Signature reunion events are highlighted in green.
Saturday, May 11
9 A.m.-3 p.m.
Reunion Hospitality Lounge
Orchid Room, Danforth University Center
Take a break from the weekend festivities in our Reunion Hospitality Lounge. Relax in the air conditioning, and enjoy light refreshments. If you are hoping to catch up with classmates, use the hospitality lounge as your meeting spot! Reunion staff will be on hand to provide general event details, and answer any questions you may have.
9-10:30 a.m.
Danforth Campus Tour
Tour starts and ends outside the Danforth University Center in front of Mudd Field
From the new construction on the east end to renovations in Mallinckrodt, you and your classmates will experience and explore the next chapter of your beloved WashU community during this tour led by a WashU staff member. Relive a bit of your college experience while celebrating the milestones of the next generation.
Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate attire is recommended.
Capacity is limited. Advanced registration is recommended.
11 A.m.-1 p.m.
Chancellor’s Luncheon
Knight and Bauer Halls, 3rd Floor
Enjoy a luncheon hosted by Andrew D. Martin, WashU’s 15th chancellor. The chancellor will share an exclusive university update and offer a toast to all reunion celebrants and emeritus alumni. Bear Necessities will be on-site selling WashU apparel and swag.
11 a.m. | Cocktails and connections
11:30 a.m. | Luncheon begins
12 p.m. | University update and toast with Chancellor Martin
1 p.m. | Luncheon concludes
Casual attire is recommended.
Cost: $30 per person
1:30-2:30 P.m.
Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum Tour
Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum
Tour the Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum with a student-educator for an in-depth exploration of several works from the museum’s renowned permanent collection. Participants will engage with one another in group discussions throughout the tour and are encouraged to explore the special exhibitions before or afterwards.
Casual attire is recommended.
Capacity is limited. Advanced registration recommended.
1:30-3:30 P.m.
Student Union, Campus Life, and Sorority and Fraternity Life Reception
Danforth University Center, room 160
Share your memories, meet current students, and learn about social life on campus from Campus Life staff.
Casual attire is recommended.
1:30-3:30 P.m.
ResLife Reunion
Ursa’s Fireside on the South 40
Welcome home! Return to the South 40 to visit some of our new spaces, as well as those you remember from your time as a student. Meet our team and some of our current resident advisers and Congress of the South 40 leaders.
Casual attire is recommended.
1:30-3:30 P.m.
Athletics and Recreation Welcome
Athletics Complex, Hall of Champions
Visit the Department of Athletics and Recreation and meet some of our current scholar-champions and coaches as you tour our new state-of-the-art facilities, embedded in the heart of the spaces you remember from your time at WashU.
Casual attire is recommended.
3-4 P.m.
Art on Campus Tour
Tour starts at the Florence Steinberg Weil Sculpture Garden in front of the north entrance to Weil Hall.
View artwork installed throughout the Danforth Campus as part of the Art on Campus Tour, led by Leslie Markle, curator for public art. The tour begins at the Florence Steinberg Weil Sculpture Garden in front of the north entrance to Weil Hall and includes stops at Bauer Hall, Sumers Recreation Center, and Hillman Hall to see works by acclaimed contemporary artists Jaume Plensa, Katharina Grosse, Ann Hamilton, Ayşe Erkmen, Iñigo Manglano-Ovalle, and Dan Graham.
Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate attire is recommended.
Capacity is limited. Advanced registration recommended.
5-6 P.m.
Baccalaureate Mass at the Catholic Student Center
Catholic Student Center, 6352 Forsyth Blvd.
Join us for our tradition of celebrating Baccalaureate Mass with WashU graduates, family, and friends!
6:30-10:30 p.m.
Class of 1974 Party
Saint Louis Art Museum
Spend your evening reminiscing with your classmates at the Class of 1974 Party at the Saint Louis Art Museum, where you will enjoy cocktails, a seated dinner, and live music. Opened in 1904 and located in beautiful Forest Park, this stunning museum is the perfect spot to celebrate an unforgettable night with friends.
Business casual attire is recommended.
Complimentary reserved parking will be available in the Saint Louis Art Museum parking garage.
