Reunions Central
8 a.m.–5 p.m. Prexy House
When you arrive on campus, please come to Reunions Central in Prexy and pick up your registration materials, event tickets, and dorm keys.
A wristband is required for all guests on campus for the weekend. It indicates to staff, students, and Campus Safety that you have registered and are attending Reunions.
Breakfast
8–9:30 a.m., Commons
Bon Appetit brings made-from-scratch restaurant style dining to Reed College, with a commitment to quality, innovation, social responsibility, and customer satisfaction.
*Pay on your own
Sports Center Open
8 a.m.–noon, Sports Center
Come check out the new Sports Center where you can swim, work out, or take a sauna!
Retirement: Boon or Trap? with Dr. Don Asher '82
9–10:30 a.m., PAB 320
Where are you getting your information about retirement planning? The retirement industry controls over $37 trillion (trillion with a “t”) in funds, and employs over one million mostly highly-paid professionals. This massive industry floods all media with a vision of retirement that requires their existence: the permanent vacation. What if that’s not right for you? What if you want or need another version? This talk is about theories of late-career and post-career human development, meaning making, planning for the time of retirement (a third half of life), and that subset of humans who love work over leisure. There is definitely more than one right answer. Whether you’re young and thinking long-term or getting closer to traditional retirement ages—or even in the midst of retirement itself—this talk can help you think more richly about your options and your plans. Based on Dr. Don Asher’s recent dissertation “You Can Only Play so Much Golf”: The Retirement Experiences of People Who Really Love Their Work and ongoing research.
Bookstore Open
9 a.m.–midnight, basement of Gray Campus Center
Got old Reed clothing you no longer wear? The Reed Bookstore is looking for gently worn Reed logoed clothing! In exchange, you'll receive a 15% off coupon good towards your next piece of Reed clothing. Reach out to bookstore@reed.edu with any questions about this new program.
Faculty Lecture with Dr. Juniper Harrower, Assistant Professor, Studio Art: Ecologies of Care
10 a.m.–11 a.m., Vollum Lecture Hall
Dr. Juniper Harrower’s research focuses on multispecies entanglements under climate change. Drawing from ecology, visual art, and the environmental humanities, she considers the ways that humans influence ecosystems while seeking solutions that protect at-risk species and center environmental justice. Her talk Ecologies of Care, weaves scientific research with an artistic practice to address the unfolding environmental impacts of human actions. She will share stories from her recent field trip with Reed students to the Mojave Desert, as well as research from her book Desert Forest: Life with Joshua Trees, a comprehensive collection of essays and imagery that illuminates our deeply embedded relationships with the Joshua tree. Following the trails of beneficial plant kinships as well as the damage done by ongoing extractions, her work illuminates desert cosmologies through this unique icon, hoping to bring us closer to the being that is Joshua tree.
Calligraphy Wishing Tree with Gregory MacNaughton ’89 and Su Liu ’13 sponsored by the Class of ’75
10 a.m.–12 p.m., Trilium Multipurpose Room
Calligraph a touching tribute to classmates who are no longer with us. Participants will have the option to hang their well wishes and fond memories on a "wishing tree" for all to share and remember. Open to all classes. Facilitated by Gregory MacNaughton ’89 and Su Liu ’13, and sponsored by the Class of '75.
500 Years of Italic Handwriting with Gregory MacNaughton ’89
10 a.m.–12 p.m., Trilium Multipurpose Room
Scriptorium is Reed's weekly calligraphy and paleography workshop, open to all members of the Reed community. All materials will be provided.
All Class Reedie Memorial Space
10 a.m.–3 p.m., Chapel
Come to the Chapel to remember dearly departed Reedies. You're welcome to bring flowers, photos, notes, and mementos. This memorial will be mostly open and unstructured, but there will be alumni spiritual leaders present and opportunities to say a few words.
The All-Subject, All-Purpose, All-in-One Humanities Lecture
10:30–11:30 a.m., PAB 320
Presented by Professor Mateo J. Burtch, Ph.D., DDS, RCMP
Would you believe that a single Humanities lecture can not only make you smarter, but happier, healthier, richer, more attractive, taller, and less prone to fungal infections? Crazy, you say? Too good to be true? Well, Mr. and Ms. Reedie, believe it, because the All-Purpose, All-in-One Humanities lecture can do that—and more! This one-stop journey through every Reed major, from history to biology to religion to music and beyond, covers all the knowledge you’ll ever need to be the confident, magnetic winner you’ve always wanted to be. Never again be embarrassed by confusing the Seleucid Empire with the Achaemenid Empire. Never again stop recounting the Planck Constant at two decimal places. Never again wonder whether Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics contained a section on bathtub grouting. Never wonder if mesons are edible. Instead, impress your friends at parties with exciting facts about partial differential equations, and learn how to make a papier-mâché diorama depicting the Oedipal complex. Stop regretting all the Hum lectures you slept through — we’re so sure that you’ll love the All-Purpose Humanities Lecture that we promise you a FREE sandwich of your choice if you’re not 100% satisfied. [Offer void in the United States and other countries.]
