Reunion 2026: Schedule of Events
All alumni are invited to join the Macalester community as we celebrate Reunion 2026. Our four-day programming includes panels and office hours with faculty and staff, dance parties, campus tours, and opportunities to connect with your class. This year, we are recognizing classes celebrating 5 year milestone reunions: 1956, 1961, 1966, 1971, 1976, 1981, 1986, 1991, 1996, 2001, 2006, 2011, 2016, and 2021. These classes will be recognized on campus throughout the weekend.
Not in a milestone Reunion year? No problem! We’ve redesigned Reunion to allow plenty of time to gather in community together to learn, remember, and have fun! We hope to see you back on campus. Visit our FAQ Page to learn more about registration, lodging, and other Reunion questions you may have for the big celebration.
Explore the full schedule below or jump to a specific day!
All weekend
General Check-In and On-site Registration–Lowe Dayton Commons, Janet Wallace Fine Arts Center
Check in for all classes and on-site registration.
Thursday, June 4: 3-7:30 p.m.
Friday, June 5: 7:30 a.m.–7:30 p.m.
Saturday, June 6: 7:30 a.m.–7:30 p.m.
On-Campus Housing Check-In–Lowe Dayton Commons, Janet Wallace Fine Arts Center
Check in for on-campus housing. Pre-registration is strongly encouraged as a limited number of beds will be available on site on a first-come, first-served basis.
Thursday, June 4: 3–7:30 p.m.
Friday, June 5: 7:30 a.m.–7:30 p.m.
Saturday, June 6: 7:30 a.m.–7:30 p.m.
Alumni & Family Lounge
Ruth Stricker Dayton Campus Center, second floor
Stop by the secon floor of the Ruth Striker Dayton Campus Center to gab a beverage at the Mac Grille, or take a moment to work on a puzzle, play a board game, or color.
Thursday, June 4: 3–8:30 p.m.
Friday, June 5: 7:30 a.m.–8:30 p.m.
Saturday, June 6: 10 a.m.–11:30 p.m.
Pick Up Your Mac Gear at the Highlander Bookstore
32 Snelling Ave S
Pick up your Mac gear at the Highlander’s location on Snelling Avenue. Enjoy 10% off your purchase of Mac gear through the Macalester Highlander online store starting May 21 using code: PRIDE26 or by using your Reunion name tag, in store, during Reunion!
Thursday, June 4: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Friday, June 5: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Saturday, June 6: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Sunday, June 7: 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Catch the Cart – MacWagon – Outside Janet Wallace Fine Arts Center
A great Mac gathering means another stop at the MacWagon. Don’t miss the opportunity to come and meet members of your Alumni Board, purchase exclusive swag for Reunion 2026, spin-to-win swag, drop off your completed scavenger hunt card, and more!
Friday, June 5: 5–8 p.m.
Saturday, June 6: 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
Leonard Center
Treadmills, stationary bikes, elliptical walkers, weight machines, lockers, and showers are all available to registered Reunion participants! Please bring your Reunion name tag to check in and use the facilities.
Thursday, June 4: 1–8 p.m.
Friday, June 5: 8 a.m.–8 p.m. (Lap swim from 11 a.m.–1 p.m., 5–7 p.m.)
Saturday, June 6: 8 a.m.–4 p.m. (Lap swim from 11 a.m.–1 p.m.)
DeWitt Wallace Library
Thursday, June 4: 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Friday, June 5: 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Saturday, June 6: 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Class of 1976 Briggs House Gathering Space
1644 Summit Avenue
Briggs House is the Class of 1976 headquarters for all of Reunion 2026. Join us to catch up with classmates throughout the weekend.
Thursday, June 4: 1–10 p.m.
Friday, June 5: 8 a.m.–11 p.m.
Saturday, June 6: 8 a.m.–Midnight
Parenting Rooms
Parenting rooms for nursing parents or other young child needs are available during registration hours throughout Reunion. Stop by Reunion registration for an access card.
