Schedule of Events
Get ready to dive into a weekend of nostalgia and connection at the UCSC Alumni Reunion Weekend. Here, you’ll discover a timeline of events curated to rekindle old friendships and reminisce. Ensure you plan ahead to make the most of every opportunity to celebrate and engage with your fellow alumni.
Thursday, April 24
4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Virtual Kick-Off: Recounting the history of UCSC & Oakes College, featuring Dr. J Herman Blake
Zoom
Come together with your classmates, whether near or far, for this virtual kick-off event. The session will commence with Professor Emeritus Dr. J Herman Blake recounting his time on campus and noting important historical events and how they impacted the campus community. Following that, you’ll have the opportunity to re-establish connections with your peers, reminisce about your experiences at UCSC, and update us on your endeavors since then!
If you are only attending the virtual kick-off event, please contact us at reunions@ucsc.edu to receive a promo code before registering.
Friday, April 25
5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Golden Alumni Reunion Dinner honoring the Classes of ’65–’75
Hotel Paradox, Santa Cruz
The evening will bring us together to remember our history, celebrate what we have done, and enjoy who we are today. Founding faculty and staff on campus during this time will join the festive evening. Chancellor Larive will recognize UCSC’s Golden Slug Alumni for their historical contributions to the university’s foundation, for the path they helped forge for the 160,000 students, and for their contributions to the university and the world.
Enjoy each other’s company over dinner and libations. There will be music, student performances, great conversations, photos from your student days, and a moment to remember classmates. Join this special event as we celebrate you and your part in the first decade of UC Santa Cruz.
Cost to attend: $70 per person
Saturday, April 26
8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Coffee and Breakfast Bites
Cowell Courtyard
Start your morning with a long-standing tradition of enjoying coffee in the Cowell Courtyard to start the day with friends and a spectacular view continues. Join us for coffee, light breakfast bites and of course Ferrell’s Donuts.
Morning Activities Block
10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Why Santa Cruz? The Origins of UCSC with Frank Zwart
Every alum has a story about how he or she first came to UC Santa Cruz. But how did the University of California come to Santa Cruz? Discover that story with Frank Zwart (Cowell ’71), UCSC’s Campus Architect Emeritus. Through a brief presentation and an eastside campus walk, Zwart will share how the UC Regents selected Santa Cruz as the site for their bold new experiment in public higher education and the University’s first steps in building its new home.
Please note the tour will be conducted on foot.
Inquiry-Based Nature Exploration: A Partnership between Merrill College and UCSC Natural Reserves
Meet @ Baobab Lounge, Merrill College
Experience how students in today’s Merrill Core Course learn about the environmental and human history of our extraordinary campus with support from student mentors from UCSC Natural Reserves. Student mentors will lead you on a walk and discussion of issues ranging from plant succession to the history of fire on campus and the University of California’s Natural Reserve System.
Wear appropriate clothing and shoes. Remember to bring a hat, sunscreen, and water bottle.
more programs coming soon
12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
UCSC 60th Birthday Lunch Celebration
Stevenson College Patio
Join us for a joyous celebration of UCSC’s birthday as we honor the visionaries who shaped our university’s history. This special event pays tribute to our emeriti faculty, retirees, and the trailblazing students of the founding class of 1965. Enjoy an al fresco-style lunch, complete with birthday cake, festive hats, and community cheer. Guests are welcome to make “gifts” in support of UCSC as we reflect on our remarkable journey and look forward to the bright future ahead.
Afternoon Activities Block
2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
From Campus to Community: UCSC Students & the Transformation of Santa Cruz
Stevenson 151
Attend a lecture by Mike Rotkin, longtime UC Santa Cruz lecturer, five-time mayor of Santa Cruz, and former city council member. Rotkin will explore the transformative role UCSC students played in shaping Santa Cruz during the 1970s—from activism to policy changes that continue to influence the city today. Don’t miss this chance to gain insight into a pivotal era of local history and its lasting effects.
Going Viral
Crown Merrill Dining Hall
Come learn the grammar of viral processes, and how they occur in many aspects of life. Led by author Chris Gray, and with a panel of experts in diverse fields of biology and media, you’ll become proficient in this new language!
more programs coming soon
College Gatherings
4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Cowell College Reception: Honoring Provost Alan Christy
Page Smith Library
Founded in 1965 as UCSC’s first residential college, Cowell has been a model of innovative education, fostering intellectual curiosity, rigorous debate, and lifelong friendships—true to its motto, The Pursuit of Truth in the Company of Friends. For over a decade, Provost Alan Christy has embodied these values, leading Cowell through the challenges of the pandemic and ensuring a welcoming and supportive academic community for students.
