A Welcome Return: Highlights From Alumni Weekend 2022

Alumni Weekend video image

Alumni Weekend video image

video by Doug Legore

College welcomes alumni to campus for a traditional annual event

by MaryAlice Bitts-Jackson

After two years of remote celebrations, alumni from near and far have been eager to return to campus and connect in person once again. That wish was granted this weekend, as more than 1,100 alumni traveled to Carlisle to attend Dickinson’s 40th-anniversary Alumni Weekend celebration.

The festivities began with livestreamed discussions and remote gatherings at the start of the week and kicked into full gear with a Friday evening Welcome Reception hosted by President John E. Jones III ’77, P’11. “It’s a pleasure and an honor to welcome you back to campus this weekend,” said Jones, who has attended many Alumni Weekends since his own graduation day and marked his first Alumni Weekend as the college’s president. “Our team has worked hard to make this both memorable and great fun, and I look forward to engaging with all of my fellow alums.”

The Historic President’s House was abuzz with activity during a Saturday-afternoon open house. Visitors toured the residence, built in 1833, and learned about the college’s plans to renovate it into a forward-looking, multipurpose Alumni & Family Center.

Saturday's class and club gatherings brought Dickinsonians with like interests and experiences together to connect and reminisce, and campus tours, a livestreamed State of the College address and departmental events updated alumni on what’s happening on campus today. The dance party with alumni band Bradley remained a popular draw too, along with the traditional Alumni Awards ceremony and the McAndrews Fund for Athletics golf tournament.

Many attendees celebrated Dickinson accomplishments—and learned something new—during informal talks, workshops and special events led by alumni experts. And as in the past, the bike ride to and lunch at the College Farm, where several exciting projects are now under way, was a sold-out hit. 

The final day of the weekend began with a tree dedication and memorial service, commemorating those we have lost. The event concluded on a festive note, as alumni raised a glass during the well-loved champagne brunch.

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Published June 8, 2022