction. Nathan will begin with a brief overview of the project’s vision, design, and impact on student life before leading a tour of the construction site. Get a firsthand look at this major milestone in Macalester’s campus evolution and hear what’s ahead as the future takes shape. 

Friday, June 5

10–11 a.m.

BACK TO CLASS: Rethinking Macalester’s Story: New Perspectives on Our Past

Presenters:
Alina Wong, Vice President for Institutional Equity
Kelly Stone, Associate Development Officer

Reunion is the perfect time to reflect on the stories that have shaped Macalester. Over the past two years, a campus-wide research and writing project has explored the college’s history with fresh eyes—uncovering overlooked voices, new perspectives, and deeper connections to Macalester’s mission and values. Join us for a fascinating conversation as presenters share discoveries, themes, and questions that emerged from this work, and consider how understanding our past can help shape our future.

10–11:30 a.m.

BACK TO CLASS: Sustainability Walking Tour and Talk

Presenter: Megan Butler, Sustainability Director

Discover how Macalester is building a more sustainable future through this engaging campus walking tour and conversation led by sustainability leaders. Explore current initiatives, environmental commitments, and innovative practices happening across campus while learning how sustainability is woven into student life, operations, and the college’s broader mission.

11:15 a.m.–12:15 p.m.

BACK TO CLASS: What Can We All Learn from Adrienne’s Over 1,000 Days of Project Positivity?

Presenter: Adrienne Christiansen, Associate Professor of Political Science (Emeritus) 

Join Professor Adrienne Christiansen for a meaningful conversation about resilience, gratitude, and finding light in difficult times. What began as a personal practice of noticing daily moments of goodness and beauty became a source of strength through life’s challenges, including COVID disruptions, retirement, grief, and community pain. Along the way, Project Positivity also resonated deeply with others, offering encouragement and hope far beyond its original purpose. Discover what Adrienne’s over 1,000-day journey can teach us about building emotional strength, embracing joy, and sustaining hope even during times of despair.

1:15–2:15 p.m.

BACK TO CLASS: Faith in Action: Conversations about Community Organizing and Religion in 2026

Presenters:
TBA Center for Religious and Spiritual Life Staff and Alumni

Macalester alumni across the country are engaged in social advocacy during this pivotal moment, and many ground their work in faith, spirituality, and deeply held values. Join the Center for Religious and Spiritual Life for a storytelling panel featuring alumni involved in community organizing, followed by an opportunity to connect with fellow attendees and discuss the relevance of faith and hope in building a more just world.

2:15–3:15 p.m.

BACK TO CLASS: Black Feminist Politics from the Voting Rights Act to the Kamala Harris Vice Presidency: 1965–2025

Presenters: Duchess Harris, Professor of American Studies

Join Professor Duchess Harris for a thought-provoking conversation on the lasting influence of Black feminist political thought in shaping modern U.S. democracy. Drawing from her book, Harris traces key moments in activism, scholarship, and social movements from the Voting Rights Act to Kamala Harris’s historic Vice Presidency. Explore how Black feminist analysis deepens our understanding of power, representation, and democratic change. Book signing to follow the program.

Saturday, June 6

9:15–10:15 a.m.

BACK TO CLASS: Behind the Admissions Curtain

Presenters:
Jeff Allen, Vice President for Admissions and Financial Aid
Elyan Paz, Assistant Vice President and Dean of Admissions 

Pull back the curtain on the college admissions process in this informative session designed for families beginning or continuing their college search journey. Admissions professionals will share practical insights on what to expect at each stage of the process. Learn the top things families should know, common misconceptions to avoid, and strategies for supporting students through the process. Whether you have a student preparing for the college search or are simply curious to gain insider insight into today’s admissions process, this session offers valuable information for all.

10:30–11:30 a.m.

FEATURED PROGRAM: From Page to Phenomenon: A Conversation with Lauren Billings ’96 and Professor Emma Törzs ’09

Presenters:
Emma Törzs ’09, Assistant Professor (NTT), English and Creative Writing
Lauren Billings ’96, author

Join Lauren Billings, one half of the bestselling duo behind Christina Lauren, in conversation with Macalester professor and acclaimed author Emma Törzs for an engaging look at storytelling, collaboration, and the publishing world. With more than twenty-one New York Times bestselling novels, Christina Lauren has captivated readers across genres and around the globe. Together, Lauren and Emma will explore how they both got their start and what’s ahead, including upcoming books and adaptations for TV and film. This conversation offers something for devoted readers, aspiring writers, and anyone curious about the journey from idea to international success.

12:45–1:45 p.m.

BACK TO CLASS: Indigenizing Initiatives: Preservation and Celebration of Indigenous Culture, Craft, and Community on Macalester Campus and Beyond

Join alumni, former student leaders, and community members for a special panel celebrating the history and impact of PIPE through the years. Through stories and reflections, speakers will share their experiences at Macalester, the role PIPE played in fostering Indigenous culture and community on campus, and how that foundation continues to shape their work today. The program will also feature archival materials highlighting PIPE’s legacy and contributions across generations. Come honor the past, celebrate the present, and envision the future of Indigenous community at Macalester and beyond.

2-3 p.m.

BACK TO CLASS: Why Was Shakespeare Obsessed with Ghosts… And What Does That Reveal about the English Reformation?

Presenter: Penelope Geng, Associate Professor, English and Creative Writing 

“Enter the Ghost of young Prince Edward.” “Enter Ghost [of King Hamlet].” “Enter Ghost [of Banquo].” From the ghosts of Richard III’s victims to the ghost of Hamlet’s father, ghosts haunt the Shakespearean stage. This lecture—based on discussions arising from the popular course ENGL219 Demonology—explores Shakespeare’s supernatural imagination in the context of the English Reformation.

4–5 p.m.

FEATURED PROGRAM: A Community in Focus: Leadership and Community Impact After Metro Surge

Presenters:
President Suzanne M. Rivera
Mary Moriarty ’86, Hennepin County District Attorney

Join Mary Moriarty and President Susan M. Rivera for a timely and engaging conversation on the aftermath of Operation Metro Surge and its impact on Twin Cities communities. Offering an inside perspective on the challenges of recent months, Moriarty will reflect on her commitment to transparency and accountability, what comes next, and the realities of leading through complex moments. The discussion will also explore her personal journey, including how her time at Macalester helped shape her values and path in public service. This featured Reunion program invites attendees to reflect on leadership, resilience, and the role of education in preparing changemakers.