Join us as we honor Alan’s leadership with the unveiling of his provost banner at the newly renovated Page Smith Library—named for Cowell’s first provost and a reflection of the college’s dedication to knowledge and inquiry. Reconnect with fellow alumni, explore Cowell’s historic spaces—including the Eloise Pickard Smith Gallery and the beloved printing press—and welcome our incoming provost as we celebrate Cowell’s enduring legacy.
Come celebrate the past, present, and future of Cowell College in the company of friends.
Stevenson Alumni Reception
Stevenson Provost House
Join fellow Stevenson alumni for a special gathering at the Stevenson Provost House. Meet current Provost Matt O’Hara and reconnect over memories of sunny afternoons hanging out at the Stevenson Quad, music-filled nights at the Catalyst, Sherry Hours before College Nights, hanging out at the Stevenson Coffeehouse also known as the “Jolly Room” or walking among the redwoods discussing the Core Course and memorable conversations with professors like Glenn Wilson, Bill Domhoff, Michael Warren, Jasper Rose and Murray Baumgarten. Whether reminiscing about old times or catching up on where life has taken us, this is a chance to share stories and rekindle the Stevenson spirit.
Crown Poetry Salon
Crown Provost House
Join the Crown Poetry Club for an inspiring evening of poetry and creativity! Students will share their original work, and guests are welcome to participate or simply enjoy the readings. Celebrate creativity, self-expression, authenticity and community in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Light desserts will be provided.
Histories of Student Activism: A Partnership between Merrill College and the Dolores Huerta Research Center for the Americas
Merrill Provost House
Learn about the ongoing history of student activism at UCSC. Meet in the Merrill College Provost House for refreshments and presentations from current students, including reproductions of historic photos, posters, and images from the “Merrill Moat.” Students working on the Huerta Center’s Histories of Chicanx/Latinx UCSC Student Activism initiative will present some of their research.
College V/Porter Alumni Gathering
Porter Provost House
Join fellow Porter pioneer alumni for a special gathering at the Porter Provost House! Reconnect with old friends, reminisce about grabbing a coffee at the College V Coffee House, showcasing work at the College V Art Faire, reading on the red “wave” with the ocean in the distance, or catching a show at The Catalyst. Meet current Provost Soraya Murray and hear about the college today. Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate Porter’s legacy and its bright future!
Kresge Reunion Gathering
Kresge Provost House
Step back into the Kresge of your college days and reconnect with fellow alumni in an intimate gathering at the Kresge Provost House. Reminisce about late nights in the Kresge Library, waltzing in the Geodesic Dome at Family Student Housing, or deep conversations in a T-group with your kin group and Michael Kahn.
Whether you spent time at the Kresge Co-op/Idler Café, served on the Community Affairs Committee, took Birth of the Poet, participated in nude streaking, or braved the slip-and-slide from College V, this is a chance to revisit the moments that shaped your UCSC experience.
Join us for a casual and meaningful conversation with the current Kresge Provost and reconnect with old friends while making new ones.
Oakes Tea Time
Oakes Provost House
Join us for a special gathering honoring the founding alumni of Oakes College and celebrating their lasting legacy. Established in 1972 with a vision of multicultural community, equality, and empowerment, Oakes has been a beacon for students dedicated to social justice and academic excellence.
Current Provost Xavier Livermon welcomes you to the Oakes Provost House for an afternoon of tea, cookies, and conversation. Reconnect with fellow alumni, reflect on the impact of your time at Oakes, and celebrate the spirit of community that continues to shape the college today.
Sunday, April 27
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Farewell Breakfast
Cowell College Provost House
As the weekend comes to a close, join us for a final view of the Monterey Bay before heading home after a weekend of reconnecting and reminiscing. Chat with new and old friends over brunch and soak in some final rays of joy before heading back to reality.
Thursday, April 11, 2024
5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Virtual Kick-Off
Celebrating Memories and Milestones
Zoom
Come together with your classmates, whether near or far, for this virtual kick-off event. The session will commence with a discussion among staff who witnessed the inception of it all. Following that, you’ll have the opportunity to re-establish connections with your peers, reminisce about your experiences at UCSC, and update us on your endeavors since then!
