Worcester State alumni from across the decades mixed and mingled in person on Reunion Weekend recently for the first time since 2019. The jam-packed weekend included several events that allowed alumni to enjoy a campus in springtime bloom, fine food and each other’s company.
On Friday, May 13, the Golden Grads luncheon honored grads from 50 years ago or more in the Wellness Center. Also that day, there was the Psychology Alumni Reunion and the Class of 2002’s 20th Reunion. 
Festivities continued into the evening with Party on the Eve beginning at 6 p.m. The party was a Class of 2022 event, but this year the Classes of 2020 and 2021 also were invited to help make up for the crimp the pandemic put in their graduation activities. Party attendance set a reunion record with more than 300 people participating. On Saturday, May 14, a 70s Decade Reunion was held in Sheehan Hall.
“We were excited to welcome everyone back,” said Tara Hancock, executive director of alumni relations and engagement. “What an incredibly long three years it’s been since we last were able to gather together and honor our alumni.”
Friday’s events started with the Golden Graduate Luncheon for classes that graduated 50 or more years ago. At the event, Hancock took a moment to recognize classes which were celebrating special milestone reunions this year as well as those who missed out on being recognized the past two years. As each group was called, members stood to be recognized.
The honorees were: Members of the class of 1950, 1951 and 1952 who were celebrating their 70th reunion; members of the Class of 1955, 1956 and 1957 celebrating their 65th Reunion; members of the Class of 1960, 1961, and 1962 for their 60th reunion; and members of the Class of 1965, 1966 and 1967 celebrating their 55th reunion.
Special recognition went to the Classes of 1970, 1971 and 1972. “In celebrating your 50th reunions, you officially cross the golden threshold and become the newest members of this distinguished group,” Hancock said.
Hancock introduced President Barry M. Maloney, the event’s keynote speaker, who welcomed the alumni back to campus.
“As Golden Grads, your continued involvement and your legacy bring great value to this university, which is nearing its 150th anniversary,” Maloney said. “You have paved the way for today’s students’ successes.”
Maloney updated the alumni on the many recent advancements at their alma mater that they could be proud of, such as the new MajorPlus academic framework and ongoing work on diversity, equity, and inclusion.
“Just last month, we turned out a large cross-section of the campus to celebrate the raising of a rainbow flag on the lawn in front of the Student Union,” he said. “Yet there is more to do, and we will continue on that path.”
Looking to the future, Maloney noted that 2024 will mark Worcester State’s 150th year. “By then we will be on a path forward that preserves the incredible educational opportunity we have provided for generations of students, from all walks of life, and leads us in some exciting new directions, as well,” he said. “Thank you for the role you have played in the university’s success.”
View complete photo albums from the weekend’s festivities by visiting: https://alumni.worcester.edu/photos
Photos by Matt Wright ’10
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