Highlights from Alumni Reunion Weekend 2025

Almost 400 participants, more than 20 programs, on one weekend.

The alumni Reunion Weekend welcomed Alumni from the classes from 1965 to 1975 for a joyful celebration of the connection, tradition and pride together. Alumni, faculty, employees and friends returned to the campus to honor Mile Stein re -associations, visit valued memories and close new bonds.

The weekend – the largest re -assembly of UCSC in its latest form – fascinated dynamic programming, warm reunification and special celebrations that recorded the living spirit of UC Santa Cruz.

“The Alumni Reunion weekend always has something special, but this year it felt a real celebration of the connection to honor our founding values,” said Shayna Kent, managing director of Alumni Engagement. “The smile and the joyful reunions to see how so many alumni are connected again and hits my heart with UC Santa Cruz. It is a strong memory of the strength of this community and the lifelong effects of UCSC training. We are all who are meaningful, joyful and unforgettable this weekend, especially when we also recognized the 60th birthday.”

Alumni Reunion Weekend 2025 showed a lively mix of virtual and personal events that celebrated the past, present and future of UC Santa Cruz. The celebrations began with a virtual conversation between the emeritus Professor Dr. J. Herman Blake and the NAACP leader Weisdom Cole (Oakes '15), which were thought about the legacy of the Oakes College. A special dinner with Golden Alumni Reunion in the Hotel Paradox honored the groundbreaking courses from 1965 to 1975. On Saturday the campus summed up with activity; From breakfast in Stevenson patio with Ferrells Donuts and to think about the founding and environmental education of UCSC, which include the founding faculty and pioneer-alumni, to college-specific reunions and open houses.

A big highlight of the weekend was the celebration of the 60th birthday of UC Santa Cruz – a milestone that brought together founding students, emeritated faculties and long -term employees, to honor innovation, activism and community for six decades. Lunch for the 60th anniversary in Cowell College Courtyard offered a moment of reflection on the courageous beginnings of the university and the remarkable journey since then. Stories were shared, friendships were lit again and gratitude for the visionaries who shaped the different identity of UCSC.

“It is astonishing that we had founding faculties who were here when the campus opened 60 years ago and reminded us of the foundation of the UCSC,” said Kent. “What a special moment.”

Mark your calendar for the celebration of the next year, 24 to April 26, 2026.