Highlights From Dickinson’s 2026 Alumni Weekend
Photo by Joe O'Neill.
video by Stephen Munchel
Alumni celebrate milestones, traditions, community during three-day event
Whether you prefer a laid-back itinerary with select friends or a whirlwind adventure chock-full of outings, get-togethers, classes, demonstrations and more, Dickinson’s 2026 Alumni Weekend had your back. The weekend included a wide array of events that brought Dickinsonians together to reminisce, learn, celebrate and connect.
Photo by Dan Loh.
Honoring milestones and distinguished alums
As alumni joined together to celebrate class anniversaries and longtime friendships, they also marked a special milestone for Dickinson's global programs.
President John Jones III '77, P'11, led a toast marking 60 years since the launch of the Dickinson's study-abroad and global education programs. A Celebration Dinner on Morgan Field featured dishes from countries hosting Dickinson programs. And on Saturday, alumni and faculty from the Bologna, Málaga, Toulouse and Bremen programs—all celebrating anniversaries this year—gathered to share photos, memories and culinary delights.
Dickinsonians from near and far also honored this year’s Alumni Award-winners. Albert Alley '60 and Mary D. Glasspool '76 received the Community Impact Award, Anthony Bush '11 was bestowed the Outstanding Young Alumni Award, Komozi Woodard '71 earned the Professional Achievement Award, and Mark Burgess '81, the Walter E. Beach Award for Distinguished Service to the College.
And Saturday night they even gathered to celebrate one alum who couldn't make it back to campus for the weekend. As New York Knicks President Leon Rose '83 led the Knicks to an NBA title for the first time in more than 50 years, alumni packed the HUB Social Hall, erupting in chants, cheers and even an impromtu rendition of "New York, New York."
Alumni gathered for New York Knicks a watch party Saturday night to celebrate Leon Rose '83, the team's president of basketball operations, as he led them to the NBA title. Photo by Matt Getty.
Shared interests and experiences
Shared experiences and interests brought alumni together throughout the weekend. While former study-abroad students reminisced during anniversary-themed events, alumni members of Greek organizations and honor societies attended dedicated gatherings. Former Dickinson tour guides also joined in the fun, recounting "Lib Cap" anecdotes and memories.
Sports fans united during a spirited World Cup watch party, and active alumni joined in a 5K fun run and walk, a group hike and bicycle ride and the annual McAndrews golf tournament. They also took a guided tour of The Bower, the native plant landscape and sculpture park created by Jane '73 and Bill Allis '75, and joined in pickup pickleball games and yoga.
President Jones and President Emeritus Bill Durden '71 discuss leadership and Dickinson history during an Old West Society Lunch and Learn event.
An Old West Society Lunch and Learn event brought together Dickinson past and present, with President Jones and President Emeritus Bill Durden '71 discussing leadership and Dickinson history, followed by a guided tour of the rare books housed in the Archives & Special Collections for Old West Society members. John Dickinson Society members also enjoyed a conversation on the global economy with President Jones, Tom Kalaris '76 and Mark Burgess '81, the founder of Dickinson's Burgess Institute for the Global Economy.
The popular Farm-to-Table Lunch in Boiling Springs, Pa., once again drew a sold-out crowd of foodies and College Farm fans. The event dished up lessons about renewable energy and sustainable agriculture along with delectable organic fare.
Lifelong learning
Professor of History and Pohanka Chair in American Civil War History Matthew Pinsker leads a discussion of his new book, Boss Lincoln: The Partisan Life of Abraham Lincoln, during one of the weekend’s many lifelong learning Alumni Academy events.
Back in Carlisle, the learning continued. History buffs got a head start on America’s 250th-birthday celebrations through themed exhibitions and a demonstration of American music by David '79 and Ginger Hildebrand '83. They also attended a book reading by Professor of History & Pohanka Chair in American Civil War History Matthew Pinsker and took in a student-curated exhibit on women’s experiences at Dickinson.
Assistant Professor of Chemistry Olivia Wilkins '15 discussed astrochemistry and current student research. Amanda Cheromiah, executive director of the Jim Thorpe Center for the Futures of Native Peoples, illuminated the living histories of the Carlisle Indian Industrial School. Associate Professor of Environmental Studies Maggie Douglas invited the children of alumni to an interactive session about bugs.
College-bound high-schoolers and their families attended an informational session to help them prepare for their experiences ahead, and the class of 1971 presented a panel on thriving into our 70s, 90s and beyond.
Music and champagne
Following long-held traditions, the weekend included several live performances. Alumni of the Men's Glee Club and Octals performed traditional college tunes. Possum Kingdom, fronted by Paul Magers '86, brought a contemporary sound to the mix. Bump City, a regional R&B/soul group, headlined the old-fashioned IFC Quad Party, and local band Downtown Sound kept alumni on the dance floor late into Saturday night.
The weekend wound down Sunday morning with a champagne brunch on Britton Plaza, as alumni bid farewell until next year. Dickinson's 2027 Alumni Weekend will be held June 11-13.
Curious about the history and traditions of Alumni Weekend? Check out "Alumni Weekend: Then & Now."
Photo by Joe O'Neill.
TAKE THE NEXT STEPS
Published June 12, 2026