Thursday, June 4: 3-7:30 p.m.
Friday, June 5: 7:30 a.m.–7:30 p.m.
Saturday, June 6: 7:30 a.m.–7:30 p.m.
T106, first floor of Theater Building (access card needed)
Humanities Building, Room 115J (access card needed)
Thursday
Thursday Afternoon
3–7:30 p.m. –Onsite Registration, Check-In, and Residence Halls Open for Reunion Guests
Lowe Dayton Arts Commons, Janet Wallace Fine Arts Center
Check-in for all classes and onsite registration.
3:30–4:30 p.m.–Back to Class Lecture- TBA
Location TBA
4:30–6:30 p.m.–Grand Welcome
Alumni Gym, Leonard Center
Grand Welcome: Your Reunion starts here — together.
Gather with the full Macalester family for an opening celebration that’s equal parts homecoming and inspiration. See Mac values alive in the people around you. Connect with students, faculty, staff, and fellow alumni who are actively moving our mission forward — and feel, firsthand, what makes this community unlike any other. Then raise a glass. We’ll honor this year’s Alumni Award recipients and celebrate the achievements and generosity that define who we are as a community. This is your all-class Reunion kickoff — and we can’t wait to welcome you back.
Hosted drinks and light hors d’oeuvres provided
Thursday Evening
5:30–8 p.m.–Cafe Mac Dinner $
Cafe Mac, Ruth Stricker Dayton Campus Center
Relive your student dining experience by exploring Bon Appetit’s farm-to-fork offerings at casual buffet food stations inside the newly renovated Café Mac. Drop in during meal service times and reconnect with classmates. All are welcome.
6–9 p.m.–Food Truck on Shaw Field
Food Truck TBA
7–8:30 p.m.–Tartan Trivia: Reunion Version, Hosted by the Class of 2021
Shaw Field Tent
Think you and your classmates have what it takes to be the ultimate trivia champions? Put your knowledge to the test at Tartan Trivia @ Reunion! Classes will go head-to-head in a fun and competitive trivia showdown, featuring a special round dedicated entirely to Macalester history and traditions. Gather your classmates, show off your smarts, and compete for bragging rights—and exclusive champion sweatshirts! Don’t miss this chance to relive your college days, challenge your classmates, and claim the title of Tartan Trivia champions.
Cash bar, food from a food truck available for purchase
7–10 p.m.–Class of 1976 Welcome and Social
Briggs House
Start Reunion right by finding your roommates and friends at a casual social with food from Shish in the former Alumni House. Catch up, enjoy refreshments, and make your weekend plans!
Friday
Friday Morning
7:30 a.m.–7:30 p.m.–On-Site Registration, Check-In, and Residence Halls Open for Reunion Guests
Lowe Dayton Commons, Janet Wallace Fine Arts Center
Check in for all classes and on-site registration.
7:30–9:30 a.m.–All-Campus Breakfast $
Cafe Mac, Ruth Stricker Dayton Campus Center
9-10 a.m.–Trustees Emeriti Breakfast
Location TBA
Join fellow Trustees Emeriti at Cafe Mac (First floor of the Campus Center) for breakfast and a chance to catch up with each other and learn about the current state of the College.
9–11 a.m.–Idea Lab Open House
Idea Lab, DeWitt Wallace Library 2nd Floor
Visit the heart of Entrepreneurship on campus! Exercise your creativity in the Idea Lab, a hands-on workspace in the heart of the library where students innovate, collaborate, befriend, re-center, and work together to solve problems and drive positive change in the world. Hosted by the Department of Entrepreneurship and Innovation
10–11 a.m. – Class of 1966 Golf Cart Tour
Meeting Location TBA
Limited capacity, registration required
10– 11 a.m.– Sustainability Walking Tour and Talk
Location TBA
Get to know the sustainability initiatives at Macalester. During this tour and talk, participants will learn about sustainability initiatives on campus including: decarbonization and zero waste efforts, active transportation, gardens and food justice, and efforts to improve biodiversity and stormwater management.
