Schedule of Events
Alumni Weekend 2025
Friday | Saturday | Sunday
FRIDAY, MAY 16, 2025
Registration
4–8 p.m.
Academic Commons at Goddard Library
Here is where you’ll find the most up-to-date Alumni Weekend schedules, information, and more. Be sure to stop by if you have any questions. Checking into a residence hall after 8 p.m.? Visit University Police, in the lower level of Bullock Hall, to pick up your keys. You can pick up your packet in Academic Commons on Saturday morning.
A Legacy of Love: Class of 1975 Medallion Celebration
5–6:15 p.m.
Higgins University Center, Grace Conference Room
We welcome the Class of 1975 back to campus for a special reception with President David Fithian ’87, celebrating their milestone reunion and induction into the elite 50-Year Association.
Alumni Awards Dinner hosted by The Alumni Council
6 p.m. Cocktails
Wetzel Terrace (Patio off of Tilton Hall), Rain Location: Tilton Hall
7 p.m. Dinner and Alumni Awards Presentation
Higgins University Center, Tilton Hall
Enjoy a cocktail with fellow alumni, then head inside to Tilton Hall for a special awards dinner. We are honored to present the following awards and celebrate our accomplished alumni: Distinguished Service Award: Lee Plave ’80, University Award for Service to Society: Spencer Platt ’94, Challenging Convention Award: Corey Hinderstein ’96, and Young Alumni Award: Faaiz Masood ’20
Dress code is business formal. Capacity is limited for this event and pre-registration is required by Friday, May 2.
Drag Show Bingo sponsored by Clark's LGBTQ+ Alumni Association
9–11 p.m.
Higgins University Center, The Table at Higgins
Get ready for a night of glitz, glamour, and game-winning fun at Drag Show Bingo! Join us for an unforgettable evening hosted by fabulous drag performers Poise’n Envy & Emi Grate. Whether you're a bingo pro or just in it for the show, expect plenty of laughs, dazzling performances, and exciting prizes. All are welcome!
SATURDAY, MAY 17, 2025
Registration
8 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Academic Commons at Goddard Library
Pick up the latest Alumni Weekend information — schedules, the official program, and more. Be sure to stop by if you have any questions. Checking into a residence hall after 7 p.m.? Visit University Police, in the lower level of Bullock Hall, to pick up your keys.
Breakfast
8–10 a.m.
Higgins University Center, The Bistro
Kickstart your day with a delicious full breakfast buffet while reconnecting with fellow alumni. Enjoy great food, fresh coffee, and lively conversations as you fuel up for the day's events!
Friends of Bill W Meeting
9–10 a.m.
Jonas Clark Hall Room 102
Campus Tour
10–11 a.m.
Tour will start from the Academic Commons
Experience the campus tour given to prospective students! Explore the many exciting improvements made in recent years while reminiscing about your time at Clark. Have a special spot you'd like to visit? Your student tour guides are happy to take requests!
University Update with President David B. Fithian ’87
11 a.m. – Noon
Little Center, Michaelson Theatre
Join President David B. Fithian ’87 as he shares his perspective on the current state of the University and his vision for Clark’s future. After the presentation, engage with President Fithian during a Q&A session, where your questions and thoughts are welcome.
Alumni Weekend BBQ: From Spree With Love
Noom – 2 p.m. (Cornhole Tournament 1–2 p.m.)
Campus Green, Rain Location: Kneller Athletic Center
Join alumni, faculty, staff, friends, and family for food and entertainment — Spree Day style! Enjoy a delicious BBQ buffet hosted by Clark's new dining service partner Harvest Table. Enjoy fun activities including lawn games, inflatable mini-golf, cornhole tournament, caricatures, and mobile axe-throwing. Don't miss tasty kettlecorn from local women-owned Minuteman Kettle Corn and groove to the sounds of local acoustic artist David Penza.
Mobile Axe Throwing
1–3 p.m.
Campus Green, Rain Location: Under The Tent on the Campus Green
Get ready for some exhilarating fun with local company Summit Mobile Axe Throwing! It's the perfect blend of challenge and fun – come see if you've got what it takes to hit the bullseye! No experience necessary.
Archives Open House
1–4 p.m.
Goddard Library, 1st floor
Rewind, reminisce, and relive the past with Cindy Shenette, Head of Archives and Special Collections.
BIPOC Affinity Social
2–3 p.m.
