Daphne Johnston Elliott didn’t take many photos at Mary Washington, since developing film was expensive when she was in college. But she always treasured the times she spent on campus, including coming to Reunion Weekend every five years since she graduated in 1976.
“Our photos might be old and yellowed, but I hope they bring back fond memories,” said Daphne, a longtime reunion volunteer who assembled a slideshow for her class’s 50th Reunion Weekend dinner. But as much as she enjoys looking back on the past, she’s equally excited about the University’s future. “We’re always eager to see what’s new at Mary Washington and to get to know current students.”
More than 550 alumni and their families and friends are expected to return to the University of Mary Washington for the 2026 Reunion Weekend, May 29 to 31. The event specifically honors classes ending in 1 and 6, but all Eagles are invited to reunite, reminisce, and rediscover what they love about Mary Washington.
“Many of us have not seen each other for years, but when we do, we pick right up where we left off,” said Margo Clifford, who joined Daphne for the first time to volunteer her time and talents on the Reunion Weekend planning committee. “We’ve enjoyed sharing our stories about Mary Washington and our deep love for this place.”
Alumni and guests will have plenty of events to choose from, including class gatherings, a Ball Circle picnic, campus tours, faculty lectures, family activities, commemorative photos, art exhibits, beverage tastings, the all-class party, and visiting Carl’s for its famous frozen custard.
Highlights include a “Bites and Sites” dinner geared toward 2000’s alumni (but open to all), a live recording of UMW President Troy Paino’s podcast, a reception with emeriti faculty, and a special breakfast for college journalists and their faculty advisors.
“Reunion Weekend is one of my favorite events of the year — there’s nothing quite like watching alumni walk back onto campus and feel that immediate connection to this place,” said Mark Thaden ’02, associate vice president for alumni and donor engagement. “We want every graduate who comes back to leave not just with great memories rekindled, but with a renewed sense of how much this place is still a part of who they are.”
Festivities kick off Friday with breakfast in the Cedric Rucker University Center, student-led tours on foot or by golf cart, and the popular wine-pairing lunch.
Alumni College lectures on Friday and Saturday will feature faculty and staff providing unique insights into topics like Fredericksburg history, the relics of Farmer Hall (formerly Trinkle), and the popular First-Year Seminar, “Disneyland Meets Mary Washington: Lessons in Storytelling and Space.” Assistant Professor of Studio Art Coorain Devin will lead a silkscreen workshop for those who wish to create their own souvenir tote bag.
President Paino will host a live recording of his new podcast, “What Matters Most,” with guests Donna Sheehan Gladis ’68, a member of UMW’s Foundation Board of Trustees, and her husband, Steve, in the Underground in Lee Hall.
Alumni can reunite with former faculty and staff across disciplines at the Jepson Alumni Executive Center before a Brompton welcome reception hosted by President Paino and his wife, Kelly. The 1908 Society – honoring those who graduated 50 years ago or more – and 1976 alumni will be treated to celebratory dinners, while other grads will enjoy class gatherings, including a progressive dinner beginning in Jefferson Square.
Saturday morning will feature a fun run and walk across campus, the College of Business Alumni Awards and breakfast, an alumni authors meet-and-greet, and departmental open houses.
Alumni who wrote for The Bullet, The Blue & Gray Press, The Weekly Ringer, and other campus publications are invited to a breakfast with their former advisors, including Professor Emeritus of English Steve Watkins. Associate Professor of Communication and Digital Studies Sushma Subramanian will present “Why College Newspapers Matter,” exploring the increasing importance of college journalism.
President Paino will provide a university update before the Alumni Association award ceremony in Seacobeck Hall’s Weatherly Wing, followed by the Ball Circle picnic with class photos and a children’s playtime.
Alumni will learn the latest about the new theatre construction – which broke ground this spring – and the fine arts renovation. Adults can then enjoy a Virginia wine, beer, and cider tasting on Jefferson Square, while children attend a supervised matinee of Dreamworks’ Home in Combs Hall.
Grads and guests can dance the night away at the all-class party in the Cedric Rucker University Center’s Chandler Ballroom, complete with a live band, full bar, a heavy hors d’oeuvres buffet, carving station, and dessert bar. During the party, the Eagles in Recovery program will host a support meeting facilitated by UMW’s peer recovery specialist.
The weekend concludes Sunday with a farewell brunch in the Jepson Alumni Executive Center’s Rappahannock Grand Ballroom.
UMW Galleries will display Mark and Method, an exhibition curated by students in the Art Museum Studies course, featuring works donated by Russell and Barbara Burt Bowman ’69. Simpson Library and the campus bookstore will be open select times throughout the weekend.
Register for Reunion Weekend. Download the Whova app and search for “Mary Washington Reunion Weekend 2026” for a full schedule of events, updates, and announcements. Follow “UMW Alumni” on Instagram and Facebook and tag #MaryWashReunion and #LifeAfterMaryWash.
Leave a Reply