10–11:30 a.m. – Class of 1976 Golden Scots Society Induction Ceremony
Weyerhaeuser Chapel
The Class of 1976 will be inducted into the Golden Scots Society with music, memories, and medallions during a heartwarming ceremony celebrating the past and the future.
Class of 1976 inductees are asked to arrive at the flagpole by 9:45 a.m. to line up.
All are welcome to attend!
10 a.m.– 12 p.m. – Department and Faculty Office Hours
Various
Stop by to meet familiar and new faculty and staff members for an informal open house visit. Participating faculty and departments will be posted at registration (Lowe Dayton Arts Commons, Janet Wallace Fine Arts Center) as well as on the Reunion website.
11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m. – Back to Class Lecture-TBA
Location TBA
11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. – All-Campus Lunch Buffet $
Cafe Mac, Ruth Stricker Dayton Campus Center
11:45 a.m.–1:30 p.m. – Golden Scots Society Luncheon $
Alumni Gym, Leonard Center
For all celebrating their 50th Reunion and beyond, plus special recognition for milestone Reunions: 1976, 1971, 1966, 1961, 1956, and 1951.
Friday Afternoon
1:15-2:15 p.m. – Panel Hosted by the Class of 1996– Topic TBA
Location TBA
1:15-2:15 p.m. –Center for Religious and Spiritual Life Event-TBA
Location TBA
1:15-2:15 p.m. – Back to Class Lecture-TBA
Location TBA
1:45–2:45 p.m. – Golden Scots Society Coffee & Conversation
DeWitt Wallace Library, Room 111
Join your fellow Golden Scots to continue your conversations from lunch. Relax over a cup of coffee immediately following the Golden Scots Luncheon.
2–4 p.m. – Class of 2011 Field Day
Macalester Stadium
2:30-3:30 pm – Idea Lab Craft Hosted by the Class of 2001
Idea Lab, DeWitt Wallace Library 2nd Floor
2:30–3:30 p.m. – Campus Tour led by Admissions
Meet on the street side of Weyerhaeuser Hall
Join your fellow alumni to see what campus looks like today through the eyes of a current student.
3–4 p.m. – Leave Your Mark: Creative Giving Strategies That Work for You
Location TBA
3–4 p.m. – Alumni of Color Reception
Location TBA
3:45–4:45 p.m. – Back to Class Lecture TBA
Location TBA
4:15– 5:15 p.m. – Speed Connecting, Hosted by the class of 2021
Location TBA
4:15-5:15 p.m. – Choral Sing Along
Location TBA
4:30–5:30 p.m.–Macalester Athletics Social and Locker Room Reveal
Macalester Stadium Concourse, Leonard Center
Join Macalester Athletics and Director of Athletics, Donnie Brooks, for complimentary snacks and beverages while reconnecting with fellow alumni and celebrating the next chapter of Scots athletics. Experience firsthand the modern locker room upgrades designed to support our student-athletes and enhance community.
Friday Evening
5–6 p.m. – Shabbat Gathering
Weyerhaeuser Chapel, Center for Religious and Spiritual Life (lower level)
Join Jewish alumni (and friends) for an alumni-led gathering to light candles, sing a little, have a bite of challah, and schmooze. This is a great chance to hear and share stories with alumni connected with Macalester Jewish Organization and Hebrew House across generations!
5–8 p.m. – Catch the Cart – MacWagon
Outside Janet Wallace Fine Arts Center
A great Mac gathering means another stop for the MacWagon. Don’t miss the opportunity to come and meet members of your Alumni Board, purchase exclusive swag for Reunion 2026, spin-to-win swag, and more!
5–9 p.m. – Snacks at Mac
Shaw Field and Tent
Cash bar and meal choices from food trucks are available for purchase. A variety of cuisines will be offered on site from 5–9 p.m. Special live salsa musical performance featuring Doug Little ’91 and Shai Hayo ’96 between 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. will include salsa lessons.