Alumni Boardroom, Shaich Family Alumni & Student Engagement Center, Room 202
Connect, celebrate, and build community at Clark’s BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) Affinity Social—an opportunity to mingle with members of Clark's Black Alumni Association and engage with fellow alumni, students, faculty, and staff.
International Alumni & Students Reception
2–3 p.m.
Shaich Family Alumni & Student Engagement Center Lobby
Celebrate global connections, share experiences, and build lasting relationships as we bring together our diverse Clark community.
Jewish Alumni & Students Reception
2–3 p.m.
Little Center Lobby
Celebrate Jewish life at Clark! Gather with fellow Jewish alumni and students for a special reception led by Jeff Narod, Executive Director of Clark Hillel.
Center for Media Arts, Computing, & Design Tour
2–3 p.m.
Tour will begin in the Center for Media Arts, Computing, and Design lobby.
Step inside Clark’s newest hub of innovation and creativity! Join Paul Cotnoir, Dean of the Becker School of Design & Technology, for an inside look at this cutting-edge space, home to the Becker School, the Department of Computer Science, and programs in Visual and Performing Arts.
Explore Worcester: Worcester Art Museum Guided Tour
2–3:30 p.m.
*Bus leaves promptly at 1:45 p.m. from Atwood Quad/Woodland Street
Attend a docent-guided tour of the Worcester Art Museum. The Museum’s collection of over 38,000 objects, assembled since its opening in 1898, provides a foundation to connect visitors of all ages with art, artists, and the ideas they spark. With strong ties to both the local community and the international art world, the Worcester Art Museum is an essential cultural venue for Central Massachusetts and beyond.
Bus transportation will be provided to and from the Clark campus for the first 45 people in attendance.
Explore Worcester: Woo-Brew Tour
2–4 p.m.
*Bus leaves promptly at 1:45pm from Atwood Quad/Woodland Street
Hop on board for a craft beer adventure! Join us as we visit two beloved Worcester breweries—Wormtown Brewery and Bay State Brewery & Tap Room. Your ticket includes bus transportation and a drink and light bites at each stop. Whether you're a beer enthusiast or just looking for a fun outing with fellow Clarkies, this Alumni Weekend experience is not to be missed! Capacity is limited for this event and pre-registration is required.
Explore Worcester: Hadwen Arboretum Tour
2:30–3:30 p.m.
215 Lovell Street, Worcester (meet at the Arboretum entrance)
Did you know Clark has its own Arboretum? Join Professor John Rogan for an insightful tour of this 26-acre woodland sanctuary. Explore over 66 tree species, wander the peaceful trails, and learn about this historic campus gem, home to both heritage trees and a community garden.
LGBTQ+ Reception
3–4 p.m.
Higgins University Center, Lurie Conference Room
Mix and mingle with Clark’s LGBTQ+ alumni, allies, and current students in an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere. Hosted by the Clark LGBTQ+ Alumni Association, this event is a chance to build community, share experiences, and reconnect with old friends and new.
Unpacking the U.S. Elections at Home and Abroad: A Faculty Emeriti Presentation with Sharon Krefetz & Doug Little
3:30–4:30 p.m.
Center for Media Arts, Computing and Design, Room 103
Join Professors Emeriti Sharon Krefetz and Doug Little for an insightful discussion to examine the impact of the MAGA movement on both domestic and international politics. Professor Krefetz will explore its influence on American democracy, policy, and society, while Professor Little will analyze its effects on U.S. foreign relations. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the forces shaping today’s political landscape.
Clark School of Business: Past, Present & Future
4–5 p.m.
Alumni Boardroom, Shaich Family Alumni & Student Engagement Center, Room 202
Join fellow alumni, past and present faculty, and current CUSB students for a discussion on the yet unrealized future vision of the Clark School of Business. Since 1982, the Clark School of Business (formerly the Graduate School of Management) has inspired our students to become leaders in every economic sector of our local, national, and international communities. Alumni of the School of Business have gone on to become titans of business as well as innovators in addressing many of our world's social concerns. Current students are immersed in advances in business education – including STEM and AI – that was just a dream only a decade ago. Those past dreams are now making way for a new vision of our School of Business which will drive our ambitions in the decade before us.
Geography Alumni Reception
4–5 p.m.
Geography Building, 1st Floor Lobby
Reconnect with fellow Geography alumni, faculty, and current students at the Geography Alumni Reception! This is a great opportunity to celebrate shared experiences, exchange ideas, and discuss the exciting developments in the field and the Geography School at Clark. Don't miss this chance to network and strengthen the Clark Geography community!