Admissions Tour
10:30–11:30 a.m., Admission Office in Eliot Hall
Join a current Reed student tour guide to revisit your favorite locations on campus including the Thesis Tower and the newly renovated Aubrey R. Watzek Sports Center.
Reactor Tour
11 a.m.–noon, Chemistry Patio, Sign up at Prexy
Tour Reed's nuclear reactor, the only nuclear reactor in the nation operated primarily by undergraduates. Licensed students use it for thesis projects and to increase their understanding of radiation and radioactivity.
Diversity and Inclusion Committee Brunch
11 a.m.–12:30 p.m., Vollum Lounge
Join the Diversity and Inclusion Committee of the Alumni Board and the Identity-Based Affinity Networks* for brunch.
*The three Identity-Based Affinity Networks welcome all alumni who self-identify as first-generation college students, alumni of color, and/or LGBTQIA2S+ alumni.
World Wide Knit in Public!
11 a.m.–1 p.m., Quad
It's World Wide Knit in Public Day! Bring your own project and come knit with us, or join us with any other fiber art you like. Or, come and I will teach you to knit, or crochet, or generally noodle around with yarn! Some needles and yarn will be provided, so stop by and say hi!
Reed Rugby 50th Anniversary Celebration & Game
11 a.m.–1 p.m., Rugby Field
Dust off your cleats to ruck, maul and celebrate fifty years of rugby at Reed. Join us romping around the rugby field as ageless wonders and then help clarify tall tales and legends of the past. Touch rugby included. If you can make it please let us know.
Tree Climbing
11 a.m.–2 p.m., PAB Front Lawn
Let your inner child loose and climb a tree on campus. Please note: harnesses are available. Say hi to the squirrels while you’re up there!
Are We Doomed? What Trump 2.0 Means for the Future of the American Republic with Flavia Bortoleto ’17, Laura Jedeed ’19, and Sandeep Kaushik ’89
11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m., Vollum Lecture Hall
Join us for a candid panel discussion with Reed political experts Flavia Bortoleto ’17 (Head of Advertising Strategy, Winning Mark), Laura Jedeed ’19 (Freelance Journalist), and Sandeep Kaushik ’89 (Partner, Sound View Strategies) to dissect the first months of the new Trump administration.
We'll analyze why Trump won, and probe what these early days of the administration tell us about the state of our politics and the future of our democratic institutions. We'll consider what to expect going forward and how you can make a difference.
Foster-Scholz Annual Luncheon
11:30 a.m.–1 p.m., Kaul Auditorium
Alumni whose graduation year is 1985 or earlier (and their partners and friends) are invited to join us in honoring this year's retiring faculty and alumni volunteers for their dedicated service to Reed at the Foster-Scholz annual luncheon and awards cermony. The Luncheon will feature a keynote speech on interdisciplinary majors at Reed College by Suzy Renn, Associate Dean of the Faculty and Roger M. Perlmutter Professor of Biology.
Presentation of the Distinguished Service Award to Don Asher ’83, Mateo Burtch ’82, Peggy Hill Noto ’75, and Richard Wollenberg ’75.
* Meal ticket must be pre-purchased when you register
Hot Turkey Sandwich Picnic Lunch
11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m., Commons
Bon Appetit brings made-from-scratch restaurant style dining to Reed College, with a commitment to quality, innovation, social responsibility, and customer satisfaction.
* Meal ticket must be pre-purchased when you register
Reedie Mom's Hangout
Noon–2 p.m., Great Lawn (near Sally Port)
Meet up in meat space with the Reed Moms! Are you a mom but not part of the online group? Join us anyway! Bring your lunch and your kids, we'll be near the carnival!
Carnival
Noon–3 p.m., Great Lawn (near Sally Port)
Enjoy this event with lawn games, carnival games, a bounce house, face painters and more! Don't miss out on this Reedie Reunions tradition!
Library Hours
Noon–4 p.m., Library
See what's new and find your thesis!
Class Photos
1–2(ish) p.m., East PAB staircase (look for the signs!)
Gather with your classmates for Class Photos!
Class of 2020 - 1:00 p.m.
Class of 2015 - 1:05 p.m.
Class of 2010 - 1:10 p.m.
Class of 2005 - 1:15 p.m.
Class of 2000 - 1:20 p.m.
Class of 1995 - 1:25 p.m.
Class of 1990 - 1:30 p.m.
Class of 1985 - 1:35 p.m.
Class of 1980 - 1:40 p.m.
Class of 1975 - 1:45 p.m.
Class of 1970 - 1:50 p.m.
Class of 1965 - 1:55 p.m.
Class of 1960 - 2:00 p.m.
MAT/MALS - 2:05 p.m.
All-Class Parade
2:15 p.m, beginning at Ladd Dorm, West Entrance
Art Exhibit: Two Reed Women: Lucinda Parker ’66 and Candy Russo ’67
2–4 p.m., Vollum Lounge
Sewing and Swearing
2–4 p.m., PAB 104
Do you do some form of needlework? Do you find yourself swearing a lot while doing needlework? Bring your needlework, your filthy mouth, and maybe some snacks or wine or whatever and join us while we stab things with needles and curse a bunch.