Food trucks at Snacks at Mac include: Egg Roll Queen, Habanero Tacos, Cave Cafe, Deep Roots, Amazing Momos: Tibetan Dumplings
5:30–6:30 p.m. – First Generation Reception
Location TBA
Join us for An Alumni Reception and Celebration of Community for First Generation College Students alumni, a special event designed to celebrate and connect first generation college students and alumni. This meaningful reception will provide opportunities to share stories, build community, and foster lasting connections across generations. Join in community to reflect on where it all began, this gathering is a space to honor the strength, resilience, and accomplishments of our first generation community.
6–8 p.m. – Class of 1966 Dinner $
Location TBA
Enjoy an evening of great conversation while reconnecting with classmates. All dinners will be held on campus, with specific locations posted in the Lowe Dayton Arts Commons, Janet Wallace Fine Arts Center lobby. Reservations required.
6–8 p.m .– Class of 1971 Dinner $
Location TBA
Enjoy an evening of great conversation while reconnecting with classmates. All dinners will be held on campus, with specific locations posted in the Lowe Dayton Arts Commons, Janet Wallace Fine Arts Center lobby. Reservations required.
6–8 p.m. – Class of 1976 Friday Dinner $
Location TBA
Enjoy an evening of great conversation while reconnecting with classmates. All dinners will be held on campus, with specific locations posted in the Lowe Dayton Arts Commons, Janet Wallace Fine Arts Center lobby. Reservations required.
8:30–11 p.m. – Class of 1976 Gathering
Briggs House, 1644 Summit Ave
Come to Briggs House to continue the conversation with classmates.
Saturday
Saturday Morning
7:30 a.m.–7:30 p.m. – General Check-In and Onsite Registration
Lowe Dayton Commons, Janet Wallace Fine Arts Center
Check-in for all classes and onsite registration.
7:30–9:30 a.m. – All Campus Breakfast
Cafe Mac, Ruth Stricker Dayton Campus Center
9–10:30 a.m. – Playground Meetup hosted by the class of 2006, open to all
Location TBA
9–10:30 a.m. – Legacy Letters
Location TBA
What are the family stories, life lessons, and blessings that you want to share with your children, grandchildren, and other loved ones? The Legacy Letters workshop is the designated time you’ve been waiting for to begin contemplating and recording these important messages—it’s easier and more meaningful than you might think. This is a guided workshop with prompts and examples. All materials are provided
9–10:30 a.m.- Musings of a Half Century – Class of 1976
Location TBA
9:15–10:15 a.m. – Back to Class Lecture
Location TBA
10:30-11:30 a.m. – Reunion Featured Program: Speaker
Location TBA
11 a.m.–12 p.m. – Campus Tour Led by Amissions
Street side of Weyerhaeuser Hall
Join your fellow alumni to see what campus looks like today through the eyes of a current student.
11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. – All-Campus Picnic $
Shaw Field
All are welcome to enjoy festivities at a hearty picnic barbecue lunch featuring a variety of lively entertainers including music by Professor Emeritus Dave McCurdy’s trio, face painting, lawn games, henna artists, caricatures, hooping, and more.
11:30 a.m.–2 p.m. – Catch the Cart – MacWagon
Outside Janet Wallace Fine Arts Center
A great Mac gathering means another stop for the MacWagon. Don’t miss the opportunity to come and meet members of your Alumni Board, purchase exclusive swag for Reunion 2026, spin-to-win swag, and more!
11:45 – 12:15 a.m.–Macalester College Pipe Band Performs
Great Lawn
Saturday Afternoon
12:45–1:45 p.m. – 1976 Book Discussion
Briggs House, 1644 Summit Ave
12:45–1:45 p.m. – Back to Class Lecture- TBA
Location TBA
1:30–2:30 p.m. – Water Balloon Launch
Macalester Stadium
Put together your three-person team and test your water balloon launching skills against other reunion teams. Exciting prizes will be awarded to teams who come closest to hitting the coo! Sponsored by M Club and Athletics. Open to all! A three-person team is required to participate.
