Schedule

We’ve put together an incredible lineup of events and activities for you and your guests. To make registration quick and easy, please take a few minutes to review the schedule below and decide which events you’d like to attend. 

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16

• Alumni & Families Weekend Welcome Center

  • Friday, October 16, 3 - 9:30pm | University Student Center, First Floor, 800 21st Street, NW
  • This is the first stop for all guests to begin their AFW experience. Pick up your name tags for the weekend, get your special 2026 AFW gift, and check out the fun engagement activities on site.

• 50th Class Reunion & Golden Revolutionary Recognition

  • Friday, October 16, 11:30 - 2:30pm | City View Room, 7th Floor, 1957 E Street, NW
  • GW invites the Class of 1976 to celebrate their milestone 50th reunion with a special luncheon and recognition ceremony. We also welcome all Golden Revolutionaries—alumni who graduated 50 or more years ago or are age 72 and older—to join the festivities and help honor this distinguished class.
  • Golden Revolutionaries will receive their traditional commemorative pin as part of this longstanding recognition.
  • Reconnect with classmates, enjoy remarks from university leadership, and gather for a commemorative group photo. Throughout the weekend, attendees are invited to participate in Alumni & Families Weekend events, offering even more opportunities to reminisce, reconnect, and celebrate with fellow alumni.

• 10th Annual GWSPH 950 Awards

  • Friday, October 16, 4 - 5:30pm | Milken Institute School of Public Health, 950 New Hampshire Avenue, NW
  • The 950 Awards are given to alumni who display outstanding service to the school and have made significant strides in their careers in public health, health policy and health management. The award, launched to celebrate the school's 20th anniversary, is named after the School of Public Health's LEED certified building, located at 950 New Hampshire Ave., which provides a remarkable home to educate our students and nurture the research of our faculty. Registration for this event is separate from AFW registration; you can access it through AFW registration or directly from this page once the link is live (coming soon!). 

• GW Family Leadership Circle Presidential Tailgate

  • Friday, October 16, 4 - 5:30pm | F Street House, 1925 F Street, NW
  • By invitation only. You are invited to join GW Family Leadership Circle members, university leadership, and fellow GW families for a spirited tailgate at President Granberg’s home, the historic F Street House.  Come celebrate the impact of family philanthropy on the student experience and show your enthusiastic support for the GW Men’s Basketball team as they compete against our neighbor, Georgetown. (Buff and Blue attire is highly encouraged!)  The GW Family Leadership Circle welcomes all families to engage in community, philanthropy, and connection at GW. To learn more about joining the GW Family Leadership Circle, please contact Bonnie Pierce at bonniepgwu [dot] edu (bonniep[at]gwu[dot]edu). 

• Monumental Matchup: GW Revolutionaries vs. Georgetown Hoyas Men's Basketball

  • Friday, October 16, 6pm (Doors open at 5pm) | The Charles E. Smith Center, 600 22nd St, NW
  • Raise high your Buff & Blue as the Monumental Matchup returns to the Charles E. Smith Center! One of D.C.’s most storied rivalries, dating back to 1907, brings generations of GW pride together for an unforgettable new AFW tradition.
  • Cheer on GW as we take on Georgetown in a crosstown showdown that’s perfect for kicking off your weekend, whether you’re returning to campus as an alum or experiencing GW spirit for the first time with your GW student. Pick up your special game‑day gift at the Welcome Center before you head to the arena.
  • Exclusive AFW discounts and reserved seating areas—one for alumni and one for families of current students—are available only through AFW registration. 

• All-Alumni Party

  • Friday, October 16, 8 - 10pm | Kogan Plaza, 2121 H Street, NW
  • Calling All Alumni! Immediately following the GW men's exhibition basketball game, head to Kogan Plaza and kick off the weekend with fellow GW grads! This high-energy celebration is the perfect opportunity to reconnect with classmates, share memories, and make new connections while enjoying great music, food, and drinks. 🎊
  • $25 | Ages 21+ suggested

