WWU Homecoming 2026: Schedule of Events
Friday, April 24
Registration 8 – 10:45 a.m. | 12:15 – 4 p.m.
Havstad Alumni Center
Stop by and check-in for the weekend festivities. Pick up your name tag and chat with our alumni team members.
50-Year Reunion Breakfast / $15* 8:30 a.m.
Kellogg Hall, Alaska Room
Enjoy breakfast with fellow members of the class of ’76 and help select the 50-Year Reunion Class Gift.
(Registration required. Register at wallawalla.edu/homecoming. *This event is complimentary to members of the Class of ’76.)
Ad Building Belfry Signing 9 – 10:30 a.m. |12:30 – 4 p.m.
4th Floor, Administration Building
Student Success Center Open House 9 – 10:50 a.m.
Kretschmar Hall, Rooms 213-214
Stop by and visit with staff and mentors. Learn about the programs offered by the Student Success Center, which help students build the skills and habits required to succeed academically and personally. The Mentor Program draws former faculty and staff and professionals in the community to work with first-year students. Mentors offer support and guidance on balancing students’ academic, spiritual, and social life. Probation Mentoring works with students on academic probation, and Intensive Outreach offers early intervention when faculty identify academic at-risk students.
Awards Celebration 11 a.m.
University Church, Sanctuary
Enjoy this special program highlighting WWU student, faculty, and alumni achievements. Student scholarships for 2026-27 will be celebrated; faculty and staff awards will be presented; and 2026 Alumni of the Year will be honored: Betty Duncan ’66, David Bullock ’76, Randy Croft ’91, and Ryan Mowat ’91.
Seminar: “A Childhood Dream: Creating Sustainable Hydroelectric Energy” 1 p.m.
Chan Sun Pavilion 154
Ryan Mowat ’91 Engineering and a 2026 WWU Alumni of the Year honoree
Ryan shares his journey of building a private hydroelectric plant in British Columbia, from inspiration to the nuts and bolts to the final realization of the dream--and all the hiccups in between. It is a remarkable story that explores the marriage of vision and ingenuity.
Seminar: Ties That Bind Us: Rosario Beach Memories 2 p.m.
Rigby Hall 112
Professor Emeritus of Biology, Joe Galusha
Come and hear stories about the good ol’ days at Rosario from someone who has spent 51 consecutive summers there. Remember where we ate and slept, learned and made lifelong friends. See lots of pictures of how things were.
Seminar: “Looking in a Mirror: Fake News, Propaganda, Conspiracy Theories, and Divisive Politics in 17th Century England” 2 p.m.
Peterson Memorial Library Reference Room
Gregory Dodds ‘97, Chair and Professor of History & Chair, Humanities and Multidisciplinary Studies
Professor Gregory Dodds will present the Landeen Lecture 2026. He will be discussing his soon-to-be-published new book: Vox Populi: The Idea and Meaning of "The People" in Restoration England. Like today, angry political parties demonized each other and spread fear through an increasingly fractured society. Many people, at that time, believed they had to make a choice between security and freedom. It’s a balance we still struggle with today.
Family swim 2:30-4 p.m.
Winter Educational Complex, pool
A general swim at the WWU pool is available for all alumni and their families free of charge. A lifeguard will be on duty. Parents must accompany children.
Walking Tour: WWC/WWU Ties That Bind 3 p.m.
Starts in the Lobby of the Ad Building
Professor Emerita of History, Terrie Aamodt, will serve as a tour guide through WWU’s storied past. Wear your walking shoes. In case of inclement weather, the tour will morph into a historical talk in room 117 of the Ad Building.
Creative Chemistry Demonstration / Family-Friendly! 3 p.m.
Meet in Rigby Hall 182 / Demonstration in the Chem Lab
Join Professor of Chemistry Kyle Craig for some interesting (but safe!) demonstrations. You’ll be introduced to fun!-damental concepts in chemistry. Audience participation encouraged.
32nd Annual Randy Yaw Pi Contest 3:14 p.m.
Kretschmar Hall, Physics Lecture Hall, room 107
Enjoy a slice of pie and watch students recite digits of Pi. The record for this contest is 1,773 digits!
Alumni Foundation Business Meeting 4 – 5 p.m.
Havstad Alumni Center Board Room (2nd floor)
It has been one year since alumni voted to change the name of the WWU Alumni Association to the WWU Alumni Foundation. Learn what has changed and what hasn’t at this year’s business meeting led by President Jerry Woods and his fellow board members. We'll talk about the foundation's vision and purpose, and how your team of leaders is working to empower alumni to meet it.
Dorm Tours 4 – 6 p.m.