If you are only able to attend the virtual kick-off event, you may contact us at alumni@ucsc.edu to receive a free promo code before registering.
Friday, April 12, 2024
3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
John Lynch Dedication and the John Dizikes Concert: Opening reception at the Eloise Pickard Smith Gallery
Eloise Pickard Smith Gallery
An Alumni Weekend kick-off event will be held at the Eloise Pickard Smith Gallery to commemorate former Provost John Lynch and celebrate the opening of the current exhibit. The exhibit, Corita: A Sign of Hope, emerges from the connections between the life and work of Corita Kent and “The pursuit of truth in the company of friends,” that defines the ethos of Cowell. In the 1970s, Corita shook up the traditional Catholic institution by drawing attention to social justice issues including hunger, racism, and war through her vibrant pop-art iconography and innovative teaching. Exhibition curators and UCSC alums, Sheilah Lynch and Ziggy Rendler Bregman, worked together to carry forward the significance of Corita’s work in this exhibit. Please join us for a reception that will honor John Lynch and create space to celebrate the role of radical art and teaching at Cowell College.
5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Golden Alumni Reunion Celebration Dinner
Celebrating and honoring our Golden Slug alumni from the classes of 1965-1974
Cowell Hay Barn
The evening will bring us together to remember our history, celebrate what we have done, and enjoy who we are today. Founding faculty and staff on campus during this time will join the festive evening. Chancellor Larive will recognize UCSC’s Golden Slug Alumni for their historical contributions to the university’s foundation, for the path they helped forge for more than 150,000 students, and for their contributions to the university and the world.
Enjoy each other’s company over dinner and libations. There will be music, great conversations, photos from your student days, and a moment to remember classmates. Join this special event as we celebrate you and your part in the first decade of UC Santa Cruz.
Saturday, April 13, 2024
8:30 am – 10:00 am
Continental Breakfast at the Arboretum
Arboretum – Horticulture 2
Start your morning with a stroll through the Arboretum with a cup of coffee in one hand and a donut from Ferrell’s in the other. Other breakfast items will be available to fuel your body for a full day of reconnecting and enjoying campus. Connect with your classmates and pick up your name tag, parking pass, and lunch voucher.
Coffee in the Cowell Courtyard
Cowell College Courtyard
This long-standing tradition of enjoying coffee in the Cowell Courtyard to start the day with friends and a spectacular view continues. Join this informal alumni gathering with coffee and Ferrell’s Donuts.
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Then and Now Rolling Tour of UCSC
Meet in the Cowell Circle
Hop aboard and join Larry Pageler (Crown ’82) on a driving tour of campus to remember campus history, enjoy its architecture, explore what is new, and reminisce about our time as students. After graduation, Larry worked on campus from 1983-2019 and became the Director of Transportation and Parking Services in 1990. He has been deeply involved in the last three Long Range Development Plans and is well versed in campus history. This is a tour not to miss!
Colloquium – Creative Paths: Tales of Unusual Alumni Journeys
Cowell Conference Room
A mix of Cowell and other alumni from the era talk about how they got to where they are (if they’re there yet) and how Cowell and UC Santa Cruz equipped them for one of the most change-filled 50 years in US and world history. We’re still adding to the roster, but Cowell participants include Chris Connery, UCSC professor; Bill Finnegan, Pulitzer Prize-winning writer; Brett Hammond, finance and analytics; Charlie Haas, novelist and screenwriter (possible); Tom Killion, artist, writer, publisher; moderator Don Wallace, writer, journalist and editor; John Woodward, nonprofit leadership; Frank Zwart, master planner and campus architect for 4 decades. Also: Merrill alum Peggy Stein founded Mexico by Hand, a wholesaler/direct sales outlet that sustains Mexican artisan cultures.
If you are interested in joining virtually, email cowlpr@ucsc.edu for more information.
Guided Birding Walk
UCSC Arboretum
Enjoy a gentle, guided birding walk for alumni and students with Stevenson Provost Matt O’Hara at the UCSC Arboretum. A UCSC Naturalist will lead the walk. Come to connect and reconnect as you enjoy the beauty of our campus.
Story Circle: Tales of Merrill College
Charles E. Merrill Lounge
Join Merrill College Provost Aims McGuinness and current students in a storytelling workshop focused on Merrill College—past and present. Participants will learn strategies for effective storytelling, including guidelines for telling and listening. Participants will leave with a well-crafted, concise story (3-5 minutes) and have the opportunity to listen to the stories of current Merrill students and fellow Merrill alumni.