Cost: $70 per person
Sunday, May 12
9 A.m.-3 p.m.
Reunion Hospitality Lounge
Orchid Room, Danforth University Center
Take a break from the weekend festivities in our Reunion Hospitality Lounge. Relax in the air conditioning, and enjoy light refreshments. If you are hoping to catch up with classmates, use the hospitality lounge as your meeting spot! Reunion staff will be on hand to provide general event details, and answer any questions you may have.
9-11 A.m.
See STL | More Than the Arch Bus Tour
Tour starts and ends at the roundabout at the Brookings Loop on the east end of the Danforth Campus
From historical highlights (the Gateway Arch!) to hidden gems throughout north and south St. Louis, this tour explores distinctive St. Louis neighborhoods such as Carondelet and Dutchtown, in partnership with the Missouri Historical Society. Your tour guide will lead you in a unique look at our architecture, history, and thriving communities, all from the comfort of a shuttle.
Casual attire is recommended.
Capacity is limited. Advanced registration recommended.
Cost: $15 per adult, $10 per child
(Children 5 and under are free)
9-11:30 A.M.
See STL | Central West End Neighborhood Walking Tour
Tour starts and ends at the roundabout at the Brookings Loop on the east end of the Danforth Campus
Cross paths with literary giants like T. S. Eliot and Kate Chopin and marvel at opulent Gilded Age mansions while learning about the significant changes the neighborhood has seen over the years. And of course, a visit to the Central West End wouldn’t be complete without a quick stroll through the monumental Cathedral Basilica! This private guided tour will be one to remember.
Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate attire is recommended.
Capacity is limited. Advanced registration recommended.
Cost: $15 per adult, $10 per child
(Children 5 and under are free)
10-11 A.m.
The Science of Cats and the Future of Nature With Jonathan Losos
Whitaker Hall, room 218
Learn why Jonathan Losos, the William H. Danforth Distinguished University Professor and director of the Living Earth Collaborative, is teaching a course on cats and how it relates to the university’s efforts to conserve biodiversity and sustain life on Earth. In his presentation, Losos offers key revelations from his recent book, The Cat’s Meow: How Cats Evolved from the Savanna to Your Sofa, and explores how scientists are using all the cutting-edge tools of biodiversity science (GPS tracking, genomics, forensic archaeology) to understand where cats came from, why they do what they do, and what the future may hold.
Casual attire is recommended.
11:30 A.M.-1:30 P.m.
Mother’s Day Blues Luncheon Presented by the Black Alumni Council
Holmes Lounge, Ridgley Hall
Join WashU alumni and friends for a Mother’s Day blues lunch featuring live music by a St. Louis artist, presented by the Black Alumni Council (BAC). Founded in 1983, the BAC seeks to connect Black alumni with one another and the university. Today, there are more than 8,000 Black WashU alumni worldwide. All reunion celebrants and their guests are invited.
Business casual attire is recommended.
Capacity is limited. Advanced registration recommended.
2:30–8:30 p.m.
50th Reunion Medallion Ceremony and Reception
Graham Chapel and Knight and Bauer Halls
The Class of 1974 will don caps and gowns for this momentous event led by Chancellor Martin. Celebrants will meet at Knight and Bauer Halls for robing and then proceed into Graham Chapel, participate in a meaningful ceremony, and receive a keepsake 50th reunion medallion. Family members and guests are welcome to join in this special, not-to-be-missed occasion.
2:30-3:30 p.m. | Registration and robing for 50th reunion celebrants in Knight and Bauer Halls
3 p.m. | Graham Chapel doors open for guest seating
3:45 p.m. | Procession to Graham Chapel begins
4 p.m. | Medallion ceremony
5:15-8:30 p.m. | Cocktails and dinner reception in Knight and Bauer Halls
Business casual attire is recommended.
Monday, May 13
7 A.m.-12:30 P.M.
50th Reunion Breakfast, Robing, and Commencement March and Post-Event Reception
Dains Dining Hall, Danforth University Center and Francis Olympic Field
Experience Commencement once again as you participate in the procession into Francis Olympic Field. Commencement is an important and moving event in the lives of students, faculty, parents, and alumni. Many past 50th reunion attendees fondly look back on this event as one of their favorite experiences during reunion. Family members and guests are welcome to attend and will have special seating during the ceremony.