Lobby of Sittner Hall and Lobby of Foreman-Conard Hall Dorms
Spark memories of days gone by with a visit to the dorm you lived in when you were a student at WWC/WWU. Select rooms will be open for viewing. Note: Conard Hall was dedicated in 1936 (90 years ago) and the groundbreaking for Sittner Hall was in 1946 (80 years ago).
Climbing Wall 4:30 – 6 p.m.
Winter Educational Complex, gymnastics gym
Alumni and friends are invited to see WWU’s newest climbing wall. You can also enjoy a climbing experience by reserving a timeslot at wallawalla.edu/rsvp.
Alumni Homecoming Supper | $15* 5- 7:30 p.m.
Kellogg Hall
Enjoy a catered meal and the opportunity to reconnect with friends. *Tickets available for purchase at the door or online at wallawalla.edu/homecoming.
PRISM Vespers 8 p.m. / No Late Entry!
University Church, Sanctuary
Welcome the Sabbath with a program of sacred music by faculty and students from the Department of Music.
Due to the unique nature of this program, doors will close promptly at 8 p.m.
Sabbath, April 25
Bird walk 6:30 a.m.
Rigby Hall, parking lot
Early risers are invited to join Joe Galusha ’68, professor emeritus of biology, David Cowles ’78, professor of biology, and David Lindsey, biology chair, for a nature walk. This cherished event was introduced in 1976.
50-Year Reunion Sabbath School 10:00 a.m.
Heubach Chapel | Class of 1976
Members and friends of the class of ’76 present a special reunion Sabbath school for classmates and friends.
Seminar: Christianity in Nazi Germany 10:30 a.m.
Canaday Technology Center, room 128
Co-Presenters: Alumnus Gregory Dodds ’97, also WWU professor of history and chair of the Department of History and Philosophy, and Professor Emeritus of History Roland Blaich.
Sabbath Schools and Worship Services
The University Church offers a variety of Sabbath schools and student-led services. You can see the full listing of options by visiting wwuchurch.com.
Church Service: “The TIE that Binds” 11:40 a.m.
University Church | Walla Walla University President Alex Bryan (2024-present)
Collossians 3: 12-14 “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”
Sabbath Lunch | $15* 1 p.m.
Winter Educational Complex, Alumni Gymnasium
Enjoy fellowship with friends and classmates over a catered lunch. *Tickets may be purchased at wallawalla.edu/homecoming. Doors open at 1 p.m.
Honor Class Reunions 2:30 – 5 p.m.
See schedule below for respective class locations.
Class of 1966 | 2:45 p.m.
WEC, room 225, Carlton Cross
Class of 1971 | 3:30 p.m.
WEC, room 217, Al Lowe
Class of 1976 | 4:00 p.m.
WEC, room 209, Diana Pierce
Class of 1981 | 4:10 p.m.
WEC, room 215, Jeff Kine
Class of 1986 | 2:30 p.m.
CTC, room 128, Case Ketting
Class of 1991 | 2:45 p.m.
BWH, room 201, Larry Witzel
Class of 1996 | 3 p.m.
BWH room 204, class host TBD
Class of 2001 | 3:30 p.m.
BWH, room 203, Jeffrey Colburn
Class of 2006 | 2:30 p.m.
CTC, room 305, class host TBD
Class of 2011 | 2:30 p.m.
BWH, room 210, Dustin Kelley
Class of 2016 | 2:30 P.M.
BWH, room 202, class host TBD
Class of 2021| 2:30 P.M.
WEC, room 139, class host TBD
Vanguards (1965 and before) | 3:15 p.m.
WEC, Room 142, class host TBD
Honor Class Photos
Winter Educational Complex, Alumni Gymnasium
See Schedule Below for Respective Class Times.
Vanguards (1965 and above) 2:20 p.m.
Class of 1966 2 p.m.
Class of 1971 2:50 p.m.
Class of 1976 3:10 p.m.
Class of 1981 3:40 p.m.
Class of 1986 4 p.m.
Class of 1991 4:20 p.m.
Class of 1996 4:40 p.m.
Class of 2001 5:00 p.m.
Class of 2006 3:45 p.m.
Class of 2011 1:45 p.m.
Class of 2016 1:50 p.m.
Class of 2021 1:55 p.m.
ICantori Reunion Concert 5 p.m.
University Church, sanctuary
Members of ICantori from 2009-onward, who performed under the direction of Professor of Music Kraig Scott ’84, reunite with him this evening for a special concert. This event is not to be missed.
Department suppers 6-7 p.m.
Respective locations listed below.
Visit with your favorite professors and fellow alumni.
