Back2Bellingham events are next weekend

Western Washington University will hold its fifth annual Back2Bellingham reunion weekend for alumni, families, students, faculty, staff and community on May 16 to 18.

“It’s been very exciting to see Back2Bellingham become an annual highlight for Western alumni, students, parents, and the community at large over the last five years,” President Bruce Shepard said. “We’re proud to once again showcase the best of what Western’s engaging, inviting and adventurous community of students and faculty have to offer over the course of this packed weekend. And of course, Western’s distinctive approach to higher education put to higher purposes will be part of the mix, with programs like Relay for Life, EndFair and an environmental cleanup project among others.”

Back2Bellingham offers an opportunity for all WWU colleges, departments, clubs and organizations to bring potential and current students, parents and staff together to network with alumni and faculty.

“Back2Bellingham is not only for alums; we invite anyone with a connection to Western to come experience campus, classes without quizzes and a variety of events available to create an entertaining weekend,” Chris Roselli, director of young alumni and student programs at the Western Alumni Association, said. “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.”

Back2Bellingham’s fifth year features more than 100 reunions, tours, educational discussions, athletic events, recreational and entertainment opportunities, with live music on four stages. Guest speakers for 2014 include environmentalist and founder of 350.org, Bill McKibben, as well as YouTube sensation and inspirational speaker “Dancing Matt” Harding.

The $13 registration includes a BBQ lunch on Old Main Lawn with live music by the Prime Time Band, the Red Square Carnival with a 250-foot zip line through campus, Party in the Library, Classes without Quizzes, Junior Viking Blast Pass and kids athletic camps, 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.

Potential students and parents will also have an opportunity to see the outstanding work of current Western students with the 15th Annual Scholars Week Showcase. Additionally, Western's Office of Admissions invites high school students interested in attending WWU to attend “Spring into Western.”

Back2Bellingham fun extends beyond Saturday’s big events in Red Square and into the community. Beginning Friday, participants can enjoy guided tours of Bellingham, Lakewood and Bellingham Bay via bicycle, kayak or whale-watching boat.

“Spring is a great time for families to connect with their student and visit campus. With great student-sponsored events, engaging presentations and the recently upgraded planetarium, there are always new things to see and learn about,” said Anna Carey, director for New Student Services/Family Outreach. “We’re especially pleased to feature Bill McKibben as the culminating speaker for this year’s programming with Western Reads.”

In addition, WWU is partnering with Whatcom County Tourism to include special discounts from businesses on the Bellingham Experience mobile app through the weekend.

Learn more, register and see who’s coming at www.back2bellingham.com.