Reunion at Commencement
May 14 | 8:00 am – May 16 | 5:00 pm
Event Series
Reunion at Commencement
Thursday, May 14 – Saturday, May 16
Celebrating the Law Classes of 1976, 1971, 1966, 1961, 1956, and 1951
Law alumni celebrating their 50th reunion and Golden Bears (65th-75th reunions) are invited back to campus for a special Reunion at Commencement celebration. Discover more about the weekend events, stay up to date with news from your classmates, contribute to your reunion class gift, and learn how you can help make the reunion weekend a success below.
50th Reunion at Commencement Weekend Schedule – coming soon
- Registration will open early 2026!
- More information and a schedule of events to come!
Thursday, May 14, 2026
1:00 – 2:00 PM – Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum Tour
Location: Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum
Cost: Free
Tour the Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum with a student-educator and enjoy an in-depth exploration of several works from the museum’s renowned permanent collection. Participants will engage with one another in group discussions throughout the tour and are encouraged to explore the special exhibitions before or after the tour.
Capacity is limited. Advanced registration recommended.
2:00 – 3:30 PM – Danforth Campus Tour
Location: Tour begins and ends outside Bauer Hall in front of Mudd Field
Cost: Free
From the new construction on the east end to renovations in Mallinckrodt, you and your classmates will explore the next chapter of your beloved WashU campus during this tour led by a WashU staff member. Relive a bit of your college experience while celebrating the milestones of the next generation.
Capacity is limited. Advanced registration is recommended.
4:00 – 9:00 PM – 50th Reunion Medallion Ceremony and Reception
Location: Knight and Bauer Hall-Emerson Auditorium and 3rd floor atrium
Cost: Free
The Class of 1976 will be honored at this memorable event led by Chancellor Andrew D. Martin. Celebrants will participate in a meaningful ceremony and receive a keepsake 50th reunion medallion. Family members and guests are welcome to join in this special, not-to-be-missed occasion.
4:00 PM | Registration
5:00 PM | Medallion Ceremony in Emerson Auditorium
5:45 PM | Cocktails and class photo in Frick Forum
6:30 PM | Dinner and Music – 3rd floor atrium
Capacity is limited. Advanced registration recommended.
Friday, May 15, 2026
12:00 – 2:00 PM – Law Commencement *
Location: Athletic Complex, Field House
Cost: Free
Attend the Law Commencement ceremony and join the Law class of 2026 in celebrating their accomplishments. The Law class of 1976 will have the honor of leading the processional of soon-to-be graduates as they embark on their next chapter.
4:00 – 5:00 PM – Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum Tour
Location: Mildren Lane Kemper Art Museum
Cost: Free
Tour the Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum with a student-educator and enjoy an in-depth exploration of several works from the museum’s renowned permanent collection. Participants will engage with one another in group discussions throughout the tour and are encouraged to explore the special exhibitions before or after the tour.
Capacity is limited. Advanced registration recommended.
6:00 – 9:00 PM – History Bears Repeating: WashU, St. Louis, and the history that binds them together
Location: Missouri History Museum
Cost: $30
The history of WashU and St. Louis comes together in one evening of learning at the Missouri History Museum. Located in beautiful Forest Park, the Missouri History Museum is an impeccable combination of architectural beauty, modern amenities, and historic significance.
5:45 PM | Shuttle departs at Brookings Loop
6:00 PM | Cocktail reception
6:30 PM | Talk by a history professor in Lee Auditorium
7:30 PM | Dinner in the Grand Hall
8:00 PM | Exhibits open for exploration
9:00 PM | Event concludes
Complimentary valet or self-park options are available at the Missouri History Museum [MHM]. Shuttle transportation is available from WashU to MHM, leaving promptly at 5:45 PM
Saturday, May 16, 2026
9:00 – 10:30 AM -Reframing Aging: Changing the Story We Tell
Location: Brown Lounge, Brown Hall
Cost: Free
Dr. Nancy Morrow-Howell, Co-Director of the Harvey A. Friedman Center for Aging at the Brown School, invites us to rethink the conversation around growing older. By “reframing aging,” we can challenge stereotypes, promote positive aging, and highlight the valuable contributions of older adults.
This event is sponsored by the Harvey A. Friedman Center for Aging at WashU Brown School.
9:30 – 11:00 AM – Greek Life Reception
Location: Women’s Building Formal Lounge
Cost: Free
Reconnect with fellow members of your Greek community (Sorority & Fraternity Life) during reunion weekend! Sororities and fraternities have played an important role for undergraduate students at WashU for more than 100 years, fostering friendships, networks, a strong sense of service, and lifelong bonds. During this reception, visit with old friends and share stories from your time on campus while enjoying refreshments and beverages.