All for Reed Donor & Volunteer Reception*
2:30–4 p.m., Performing Arts Building
A special reception and thank you for everyone who donated to Reed during the 2024-2025 academic year with a special thank you from President Audrey Bilger.
*by invitation only
Sewing & Swearing
2–4 p.m., PAB 104
Do you do some form of needlework? Do you find yourself swearing a lot while doing needlework? Bring your needlework, your filthy mouth, and maybe some snacks or wine or whatever, and join us while we stab things with needles and curse a bunch.
All Class Memorial Service
3–4 p.m., Eliot Hall Chapel
Come to the Chapel to remember dearly departed Reedies. We will be hosting a non-denominational service from 3–4pm with 30 minutes of planned program, and 30 minutes of open time for attendees to share their words. Alumni spiritual leaders will be present during the service and throughout the day.
OutWright Play
3–5 p.m., PAB Black Box Theater
Assassins is a musical with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and a book by John Weidman, based on an original concept by Charles Gilbert Jr.
Using the framing device of an all-American, yet sinister, carnival game, the semi-revue portrays a group of historical figures who attempted (successfully or not) to assassinate Presidents of the United States, and explores what their presence in American history says about the ideals of their country. The score is written to reflect both popular music of the various depicted eras and a broader tradition of "patriotic" American music.
"Motherly Love - The Life and Music of Frank Zappa"
with Dr. Demento
4–5 p.m., PAB 320
Frank Zappa was possibly the most intelligent person ever to make popular music. Thirty-one years after his death, his music hasn't aged a day. We'll hear some of his best songs, and hear what he had to say about music, politics and morality on the Dr. Demento Show.
The Geology of Reed and Eastside Portland: Earthquakes, Volcanos and Catastrophic Floods
4–5 p.m., Eliot 314
The serene Portland landscape surrounding the Reed campus has been shaped by catastrophic geological events, torrential floods of ice and lava, and eruptions of neighborhood volcanos. The presentation will explore how this geology is visible to us today and how it has shaped the history of Portland and the college.
Hum 110 Presentation with Nigel Nicholson
4–5 p.m., Vollum Lecture Hall
Nigel Nicholson, former dean of the faculty and member of the Hum 110 Committee, will talk through the creation of the current Hum 110 syllabus and explore your experiences with the Hum 110 Alumni Book Club this year.
Hum 110 Book Club Conference
5–6 p.m., Vollum Classrooms
Join up with your peers from the Hum 110 Alumni Book Club to host an in-person conference, in a classroom on campus!
Building Community in an Uncertain World
5–6 p.m., Vollum Lounge
Following the panel discussion on the political climate, come join other alumni to talk about what we can do to bring Reedies together and support each other in the rapidly changing social and political environment. Whether you're an experienced organizer or you just want to talk about What Do We Do Now, come gather with other alumni to discuss your ideas and goals. Now, more than ever, the extended Reed community is an important bulwark. Sharing information, skills, and sanity will be critical. In this moment, we ask all alumni to commit to doing at least one thing to bring themselves closer to other Reedies. You've already done something by coming to Reunions; come discuss what else you would like to do!
Dinner
6–7:30 p.m., Commons
Bon Appetit brings made-from-scratch restaurant style dining to Reed College, with a commitment to quality, innovation, social responsibility, and customer satisfaction.
*Meal ticket must be pre-purchased when you register
Reunions Bar
6 p.m.–1 a.m., Quad
Alumni Talent Show
7–9 p.m., Student Union Sign up at Prexy
Do you sing in the shower? Knit in the shower? Read your original poetry in the shower? Do you even shower? Get out from under the faucet and up on stage and show off your artistic abilities. Sing or play a song; read embarrassing entries from your high school diary; recite the first line of The Iliad in ancient Greek; dance; tell a story; juggle flaming kitchen knives; whatever. Actually, forget the flaming knives. Grab your five minutes of fame! (Andy Warhol was a bit optimistic.) Or just come watch, as every year the Talent Show features an array of amazing performers, and this year will be the same. Sign up in Prexy or at the show. Seriously, no flaming knives.
Pool Hall Open
8 p.m.–3 a.m., Pool Hall
Join your fellow Reedies and reminisce in the Pool Hall! Organize a tournament or play a relaxed game of 8 ball.
Meat Smoke Surprise!
8:30–9:30 p.m., Great Lawn
Head back to the quad for savory treats thanks to Meat Smoke!
Laser Light Show Extravaganza
9:30–10:30 p.m., Great Lawn
Spread out across the front lawn for an electric and flammable experience you won't forget!
Stop Making Sense LIVE!
10:15 p.m.–1 a.m., Student Union
Dance the night away at Stop Making Sense LIVE! Live band followed by the movie!
Check the schedule often, events are added every day!