Bucknell Reunion Weekend 2025 Set for May 30–June 1
May 27, 2025
Bucknellians reconnect during Reunion on campus. Photo by April Bartholomew
Bucknell University is poised to welcome more than 1,900 alumni and their families back to campus for Reunion Weekend 2025, taking place Friday through Sunday, May 30 to June 1.
This year's festivities honor alumni whose class years end in 0 and 5, with special recognition for the Class of 1975 as it celebrates its 50th Reunion. The weekend offers a rich variety of events, including class-specific gatherings, educational sessions, campus tours, and family-friendly activities, and features the presentation of the prestigious Alumni Association Awards.
Friday: A Warm Welcome Back
Reunion Weekend kicks off Friday morning with check-in and the opening of Reunion Headquarters in Gerhard Fieldhouse. Throughout the day, alumni can partake in guided campus tours. Featured events include the chance to explore all three of Bucknell's newest centers — the Center for Access & Success, the Perricelli-Gegnas Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation, and the Dominguez Center for Data Science — in the University's oldest building, Taylor Hall, starting at 3 p.m.
Friday evening features the 50th Reunion kickoff celebration and procession in Sojka Pavilion starting at 5:30 p.m.; and the 6 p.m. "Bison Round-up," an informal reception with Bucknell coaches and athletics staff on Sojka Lawn. The night continues with the Welcome Picnic starting at 6 p.m. in Kenneth Langone Athletics & Recreation Center, offering alumni fun, food and festivities.
Saturday: Celebration, Learning and Connection
Saturday's schedule starts with tours of the Bucknell Farm, Hildreth-Mirza Hall (the Bucknell Humanities Center), and two morning coffee brewing workshops conducted by the Bucknell Interdisciplinary Coffee Program. The day will include additional tours and activities — including hiking, kayaking, and beer- and wine-tasting — and Reunion-related events.
The Bucknell University Alumni Association Awards' reception and ceremony will take place at 10:30 a.m. in Holmes Hall's Hislop Auditorium. This year's distinguished award recipients are:
Loyalty to Bucknell Award: William B. Morrow '70
Morrow, a longtime London resident and dedicated Bucknellian, is honored for his extraordinary commitment to his alma mater. After earning an English degree, he pursued graduate studies and Peace Corps service before embarking on an international career in finance. His enduring support includes 10 years on Bucknell's Board of Trustees, generous contributions to academic initiatives, and mentoring fellow alumni and students. Through global initiatives and local philanthropy, Morrow's devotion to Bucknell spans continents and generations.
Outstanding Achievement in a Chosen Profession: Susan McHale '75
McHale is recognized for her distinguished career as a developmental psychologist. A Bucknell psychology alumna, she earned her doctorate from the University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill and spent over four decades at Penn State University. Her groundbreaking research explored family dynamics and their effects on youth and parent development, with particular attention to cultural diversity. As director of Penn State's Social Science Research Institute, she promoted interdisciplinary research in social and behavioral sciences. McHale's scholarly impact has shaped our understanding of human development and enriched academic and research communities nationwide.
Service to Humanity Award: Matthew '00 and Anne Flegal Hinton '00
The Hintons are honored for founding Brady's Smile, a nonprofit inspired by the life of their late son, Brady. In the face of unimaginable loss, the Hintons turned grief into action, creating support programs for critically ill children and their families. Their Core 4 programs — Comfort Bags, Brady Blankets, Meals by Matt & Annie, and Music in the ICU — have expanded to 35 hospitals in 18 states, impacting over 170,000 lives. With help from a broad volunteer network, the Hintons continue to honor Brady's memory by providing comfort and care to families in crisis.
Young Alumni Award: Winnie Okello '10
Okello is recognized for her impactful public service and community advocacy. As Pennsylvania's first parks and recreation equity specialist, she advances equitable access to outdoor spaces. Her previous leadership at the state's Department of Environmental Protection reshaped environmental justice policy and outreach. An engineer and activist, Okello founded The Harassment and Assault Reporting Platform (H.A.R.P) to combat public harassment and spearheaded initiatives like the Juneteenth Love in Action protest, leading to historic policy changes in Dauphin County. A devoted Bucknell volunteer, Okello continues to uplift communities through equity-focused service and mentorship.
The day culminates with an all-alumni weekend grand finale celebration held under a grand tent near Sojka Pavilion starting at 9:30 p.m. The event features live entertainment by the high-energy band The Business and a quieter jazz bar with the David Leonhardt Jazz Trio. The night concludes with a spectacular fireworks display over campus beginning at 10:40 p.m.
Sunday: Reflection and Farewell
Reunion Weekend concludes Sunday morning with the Robert Lowry Service of Remembrance and Celebration at 10 a.m. in Rooke Chapel. This interfaith service honors the memory of Bucknell alumni, faculty and staff who have passed away in the past year, offering a moment of reflection and community for all.
Additional Sunday events include a Farewell Breakfast and one final opportunity to enjoy the weekend's exhibits and campus landmarks before departing.
For a complete schedule of events and registration details, please visit the Reunion Weekend website.
