WWU’s Back2Bellingham Reunion Weekend Set for May 12-15

Western Washington University will host its 7th Annual Back2Bellingham reunion weekend for alumni, families, students, faculty, staff and the community on May 12-15.

“Back2Bellingham is a celebration of what makes our campus, and Bellingham in general, such a wonderful place to live and learn.  It’s also a showcase for Western’s distinctive approach to education, and the myriad opportunities we offer for enrichment both in and out of the classroom,” Western President Bruce Shepard said. “Whether you’re a returning alum looking to reconnect with the people who made your Western experience so special, or just setting foot on campus for the first time, there’s something for everyone at this year’s Back2Bellingham.”

This year’s headliner is “Something Wonderful,” featuring Bellingham Circus Guild performers at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, May 13 in the Performing Arts Center Main Stage. Bellingham Circus Guild's most amazing artists will inspire you with breathtaking acrobatics, aerials, dance, slack rope and juggling in this all-ages show about a boy who dreams of a magical adventure through land and sea.

Back2Bellingham’s 7th year also features more than 100 reunions, tours, educational discussions, athletic events, recreational and entertainment opportunities and live music. Additionally, Western's Office of Admissions invites high school students interested in attending WWU to attend “Spring into Western.”

The $15 registration includes: a barbecue Lunch on Old Main Lawn with live music from Baby Cakes; the Red Square Carnival with a 250-foot zipline; Party in the Library; Classes without Quizzes; Junior Viking Blast Pass; College of Fine and Performing Arts music and performance extravaganza, Bellingham Tap Trail Tour, Downtown Bellingham Bash at Boundary Bay Brewery and campus tours. Some theatrical events and reunions require additional tickets, which can be purchased at www.back2bellingham.com and at the WWU Box Office throughout the weekend.

Back2Bellingham offers an opportunity for all WWU colleges, departments, clubs and organizations to showcase their programs as well as bring potential and current students, families and staff together to network with alumni and former faculty.

Events kick off Thursday, May 12 with the 2016 Alumni Awards and Recognition Celebration. This year, the public is invited to purchase tickets to honor our Distinguished Alumni and community members receiving awards. Tickets and information can be found on the WWU alumni website.

President Shepard and First Lady Cyndie Shepard invite the public to join them at this year’s Compass 2 Campus Leadership Brunch at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, May 15. Learn about Western’s nationally recognized and award-winning interdisciplinary mentoring program to encourage underserved students to go to college.

“Every year, Back2Bellingham continues to grow and has now become one of the biggest weekends of the year on campus. Everyone is welcome, including alumni, parents, community members, and families of all ages to experience life at WWU,” said Chris Roselli, director of young alumni and student programs at the Western Alumni Association.

Back2Bellingham fun goes beyond Saturday’s big events in Red Square and into the community. “The list of activities extends to the entire Bellingham community and Whatcom County, including local businesses that will sponsor events and offer special discounts for that weekend,” Roselli said.

Register at Back2Bham.com.