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ALUMNI WEEKEND
May 15-17, 2026
As members of the Berry family, we know there's something special about coming home. No matter where life has taken us, returning to this beautiful place reminds us of who we are, where we began, and the community that shaped us. Berry has always been a home that welcomes us back—ready for shared memories, familiar faces, and new moments together. We hope you'll come home for Silver and Blue Alumni Weekend 2026!
We'll kick off Friday evening with class reunion celebrations and an opportunity to connect with Berry's new president, Dr. Sandeep Mazumder. Then on Saturday, we will spend the day revisiting the "shrine of many a memory," celebrate our friend and retired choral director Ross Magoulas at the Silver and Blue Dinner, then close the weekend with our cherished Sunday morning chapel service and moment of reflection outside afterwards. We can't wait to welcome you home and celebrate together.
Alumni Weekend Schedule
View the full schedule of events for Alumni Weekend 2026 below, or quickly jump to one of the following days:
Friday, May 15
- Check-In
1-5 p.m. || Alumni Center - Alumni Choir Rehearsal
3:30-4:30 p.m. || College Chapel
- Welcome Home Drop-in Reception with Dr. Sandeep Mazumder, Berry's 9th President
4:30-6 p.m. || Alumni Center Lobby
All class reunion members and their guests are invited. - Class Reunion Dinners*
- 1961C, 65th Reunion - Alumni Center Room 124 || 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. || $35
- 1966C, 60th Reunion - Alumni Center Dickey Living Room || 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. || $35
College reunion photos will be made at the Clara Archway at 6:30 p.m.
Saturday, May 16
- Check-In
8 a.m. - 3 p.m. || Alumni Center - High School/Academy Breakfast*
9 to 10:30 a.m. || Hill Dining Hall || $20 per person
All Berry High School and Academy alumni are invited to attend with special recognition for classes ending in "1" or "6". Class and group photos will be made immediately following the breakfast. - Alumni Choir Rehearsal
10-11 a.m. || College Chapel - Optional Morning Activities
10 to 11:30 a.m.
Enjoy, at your leisure, these opportunities to revisit your "home":
- Main Campus Tour | Meet in front of the Krannert Center at 10 a.m. to load shuttles. Wheelchair accessible option is available.
Enjoy a driving tour of the main campus and learn about the opportunities available for today's Berry student. Tour will end at 11 a.m. Sign up for a spot during check-in. NOTE: A virtual tour option/campus update will be offered in the Krannert Ballroom at 11:15 a.m. - Weaving Demonstration | 1st Floor Hoge Building
Stop by the Sunshine Textiles Room to see how students keep the weaving traditions going with their student enterprise. - Walking Tour: Celebrating 100 years of the Ford Complex| Meet at the Clara Archway at 11 a.m. to begin the walking tour.
Clara Hall, Ford Dining Hall and the Ford Recitation Building (now the Alumni Center and Music Department) opened in 1925. As we celebrate their centennial and the upcoming anniversaries of other buildings, take a walking tour of the Ford Complex to learn about the history and architecture of this iconic part of campus.
- Main Campus Tour | Meet in front of the Krannert Center at 10 a.m. to load shuttles. Wheelchair accessible option is available.
- Shipyard Open
11 a.m. to 2 p.m. || Main floor of Krannert Center
The Shipyard, Berry's on-campus book and apparel store, will be open for visitors to check out the latest Berry gear and Berry enterprise items. - Alumni Association Picnic Lunch*
Noon || Kilpatrick Commons || $25
Join Alumni Council members and other Berry family members for lunch next to the beautiful waterfall and patio area adjacent to the Krannert Center. All alumni are invited to attend. - Alumni Association Annual
Meeting with Special Recognition
1:30 to 2:30 p.m. || Krannert Ballroom
The Alumni Council President will share updates on the work of the members this past year and special recognition will be made for Honorary Alumni and the Dr. Ouida Dickey Heritage Award. Outgoing council members will be honored, and the Alumni Choir will perform. - Optional Afternoon Activities
3 to 4:30 p.m.
Enjoy, at your leisure, these opportunities to revisit your "home":- Mountain Campus Tour | Meet at Clara Archway at 3 p.m. to load shuttles, tour returns by 4:30 p.m. Wheelchair accessible option is available.
A shuttle tour of Mountain Campus, including a stop at the Old Mill and an update about the new Amber Grace community, is available at 3 p.m. and returns by 4:30 p.m. Sign up for a spot during check-in. - Visiting Martha Berry's Home | Martha Berry Museum & Oak Hill Tours
Guided tours of Oak Hill, Martha Berry's home, are available at 3 p.m. The Museum will be open from 1 until 5 p.m., and guests are welcome to wander through the museum at their own pace to check out the latest exhibits, including Martha Berry's "Begging Trips".