Art, Communication, English and Modern Languages, History, Philosophy and Visual Arts | Breads and salads
Administration Building, room 238
Biology and Chemistry | Breads and salads
Rigby Hall, courtyard
School of Business | Light supper
Bowers Hall, lobby
School of Education and Psychology | Soups and salads
Smith Hall, lobby and room 202
Edward F. Cross School of Engineering | Bread and salad potluck
Walla Walla Valley Academy, multipurpose room
Health and Physical Education | Salad supper
Winter Educational Complex, room 142
Math, Computer Science, and Physics | Sandwiches and salads
University Church, youth room
Music | The Department of Music invites alumni and friends to the 5 p.m. ICantori Reunion Concert and the 7 p.m. Evensong. Both events take place in the University Church sanctuary.
School of Nursing | Light supper
Winter Educational Complex, Alumni Gymnasium
Wilma Hepker School of Social Work and Sociology | Dessert reception
Winter Educational Complex, first floor lobby
Technology | Breads and salads
Canaday Technology Center, room 129
School of Theology | Light refreshments
Kellogg Hall, Alaska Room
Evensong 7:30 – 8:15 p.m.
University Church, sanctuary
Close the Sabbath with sacred music and the spoken word. This cherished tradition was started in 1963 by Professors Mel West and Loren Dickinson.
All-Star Alumni Showcase: Drama 8:30 p.m.
Village Hall
Celebrate 65 years of drama at WWU with rousing performances by alumni and current students. The emcee for the evening will be Jerry Woods ’97, the WWU Alumni Foundation president and radio show host of WGTS 91.9, based in Maryland.
Women’s Volleyball & Men’s Basketball Games 8:30 p.m.
Walla Walla Valley Academy Gym / 300 SW Academy Way, College Place
Coaches Tim Windemuth, Jimmy Hill, Gerry Larson, Don Hepker and more are back to coach mixed student/alumni teams. Women’s volleyball game starts at 8:30 p.m. and men's basketball starts at 9:30 p.m.
Engineering Lab Open House 8:30 – 9:30 p.m.
Chan Shun Pavilion
Please join us for an Open House and general lab tour.
Observatory open 8:30-9:30 p.m.
Kretschmar Hall
The Physics Department invites you to view the solar system through the telescope on top of Kretschmar Hall—weather permitting. To get to the observatory, take the middle stairwell in Kretschmar Hall (next to the CHE office) to the 3rd floor. The door leading up to the room from the 3rd floor will be open if the observatory is open.
Climbing wall 8:30-10 p.m.
Winter Educational Complex, gymnastics gym
Alumni and friends are invited to see WWU’s newest climbing wall. You can also enjoy a climbing experience by reserving a timeslot at wallawalla.edu/rsvp.
Sunday, April 26
Richard J. Kegley Memorial Fun Run/Walk | $25* 7:30 a.m.
Winter Educational Complex, north entrance
Join us for a healthy 5k run/walk, named for the ultramarathon runner Richard J. Kegley ’47.
*Registration opens at 6:45 a.m. Current WWU students receive free entrance. Net proceeds go to the worthy student fund.
Eugene Winter Golf Classic | $150* 8 a.m. - finish
Wine Valley Golf Club, 176 Wine Valley Road, Walla Walla
*Entry fee includes green fee, golf cart rental, and entry to Closest to the Pin and Longest Drive contests. Mulligans, gear, and raffle tickets are available for purchase at the event. Net proceeds benefit Walla Walla University Athletics. Register at wallawalla.edu/golf.
This event is sponsored by Adventist Health, a faith-based, nonprofit, integrated health system serving more than 80 communities on the West Coast and Hawaii with over 400 sites of care…in pursuit of living God’s love by inspiring health, wholeness, and hope.
Spot Landing Competition 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Martin Field
Calling all aviation enthusiasts: WWU’s student Aviation Club is hosting a Spot Landing Competition and invites alumni to join them for this event. This is a precision flying exercise where pilots aim to touch down their aircraft’s main wheels as close as possible to a designated spot on the runway. The pilot with the lowest total distance from the target wins.
26th Annual Car Show 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Havstad Alumni Center, parking lot
Attend and vote for your favorite car. Enjoy lunch on the lawn with proceeds going to the WWU Auto Club. To register your vehicle, visit wallawalla.edu/car-show or call Alumni and Advancement services at (509) 527-2631. All car entries must be in the lot by 9 a.m.
Student Missions Open House 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
(on College Ave. across from Havstad parking lot)
Swing by and visit with fellow SM alumni, current students, and staff. Learn how the program continues to grow and develop.