A Timeless Tradition: Mary Washington Hosts 2026 Reunion Weekend

May 22, 2026

Jill Laiacona

Daphne Johnston Elliott didn’t take many photos at Mary Washington, since developing film was expensive when she was in college. But she always treasured the times she spent on campus, including coming to Reunion Weekend every five years since she graduated in 1976.

Two 1976 alumnae standing on the Kalnen Inn steps at UMW. — Daphne Johnston Elliott (left) and Margo Clifford have returned for almost every milestone Reunion Weekend since graduating in 1976. The alumnae volunteered together on the Reunion Weekend planning committee to prepare a memorable 50th reunion celebration for their classmates and graduates across the generations on May 29-31. Photo courtesy of Daphne Johnston Elliott and Margo Clifford.

“Our photos might be old and yellowed, but I hope they bring back fond memories,” said Elliott, a longtime reunion volunteer who assembled a slideshow for her class’s 50th Reunion Weekend dinner. But as much as she enjoys looking back on the past, she’s equally excited about the University’s future. “We’re always eager to see what’s new at Mary Washington and to get to know current students.”

More than 550 alumni and their families and friends are expected to return to the University of Mary Washington for the 2026 Reunion Weekend, May 29 to 31. The event specifically honors classes ending in 1 and 6, but all Eagles are invited to reunite, reminisce and rediscover what they love about Mary Washington.

“Many of us have not seen each other for years, but when we do, we pick right up where we left off,” said Margo Clifford, who joined Elliott for the first time to volunteer her time and talents on the Reunion Weekend planning committee. “We’ve enjoyed sharing our stories about Mary Washington and our deep love for this place.”

Alumni and guests will have plenty of events to choose from, including class gatherings, a Ball Circle picnic, campus tours, faculty lectures, family activities, commemorative photos, art exhibits, beverage tastings, the all-class party and visiting Carl’s for its famous frozen custard.

Highlights this year include a “Bites and Sites” dinner geared toward 2000’s alumni (but open to all), a live recording of UMW President Troy Paino’s podcast, a reception with emeriti faculty and a special breakfast for college journalists and their faculty advisors.

“Reunion Weekend is one of my favorite events of the year — there’s nothing quite like watching alumni walk back onto campus and feel that immediate connection to this place,” said Mark Thaden ’02, associate vice president for alumni and donor engagement. “We want every graduate who comes back to leave not just with great memories rekindled, but with a renewed sense of how much this place is still a part of who they are.”

A student-led golf cart tour of campus stops in front of Lee Hall.

Katie Turcotte and Mark Thaden with an alumni couple.

Alumni with their kids, several of whom have painted faces, seated at the fountain in front of Monroe Hall during Reunion Weekend.

Two alumni laugh and enjoy wine tasting at the Virginia wine, beer, and cider tasting during Reunion Weekend.

A 2000 alumna learns screenprinting from a UMW studio art professor.

Four alumnae outside the Cedric Rucker University Center at the all-class party.

A group of alumni raise their glasses in a toast while seated a table at the all-class party during Reunion Weekend.

Shadwick Yoder ’25 drives alumni around on a student-led golf cart tour of campus during 2025’s Reunion Weekend. K Pearlman Photography.

From left: Vice President for Advancement and Alumni Engagement Katie Turcotte, who is also the UMW Foundation executive director, with Alumni Association Board member Colette Strawn Johnson ’96 and her husband, Michael Johnson ’96, and Associate Vice President for Alumni and Donor Engagement Mark Thaden ’02, at the president’s welcome event. K Pearlman Photography.

A group of alumni and their families seated at the fountain in front of Monroe Hall during 2025’s Reunion Weekend. K Pearlman Photography.

Alumni Association Board member Sye Smith ’96 and Dawn Rock Miller ’95 chat during the Virginia wine, beer and cider tasting during 2025’s Reunion Weekend. K Pearlman Photography.

Assistant Professor of Studio Art Coorain Devin will present an Alumni College screenprinting workshop where alumni and guests will get to print their own tote bag. K Pearlman Photography.

Alumni celebrate at the all-class party at 2025’s Reunion Weekend. K Pearlman Photography.

A group of alumni, including UMW Foundation Board of Trustees member Vicky Nichols Wilder ’80 (front, right), raise their glasses in a toast at the all-class party during 2025’s Reunion Weekend. K Pearlman Photography.

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