- Mountain Campus Tour | Meet at Clara Archway at 3 p.m. to load shuttles, tour returns by 4:30 p.m. Wheelchair accessible option is available.
- Alumni Choir Rehearsal
3:30 p.m. || College Chapel - Silver & Blue Dinner and Celebration of Ross Magoulas*
6 p.m. || Christopher Browning Pavilion at Oak Hill || $40
A reception will be held on the patio from 6-6:30 p.m. with beer, wine and hors d'oeuvres. Dinner and live entertainment will follow afterwards.
Sunday, May 17
- Complimentary Continental Breakfast*
9-10:30 a.m. || Krannert Center, Viking Court (includes Alumni Choir members) - Alumni Choir Rehearsal and photo
9:45-10:30 a.m. || College Chapel - Alumni Weekend Worship Service, followed by 7-Fold Amen at Martha Berry's Gravesite
11 a.m. || College Chapel
* Registration required.
Note: All meals will be prepared and served by Aramark Catering. This ensures the health and safety of our attendees.
Questions? Contact us at
706-236-2256 or alumni@berry.edu.
Alumni Work Week
May 17-21, 2026
Since 1985, Work Week has stood as a testament to the traditions and values that shaped Berry. Rooted in the spirit of service and hard work championed by Billy Smith (39H), this cherished gathering brings alumni and friends together to honor our shared past while strengthening Berry's future.
Each year, participants of all ages serve in the same spirit that built this community—caring for campus grounds, creating artisan crafts, and preserving Berry's history. Whether you join for all five days or just a portion, there's a place for every skill, schedule, and passion. Reconnect with classmates, form new friendships, and help ensure that the heart of Berry endures.
Attendees stay in Centennial Hall, enjoying two- and four-bedroom suites with full kitchens, living areas, and private bathrooms—bringing back the joy of "dorm days" with a little more comfort. Meals are offered in the student dining hall or catered in historic Ford Dining Hall, and our beloved Snack Wagon delivers mid-morning and afternoon treats to each work site.
Although it's called "Work Week," your participation is completely flexible. Come for a single day, a few days, or the full week. Some alumni join as "day students," working on campus during the day and heading home at night. Every contribution helps keep us faithful to the roots that have sustained Berry for more than a century.
When you join us, you're not just volunteering—you're returning to the people, places, and purpose that shaped you.
Alumni Work Week Schedule
View the full schedule of events for Alumni Work Week 2026 below, or quickly jump to one of the following days:
Saturday, May 16
- Check-in
8 a.m. to 3 p.m. || Alumni Center
Sunday, May 17
- Check-in
1 to 4 p.m. || Alumni Center, Dickey Living Room
Students will be available to assist with move-in at Centennial Hall. Bring your own extra-long twin linens, pillows, towels, toiletries, and kitchen pans/utensils. - Crew Chief Meeting
4 p.m. || Alumni Center, Dining Room
- Kickoff Dinner with Crew Meetings Afterwards
6 p.m. || Ford Dining Hall
Monday-Wednesday, May 18-20
- Breakfast
7:30 a.m. || Krannert Center Dining Hall - Work Crews
8:30 to 11:30 a.m. || Various campus locations - Lunch
Noon || Ford Dining Hall - Work Crews
1:30 to 4 p.m. || Various campus locations - Optional Campus Activities
4:30 to 5:30 p.m. || Various locations - Dinner
6 p.m. || Ford Dining Hall (Monday & Tuesday), Christopher Browning Pavilion (Wednesday) - Optional Evening Activities
Monday Dinner & Activity: Mardi Gras Night
Wear your purple, green and gold as we enjoy a little jazz and beignetsTuesday Dinner & Activity: Patriotic Night
Celebrate the 250th birthday of the USA with patriotic trivia & other games with studentsWednesday Dinner & Activity: Work Week Service Recognition
Thursday, May 21
- Breakfast
7:30 a.m. || Krannert Dining Hall - Work Crew Wrap-Up
8:30 to 11:30 a.m. || Various Locations - Lunch Celebration
Noon || Ford Dining Hall - Check-Out
1:30-4:30 p.m. || Centennial Hall
Optional Activities
- Workouts
The Cage Athletic Center is available for use throughout the week. Sign up for a pass at registration. - Silent Auction
Bring any artisan items to donate for the auction. Items should be dropped off at dinner on Sunday. Winners will be announced Wednesday. Proceeds support Work Week activities. - Late Afternoon Fun
Historical Headlines: "Berry History in Context" program with Oak Hill, trip to Creative Technologies Hackberry Labs space, Berry Spires Tour, and other fun options! Sign up on Monday at lunch.
Note: Work Week meals will be prepared and served by Aramark Catering. This ensures the health and safety of our volunteers.
Questions? Contact us at 706-236-2256 or alumni@berry.edu.