Cougar Pride: Alumni Athletics Reception
4–5 p.m.
Kneller Athletic Center, Bickman Multipurpose Room
Join fellow alumni athletes and athletics staff members to reconnect, share stories, and honor the legacy of Clark’s athletic community while looking ahead to the future. This is a must-attend event for anyone who’s been part of the Cougar family!
Design, Art, and Technology: The CMACD Experience
4–5 p.m.
Center for Media Arts, Computing and Design, 1st Floor Lobby
Explore cutting-edge technology and creative innovation at Clark’s curated demo event! Join faculty and students from the Alice Coonley Higgins Institute for Arts and Humanities, Becker School of Design & Technology, and the Visual and Performing Arts Departments to experience firsthand the exciting projects and breakthroughs happening across these dynamic programs. Don’t miss this opportunity to see the future of art, design, and technology in action!
Class of 1975: The Music That Changed Our Lives
4:15–5:15 p.m.
Location TBA
Join fellow classmates for a trip down memory lane as we reminisce and remember the glory of the concerts during our years at Clark. All are welcome.
The Freudian Sip Cocktail Reception
4:30–6:30 p.m.
Red Square on the Campus Green, Rain Location: Academic Commons
*Class photos will be taken beginning at 5:30 p.m.
Enjoy a signature Clark cocktail, connect with fellow alumni, and raise a glass to lively conversation and great company.
All-Class Dinner
6:30–8:30 p.m.
Higgins University Center, The Table at Higgins
Gather with fellow alumni for a lively buffet-style feast celebrating Clark connections across the years.
50th Reunion and 50-Year Associates Dinner & Celebration
6:30 p.m.
Higgins University Center, Tilton Hall
Join classmates for a memorable evening celebrating the Class of 1975’s once-in-a-lifetime milestone and honoring our esteemed 50-Year Associates. The night begins with an extended cocktail hour—giving you plenty of time to reconnect, reminisce about your Clark days, and raise a glass to 50 years of memories. This exclusive event is by invitation only for the Class of 1975, 50-Year Associates, and their guests.
Cheers! GOLD Welcomes The Class of 2025
8:30–9:15 p.m.
Little Center Lobby
It’s time to celebrate Clark’s newest alumni! The GOLD (Graduates Of the Last Decade) community invites all graduating seniors to a fun-filled gathering as we raise a glass to the Class of 2025 and officially welcome them to the Clark alumni family. All are welcome!
Dancing Under The Stars *Reimagined*
8:30 p.m.–Midnight
Kneller Athletic Center Gymnasium
Dancing Under The Stars is back—bigger, bolder, and better than ever! This year, we’re taking this beloved Clark tradition to a new level with a fresh venue and live music from The Pulse of Boston band. Get ready to dance the night away to an electrifying mix of hits from the ’70s to today. A cash bar will be available—please have your ID ready upon arrival. This event is 21+—don’t miss the party of the weekend!
Groove in The Grind
8:30–11 p.m.
Higgins University Center, The Grind
Unwind with a post-dinner drink while jamming with Clark alumni-led band The Ramp Ups! The group promises to amp up a nostalgic soundtrack for some kind of wonderful Saturday night. IYKYK. The band’s set favors ’80s & ’90s new wave, rock and pop hits. Reminisce about your favorite dorm posters, cassette boxes, and Brat Pack crushes with the best playlist of Clark Alumni Weekend.
SUNDAY, MAY 18, 2025
Alumni Swimming & Diving “Meet”
8–9:30 a.m.
Kneller Athletic Center Pool
Join Clark head coach Paul E. Phillips and fellow swimming and diving alumni for a gathering at the Kneller Athletic Center pool. The “meet” will include swimming and diving events for competitors as well as open swim for individuals and families. All are welcome.
Brunch & Goodbyes
9–11 a.m.
Higgins University Center, Grace & Lurie Conference Rooms
Before heading home, enjoy a leisurely buffet brunch with fellow alumni. Swap stories, relive the weekend’s highlights, and celebrate the memories made together.
Sustainability and Social Justice (formerly IDCE) Graduation Celebration
3–5 p.m.
SSJ House Lawn (10 Hawthorne Street) Rain Location: Center for Media Arts, Computing and Design, 1st Floor Lobby
IDCE alumni are invited to join us as we celebrate our December and May SSJ graduates. Food, music, and a short ceremony for the graduates are on the program for this lively event!