• Acapalooza

  • Friday, October 16, 7 - 9pm | Lisner Auditorium, 730 21st Street, NW
  • Join us for the annual family and alumni weekend aca-concert featuring all of GW’s incredible a cappella groups, including: The Troubadours, The Sons of Pitch, The Vibes, The Sirens, The Pitches, The Funkers, and Black and Gold!  Doors open at 6:30pm; show starts at 7pm. Seating is first come, first served. $5 suggested donation at the door; benefits Miriam's Kitchen.🎤🎶

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17

• Alumni & Families Weekend Welcome Center

  • Saturday, October 17, 9am - 7pm | University Student Center, First Floor, 800 21st Street, NW
  • This is the first stop for all guests to begin their AFW experience. Pick up your name tags for the weekend, get your special 2026 AFW gift, and check out the fun engagement activities on site.

• Deans’ Open Houses

  • Saturday, October 17, 9 - 11am (times vary) | Various Locations
  • Join us for Deans’ Open Houses at GW’s respective schools to connect, meet faculty and staff, and learn more about the academic experience.
    • Athletics Open House | 9:30 - 11am, Charles E. Smith Center, 600 22nd Street, NW
      More information coming soon.
    • Columbian College (CCAS) Open House | 9:30 - 11am, Gallery 102, 801 22nd St NW
      Kick off Alumni & Family Weekend with Dean Paul Wahlbeck and the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences community at our annual Dean's Reception. Reconnect with fellow alumni, families, faculty, and friends while enjoying light refreshments, meaningful conversations, and hearing about the innovative teaching, research, and student experiences shaping the future of the college. Whether you're returning to campus for the first time in years or continuing a long standing tradition, we look forward to welcoming you back to Columbian College.
    • Elliott School (ESIA) Open House | 9:30 - 11am, 1957 E Street, NW
      Join the Elliott School for an open house. Take a tour of the building, see the amazing views of D.C. from the City View Room, and get your photo taken with our dean, Dr. Alyssa Ayres. After the open house, stay for brief lectures by select Elliott School faculty as part of the Best of GW Faculty Lectures.
    • GW Business (GWSB) Open House | 9:30 - 11am, Duquès Hall, 2201 G Street, NW
      Join the GW School of Business for an open house in Duquès Hall. Hear welcome remarks from Dean Sevin Yeltekin, enjoy a light breakfast with coffee and refreshments, and connect with faculty and staff. Explore our classrooms, collaborative spaces, and community while learning more about the GW Business experience.
    • GW Engineering (SEAS) Open House | 9:30 - 11am, Science and Engineering Hall, 800 22nd Street, NW
      You're invited to GW Engineering's open house at the Science and Engineering Hall. Enjoy a light breakfast while connecting with members of the GW Engineering community, hear remarks from Dean John Lach, and explore our state-of-the-art facilities on a guided tour. We look forward to welcoming you!
    • GW Law Open House | 9:30 - 11am, GW Law, 716 20th Street, NW
      More information coming soon.
    • Milken Institute School of Public Health (GWSPH) Open House | 9:30 - 11am, Milken Institute School of Public Health, 950 New Hampshire Avenue, NW
      We invite you to join GWSPH for an interactive exploration of the dynamic field of public health and our state of the art building and facilities. Connect with SPH leadership, faculty, staff, students and other school partners while enjoying a light breakfast spread.

• GW Pitches 30th Anniversary Brunch

  • Saturday, October 17, 10am - 12pm | Location TBA
  • Celebrate 30 years of treble‑making with the GW Pitches as alumni and current members come together for a special on‑campus reunion brunch. Enjoy a relaxed meal, a Pitch‑perfect sing‑along, and plenty of time to reconnect with the voices and people who helped shape the group’s sound. Since 1996, the Pitches have been GW’s first all‑treble a cappella group. Join us as we mark three decades of music, memories, and community. 

• Rev Up GW Resource Fair

  • Saturday, October 17, 10:30am - 12:30pm | Kogan Plaza, 2121 H Street, NW
  • Learn more about campus resources and the support structures in place to aid in your student’s success at GW! Rain site: Continental Ballroom, University Student Center, 800 21st Street, NW

• Best of GW Faculty Lectures

  • Saturday, October 17, 11am - 1pm | Various Locations
  • Immerse yourself in the GW classroom experience at our Best of GW lectures. Join our world-renowned faculty for our most engaging, student-favorite lectures. We've got a fantastic lineup of lectures planned — topics will be posted at go.gwu.edu/bestofgw later this summer.