11:00 AM – 1:00 PM – Chancellor’s Luncheon
Location: Crowder Courtyard, Anheuser-Busch Hall
Cost: $30
Enjoy a luncheon hosted by Andrew D. Martin, WashU’s 15th chancellor. The chancellor will share an exclusive university update and offer a toast to all reunion celebrants and emeritus alumni. Bear Necessities will be on-site, selling WashU apparel and swag.
11:00 AM | Cocktails and connections
11:30 AM | Luncheon begins
12:00 PM | University update and toast with Chancellor Martin
1:00 PM | Luncheon concludes
1:30 – 3:00 PM – Danforth Campus Tour
Location: Tour starts and ends outside Bauer Hall in front of Mudd Field
Cost: Free
From the new construction on the east end to renovations in Mallinckrodt, you and your classmates will explore the next chapter of your beloved WashU campus during this tour led by a WashU staff member. Relive a bit of your college experience while celebrating the milestones of the next generation.
Capacity is limited. Advanced registration is recommended.
1:30 – 3:30 PM – Athletics and Recreation Welcome
Location: Athletic Complex, Hall of Champions
Cost: Free
Visit the Department of Athletics and Recreation to meet some of our current scholar-champions and coaches. Tour our new state-of-the-art facilities, embedded in the heart of the spaces you remember from your time at WashU!
Reception: 1:30 – 2:00 PM
Brief remarks: 2:00 – 2:15 PM
Facilities tour group 1 departs: 2:15 – 3:15 PM
Facilities tour group 2 departs: 2:30 – 3:30 PM
1:30 – 3:30 PM – ResLife Reunion
Location: TBD
Cost: Free
Welcome home! Return to the South 40 to visit some of our new spaces, as well as those you remember from your time as a student. Meet the ResLife team, and some of our current resident advisors and Congress of the South 40 leaders.
1:30 – 3:30 PM – Campus Life, Student Clubs and Organizations Reception
Location: Campus Life Office, Danforth University Center, Room 160
Cost: Free
Reunite with classmates that participated in sorority/fraternity life, Student Union, and other student clubs and organizations. Meet with current students and Campus Life staff members to hear about social life on campus and share your memories with the Campus Life team.
2:30 – 4:30 PM – Blues in the Afternoon presented by the WashU Black Alumni Council
Location: Holmes Lounge, Ridgley Hall
Cost: Free
Join the WashU Black Alumni Council for a relaxed, come-as-you-are reception during reunion and Commencement Weekend. We’ll gather over light bites, refreshing drinks, and live music — creating space to reconnect amid a busy weekend. All members of the WashU community are welcome. Stop by and stay awhile.
Capacity is limited. Advanced registration recommended.
3:00 – 4:00 PM – Art on Campus Tour
Location: Tour starts at the Florence Steinberg Weil Sculpture Garden in front of the north entrance to Weil Hall
Cost: Free
Put on your walking shoes and join us for a tour of Danforth Campus artwork, installed as part of the Art on Campus program. The tour begins at the Florence Steinberg Weil Sculpture Garden in front of the north entrance to Weil Hall and includes stops at Bauer Hall, Sumers Recreation Center, and Hillman Hall to see works by acclaimed contemporary artists Jaume Plensa, Katharina Grosse, Ann Hamilton, Ayse Erkmen, Iñigo Manglano-Ovalle, and Dan Graham.
Capacity is limited. Advanced registration recommended.
Hotel Accommodations
Each year the Alumni Association arranges blocked rooms at several area hotels. Use the provided link to reserve rooms or call the hotel directly and mention WashU Reunion to get discounted rates.
The Chase Park Plaza Royal Sonesta St. Louis
212 N. Kingshighway Blvd.
St. Louis, MO 63108
314-633-3000
Rate per night (discounted rate available until April 17):
$259
Courtyard St. Louis Brentwood
8101 Dale Ave.
Richmond Heights, MO 63117
314-647-2998
Rate per night (discounted rate available until April 17):
$289
Residence Inn Clayton
8125 Forsyth Blvd
Clayton, MO 63105
844-631-0597
Rate per night (discounted rate available until April 22):
$309, $329
Note: No cancellation after April 29
AC Clayton
227 South Central Ave
Clayton, MO, 63105
314-492-9556
Rate per night (discounted rate available until April 17):
$359