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Enjoy one of these lunch options:
Lunch in one of the dining halls (included with your registration fee):
- Cowell/Stevenson Dining Hall
- Rachel Carson/Oakes Dining Hall
- College 9/John R. Lewis Dining Hall
Food Trucks at the Athletics and Recreation Center (formerly OPERS) are available. Attendees are responsible for this additional cost.
Iveta Cafe, a coffee and sandwich shop is located in Quarry Plaza. Attendees are responsible for this additional cost.
Cowell Alumni Luncheon
Cowell Coffee Shop
Join fellow Cowell alumni and current students for lunch. Chat with the community about life at Cowell during your student days versus student life now.
Crown Alumni Luncheon: Gathering Together
Crown/Merrill Dining Hall
Provost Manel Camps cordially invites the Crown community, past and present, for lunch and conversation to kick off this special day of inspiration, memories, and fellowship.
1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Then and Now Rolling and Walking Tour of UCSC
Meet in the Cowell Circle
Hop aboard and join Larry Pageler (Crown ’82) and Frank Zwart (Cowell ’71) on a driving and walking tour of campus to remember campus history, enjoy its architecture, explore what is new, and reminisce about our time as students. After graduation, Larry worked on campus from 1983-2019 and became the Director of Transportation and Parking Services in 1990. He has been deeply involved in the last three Long Range Development Plans and is well versed in campus history. Frank Zwart, fellow alumnus and campus architect emeritus will be joining the tour. Zwart has been instrumental in making UC Santa Cruz a model of environmental stewardship as campus populations grew and aging buildings required renovation. Through his tenures of seven chancellors, Zwart served as an articulate and committed advocate for the campus’s founding values: site stewardship, thoughtful growth, and design excellence. This is a tour not to miss! This tour will include a few opportunities to leave the bus to walk to pedestrian only access areas on campus including the Quarry amphitheater.
Cowell Then and Now: Nostalgia Need Not Be Indulgent
Page Smith Library
The pursuit of knowledge is the same. The space is still the same. But what has changed about the student experience in these 50+ years? Let’s build bridges of understanding across the decades and see how different or similar it is to be a student of Cowell College. Current Provost Alan Christy will facilitate a conversation with current students and alumni about what is the same and what has evolved with time.
If you are interested in joining virtually, email cowlpr@ucsc.edu for more information.
CROWN-ing Achievements!
Crown/Merrill Dining Hall
Tribute to FIAT LUX-awardees, alumni Lisa Rose, Su Nerton, and Jim Lapsley, for their tireless dedication to Crown College. 2024 Priscilla Parkin Scholarship Awardees will be announced, and Crown students will showcase their diverse talents and interests including CRWN1 videos, Sci-Fi Writing Contest stories, and Crown Poetry Club readings.
West Side Renewal Walking Tour
Meet at Porter College Circle
Join Jolie Kerns, Director of Physical and Environmental Planning, for a walking tour of the new buildings on the west side of campus, including the Kresge residence halls, academic center, and the new dining hall at Rachel Carson College/Oakes. This walking tour is a great opportunity to learn more about the thoughtful renovations that will give students a 21st-century experience amidst the natural beauty of campus.
Oakes Craft and Connect
Oakes College
Join us for a creative activity centered on passing on advice to the newest class of Oakes Grads, led by current Oakes students. The student run garden will also be open for tours at this time.
3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Then and Now Rolling Tour of UCSC
Meet in the Cowell Circle
Hop aboard and join Larry Pageler (Crown ’82) and Frank Zwart (Cowell ’71) on a driving tour of campus to remember campus history, enjoy its architecture, explore what is new, and reminisce about our time as students. After graduation, Larry worked on campus from 1983-2019 and became the Director of Transportation and Parking Services in 1990. He has been deeply involved in the last three Long Range Development Plans and is well versed in campus history. Frank Zwart, fellow alumnus and campus architect emeritus will be joining the tour. Zwart has been instrumental in making UC Santa Cruz a model of environmental stewardship as campus populations grew and aging buildings required renovation. Through his tenures of seven chancellors, Zwart served as an articulate and committed advocate for the campus’s founding values: site stewardship, thoughtful growth, and design excellence. This is a tour not to miss!
Trying to do the impossible – What the next ten years look like
Page Smith Library
Join us for a facilitated conversation in the spirit of Cowell College, “The pursuit of truth, in the company of friends.” We will focus our discussion on what the next ten years of our lives will look like. The event would conclude with libations and small bites.