• Leadership Dialogue

  • Saturday, October 17, 1 - 2pm | Jack Morton Auditorium, 805 21st Street, NW
  • A conversation with GW's 19th President Ellen M. Granberg about the collaborations taking place across the university community and the changes at GW designed to enhance our institutional prominence.

• Mitchell Hall Grand Re-Opening

  • Saturday, October 17, 2 - 3:30pm | Mitchell Hall, 514 19th Street, NW
  • Join us for a Grand Re-Opening of Mitchell Hall.  Reconnect with old friends, meet current residents, and enjoy the newly renovated residence hall. All alumni, families, and friends are welcome—come see why Mitchell still feels like home! 

• Thurston Hall Open House

  • Saturday, October 17, 2 - 3:30pm | Thurston Hall, 1900 F Street, NW
  • Join us for an afternoon of connection and celebration at the Thurston Open House! Reconnect with old friends, meet current residents, and enjoy the stunning views from the Thurston Penthouse. All alumni, families, and friends are welcome—come see why Thurston still feels like home! 

• Vern Harvest

  • Saturday, October 17, 2:30 - 5:30pm | Mount Vernon Campus Quad, 2100 Foxhall Road, NW
  • Celebrate fall on GW’s beautiful Mount Vernon Campus with a traditional autumn festival hosted by the Division of Student Affairs. Enjoy games, pumpkin decorating, crafts, fall treats and more! Attendance is free, but registration is encouraged. 🍂🎃🍁
    
    Buses for the Vern Harvest
  • Coach buses are operating between 2 - 6pm on Saturday, 10/17 to take Alumni & Families Weekend attendees to the Vern Harvest at the Mount Vernon Campus. Coach buses will pick up and drop off from Foggy Bottom in front of Funger hall. Coach buses will drop off and pick up at the Mount Vernon Campus on Whitehaven Pkwy (entrance to the Mount Vernon Campus).
  • In addition, the Mount Vernon Express Shuttle (VEX) is running every 20 minutes in front of Tompkins Hall.  Attendees with mobility issues should use the VEX shuttle as they will be dropped off at the clocktower stop closer to the Vern Harvest event. 

• General George's Alumni Biergarten

  • Saturday, October 17, 3 - 5pm | Kogan Plaza, 2121 H Street, NW
  • Join fellow alumni for a relaxed, family‑friendly biergarten gathering filled with good conversation, lawn games, light activities, and plenty of Buff & Blue spirit. Enjoy an open‑air setting where you can reconnect with old friends, meet graduates from across the decades, and spend time with your GW community. Kids are welcome, and casual vibes are encouraged — just bring your GW pride and settle in for an easy, fun afternoon together. 🥨☀️🍻
  • $25/$15 for attendees age 21 and under

• Cultural Collage

  • Saturday, October 17, 5 - 7pm| Location TBA
  • This event is for GW alumni and their guests. Join us for Cultural Collage, an evening bringing together GW’s Shared Identity & Interest Alumni Communities and all those who value connection and community. Reconnect with fellow alumni, make new friends, and celebrate the vibrant experiences that make GW’s alumni community so unique.
  • This special reception will offer the chance to mix and mingle across communities, share your GW stories, and explore ways to engage with programs that reflect and honor our shared identities and interests.  Visit the Shared Identity and Interest Communities website to learn more.

• Mount Vernon All-Alumnae Class Reunion

  • Saturday, October 17, 5 - 7pm | Eckles Auditorium, Mount Vernon Campus
  • Celebrate with your Mount Vernon Seminary and College classmates and meet alumnae of the Elizabeth J. Somers Women's Leadership Program at this all-class reunion reception. 

• Spirit of GW Awards

  • Saturday, October 17, 6 - 8pm | Grand Ballroom, 3rd Floor, University Student Center, 800 21st Street, NW
  • By invitation only. The Spirit of GW Awards are presented annually to a select group of GW alumni and friends who have elevated the standards of excellence and generosity within the GW community. 