7 a.m. | Breakfast for reunion celebrants (50th and Golden Bear) and guests
8 a.m. | 50th reunion celebrant robing
8 a.m. | 50th reunion guests and Golden Bears proceed to reserved seating on Francis Olympic Field
8:30 a.m. | 50th reunion celebrants line up for Commencement procession
9 a.m. | WashU Commencement at Francis Olympic Field
11:30 a.m. | Post-Commencement reception
Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate casual attire is recommended. 50th reunion celebrants will wear WashU regalia during the outdoor Commencement. Consider dressing in layers.
11 A.M.-1:30 P.M.
Baccalaureate Open House at the Catholic Student Center
Catholic Student Center, 6352 Forsyth Blvd.
Alumni are invited to celebrate graduates at the Baccalaureate Open House. Food, drinks, and good company are guaranteed.
Additional Happenings
all events below are open to the public.
WashU Commencement Information
Monday, May 13
Information about WashU Commencement 2024 including the calendar of events, school ceremonies, and the Commencement Festival following the Commencement Ceremony.
SATURDAY, MAY 11
Special Exhibits at Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum
Saturday, May 11 | 11 a.m.-5 p.m. | Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum
Visit the Kemper Art Museum to see several special exhibits on display. One by St. Louis-based artic Kahlil Robert Irving. Irving “critically engages with the history of the medium and challenges constructs around identity and culture in the Western world.” When viewing the exhibit you are able to step onto and walk around the art, engaging with it from different perspectives. Another exhibit by Santiago Sierra presents 52 Canvases Exposed to Mexico City’s Air, which refers to the pollution in Mexico City as well as the increase of airborne contaminants in parts of the world. The third exhibit, Tragic Depictions: Negative Emotions in the Visual Arts, explores why we find and enjoy negative emotions when engaging with certain pieces of art.
Admission is free.
MFA Artist Talks
Saturday, May 11 | 4-5:30 p.m. |
Join the MFA in Visual Art candidates in the 2024 graduating class of the Sam Fox School’s Graduate School of Art to hear about the methods and meanings behind their thesis works.
Admission is free.
SUNDAY, MAY 12
Special Exhibits at Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum
Sunday, May 12 | 11 a.m.-5 p.m. | Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum
Visit the Kemper Art Museum to see several special exhibits on display. One by St. Louis-based artic Kahlil Robert Irving. Irving “critically engages with the history of the medium and challenges constructs around identity and culture in the Western world.” When viewing the exhibit you are able to step onto and walk around the art, engaging with it from different perspectives. Another exhibit by Santiago Sierra presents 52 Canvases Exposed to Mexico City’s Air, which refers to the pollution in Mexico City as well as the increase of airborne contaminants in parts of the world. The third exhibit, Tragic Depictions: Negative Emotions in the Visual Arts, explores why we find and enjoy negative emotions when engaging with certain pieces of art.
Admission is free.
MONDAY, MAY 13
Olin Library Open House
Monday, May 13 | 1-3 p.m. | John M. Olin Library
Visit Olin Library and view firsthand some of the university’s special collections, including exhibits on China at the 1904 World’s Fair, numismatics, punk, and more; along with the Declaration of Independence “Southwick Broadside.”
Admission is free.
Special Exhibits at Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum
Monday, May 13 | 11 a.m.-5 p.m. | Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum
Visit the Kemper Art Museum to see several special exhibits on display. One by St. Louis-based artic Kahlil Robert Irving. Irving “critically engages with the history of the medium and challenges constructs around identity and culture in the Western world.” When viewing the exhibit you are able to step onto and walk around the art, engaging with it from different perspectives. Another exhibit by Santiago Sierra presents 52 Canvases Exposed to Mexico City’s Air, which refers to the pollution in Mexico City as well as the increase of airborne contaminants in parts of the world. The third exhibit, Tragic Depictions: Negative Emotions in the Visual Arts, explores why we find and enjoy negative emotions when engaging with certain pieces of art.
Admission is free.