2–3 p.m. – Panel Hosted by the Class of 1986
Location TBA
2–3 p.m. – Back to Class Lecture- TBA
Location TBA
2–3 p.m. –Ted Talk Hosted by the Class of 2001
Location TBA
2–3:30 p.m. – Macalester Alumni of Moderation Conversation
Location TBA
Macalester Alumni of Moderation invite you to attend our annual session and discuss the state of viewpoint diversity at Macalester…and now elsewhere. In 2006, our group was the first in the nation to raise this critical issue and now alums from many colleges and universities have prompted other such groups.Visit www.macmods.org to learn more about Macalester Alumni of Moderation.
2:45–3:45 p.m. – Children’s Story time with Adrienne Christiansen
Location TBA
Gather for a delightful Story Time with Adrienne Christiansen, where books come to life! Enjoy timeless favorites and discover new tales, including works by Macalester alumni. Whether you’re looking to relive cherished stories or experience something fresh, this is the perfect chance to escape the heat, relax, and immerse yourself in the magic of storytelling.
3–4 p.m. – Friends of Bill W. and Dr. Bob
Campus Center, Room 229
This is a closed meeting of A.A. 12-Steps discussion and coffee. Attendance at closed meetings is restricted to those who have a desire to stop drinking. Hosted by a member of the fellowship who is an alum of Mac.
3:15-4:45 pm – Scots Pride Lecture and Reception
Location TBA
Saturday Evening
5:30–7 p.m. – All-Class Social
Marvin Plaza, Rain Plan: TBA
Listen to great music while enjoying a refreshing beverage and great conversation with friends old and new, prior to your class dinner. Classes will be led by a piper to their dinners from the social. Listen for your class year to be announced and carry your class banner to your dinner.
7–9 p.m – Reunion Class Dinners (Reservations Required)
All Locations TBA
Enjoy an evening of great conversation while reconnecting with classmates. All dinners will be held on campus, with specific locations posted in the Lowe Dayton Arts Commons, Janet Wallace Fine Arts Center lobby. Reservations required.
7–9 p.m – Class of 1976 Saturday Dinner (50th) $
7–9 p.m. – Class of 1981 Dinner (45th) $
7–9 p.m. – Class of 1986 (40th) $
7–9 p.m. – Class of 1996 Dinner (30th) $
7–9 p.m. – Class of 2001 Dinner (25th) $
7–9 p.m – Class of 2006 Dinner (20th) $
7–9 p.m. – Class of 2011 Dinner (15th) $
7–9 p.m – Class of 2016 Dinner (10th) $
7–9 p.m – Class of 2021 Dinner (5th) $
9 p.m.–12 a.m. – Class of 1976 Briggs House Social
Briggs House, 1644 Summit Ave
Come to Briggs House to continue the conversation with classmates and celebrate the culmination of your 50th Reunion.
9 p.m.–12 a.m. –– The Tartan Toast: An All-Class Reunion Party
Great Lawn Tent
Gather with friends old and new for one last toast as we talk and dance the night away on the Great Lawn. All Mac community members are welcome. Purchase drink tickets in advance at registration. Food from a food truck available for purchase.
Sunday
Sunday Morning
8 a.m.–12 p.m. –– Residence Hall Check-Out
George Draper Dayton Hall Office and Cafe Mac
8–10 a.m. –– All-Campus Breakfast $
Cafe Mac, Ruth Stricker Dayton Campus Center
9–11 a.m. Grand Old Day Parade Participation & March with President Rivera
Meeting location TBA
Join President Rivera and march in the Grand Old Day Parade on Sunday morning. The parade starts at 9:30am at the corner of Dale and Grand and ends near campus. We will gather on at 9:00am and provide transportation to the start of the parade for those that need it. Keep in mind, the parade route is about a 2 mile walk, so dress for the weather in your favorite Macalester gear and wear good walking shoes!Check the GABA website for more information about Grand Old Day (grandave.com)