If you are interested in joining virtually, email cowlpr@ucsc.edu for more information.
Stevenson Reception
Stevenson Provost House
Stevensonians are invited to come by, check out the Provost House, and say hi to Provost Matt O’Hara. We will honor our alumni celebrating their 50th plus reunion milestone providing an opportunity for alumni to reconnect and reminisce about the impact UCSC had on their lives. Please join us for good conversation and afternoon refreshments.
Crown College: Then and Now
Crown/Merrill Dining Hall
Crown Remembers Dr. Thimann: Dr. Kenneth V. Thimann was the Founding Provost of Crown College when the Class of 1974 arrived in Fall 1970. Class of ‘74, do you remember him speaking to us? Inspiring us? Let his memory join us as we look at photos from that time and listen to Dr. Thimann once again via recordings from UCSC Special Collections. Please join us in sharing your remembrances and thoughts on how this remarkable man influenced you.
Crown Celebrates teaching with Tim Fitzmaurice: Treat yourself to an amazing afternoon led by one of Crown College’s most admired lecturers for 40+ years, Tim Fitzmaurice! This special event “About Creativity: Bronowsky, William Blake, and bell hooks” will explore the interface between science, ethics and imagination as they relate to freedom. Tim will lead us through this journey of both being present and taking risks via conversations, songs, and more.
Merrill Alumni Reception
Merrill Provost House
Meet Merrill College Provost Aims McGuinness and connect with fellow alumni while enjoying the familiar comfort of the Merrill Provost House. This intimate gathering will include refreshments to enjoy while reconnecting with Merrill College.
Porter, Kresge, Rachel Carson, College Nine, and John R. Lewis Alumni Reception
Porter Koi Pond
Reminisce about your days on campus and reconnect with a place you once called home. Join us for libations, small bites and conversation. Meet current Provosts to learn about college life today. Wander into the Sesnon Art Gallery located above the Koi Pond for an opportunity to preview a new art exhibit highlighting the work of current MFA students.
Oakes Alumni Reception
J. Herman Blake Provost House
Mingle with the Oakes Provost, Marcia Ochoa and reminisce with fellow alums over with light refreshments and stunning views.
Sunday, April 14, 2024
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Farewell Brunch
Cowell Courtyard
As the weekend comes to a close, join us for a final view of the Monterey Bay before heading home after a weekend of reconnecting and reminiscing. Chat with new and old friends over brunch and soak in some final rays of joy before heading back to reality.
Additional things to check out on campus
UC Santa Cruz Arboretum
Free admission Friday-Sunday
Enjoy the fresh air and a relaxing stroll through the UCSC Arboretum and Botanic Garden, home to an extensive collection of plants from Mediterranean climates including South Africa, Australia, and the central coast of California. While perusing the gardens, enjoy watching the native wildlife in their natural habitat.
Alumni will receive free admission for the weekend including complimentary parking in our Visitor Parking lot. During your visit, please check in at Norrie’s Gift and Garden Shop where you can also purchase one-of-a-kind gifts and Arboretum-cultivated plants for your home garden. All proceeds support the ongoing maintenance of the Arboretum & Botanic Garden. Arboretum is open from 9 am-5 pm and Norrie’s Gift Shop is open from 10 am-4 pm.
UC Santa Cruz Bookstore
20% discount on apparel and gift items
Peruse through the bookstore and check out a large selection of UC Santa Cruz merchandise. Pick up new UCSC gear to carry the spirit of your alma mater back home with you after the weekend in the redwoods.
The Bookstore will offer a 20% discount on apparel and gift items on Saturday, April 13. They will be open from 10 am-5 pm.
Campus Farm & Alan Chadwick Garden
Open daily from 8am – 6pm for self-guided tours
On the UC Santa Cruz campus, the Center for Agroecology manages the UCSC Farm and the Alan Chadwick Garden, both internationally known sites for training and research in organic horticulture and agriculture. These facilities are organically certified in accordance with the California Organic Foods Act of 1990. Students, faculty, and researchers use both the Farm and Garden as research and teaching sites.
Both the Chadwick Garden are open to the public daily from 8 am to 6 pm, with a self-guided tour brochure available at the Farm entrances. You can also download a pdf version of the tour brochure here.
The crops grown at the Farm and Garden support our programming and feed students in need. Please do not harvest anything while you visit without permission from farm staff.