• Class Reunion Celebrations
  GW Classes of 2001, 2006, 2011, and 2016

  • Saturday, October 17, 6:30 - 8:30pm | Locations TBD
  • Reconnect with classmates and celebrate your milestone year at your class reunion party. Enjoy great food, drinks, and conversation as you revisit favorite memories, catch up on life since graduation, and celebrate the community that shaped your GW experience and continues to shape your GW story. 🎉

• Fall Comedy Show
  presented by GW Program Board & the Division for Student Affairs

  • Saturday, October 17, 9 - 11pm | Charles E. Smith Center, 600 22nd Street, NW
  • Get ready for a night of nonstop laughs! Join the Division for Student Affairs and Program Board for one of GW's favorite traditions as we bring a nationally recognized comedian to campus for an unforgettable performance. Open to all students, families, and alumni, enjoy an evening filled with comedy, good vibes, and plenty of laughs. Registration for this event is separate from AFW registration; you can access it through AFW registration or directly from this page once the link is live (coming soon!).
  • Doors open at 8 pm. Please arrive early—the show starts promptly at 9 pm, and all guests must be seated by then, as doors will close at showtime.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18

• GW Families Jazz Brunch with Vice President Coleman

  • Sunday, October 18, 10am - 12pm | Grand Ballroom, 3rd Floor, University Student Center, 800 21st Street, NW
  • Wrap up Alumni & Families Weekend with Vice President Colette Coleman, staff from the Division for Student Affairs, and a special jazz performance by talented GW student musicians. Enjoy a delicious brunch buffet, connect with fellow GW families, and spend one last memorable morning with your GW student before heading home. Capacity is limited to the first 600 people. Families are encouraged to register early as this event tends to sell out.  🥐☕️☀️𝄞🎷
  • $25 for adults (including students) |$15 for children age 12 and under  

• 36th Anniversary Celebration of the Stephen Joel Trachtenberg (SJT) Scholarship (formerly 21st Century DC Scholarship)

  • Sunday, October 18, 10am - 12pm | Location TBD
  • This event is for student and alumni scholarship recipients, associated faculty, and their guests. We invite all past and present recipients of the 21st Century DC Scholarship, renamed the SJT Scholarship, to join us in celebrating the legacy, impact, and future of this trailblazing initiative that brings high school graduates from the District of Columbia to GW. The scholarship, named after Stephen Joel Trachtenberg (SJT) GW's 15th President, recognizes his visionary leadership and dedication to expanding access to higher education. Join us for brunch and to connect, reflect, and honor the decades of community building. 

• IKEA Pop-Up Shop at Alumni & Families Weekend

  • Sunday, October 18, 10am - 4pm | Great Hall, 1st floor, University Student Center, 800 21 Street, NW
  • Need a few more essentials for your student's room or apartment? Stop by the IKEA Pop-Up Shop during Alumni & Families Weekend to browse a selection of dorm and apartment favorites. Whether you're looking for storage solutions, organization essentials, or cozy touches, it's the perfect opportunity to pick up practical items while on campus.

• District Connections - Family-Style

  • Sunday, October 18, 12 - 4pm | Departing from the 1st Floor, University Student Center, 800 21st Street NW
  • District Connections trips are designed for incoming undergraduate students at George Washington University. District Connections offers students access to staff- and peer-led events around Washington, DC that allow them to forge connections with other GW students and learn more about our vibrant city.
  • During Alumni & Families Weekend, all students, families, and supporters are invited to join one of our GWxDC trips around town. The trips are free, but capacity is limited per trip. Families are encouraged to register early as trips will sell out. Guided trips will be using the Metro system to explore the area, just like our students do! 🚇🏛️
  • We will not have a waitlist, but if the trips fill up, we encourage you to come to the University Student Center at 12:30 pm just in case we have no shows that day.
  • 12:30 - 4 pm Trips (50 participants per trip):
    • International Spy Museum
    • Lincoln Memorial Undercroft Tour
    • National Geographic Museum
    • National Zoo

• GW Women's Basketball vs. Towson University

  • Sunday, October 18, 2pm | The Charles E. Smith Center, 600 22nd St, NW