Back2Bellingham is this weekend
Western Washington University will host its fourth annual Back2Bellingham reunion weekend for alumni, families, students, faculty, staff and community, Friday to Sunday, May 17 to 19.
“I’ve always believed it’s not higher education unless it’s for a higher purpose and this year’s Back2Bellingham showcases that by including LivFest, EndFair, Relay for Life and an environmental cleanup project,” Western President Bruce Shepard said. “We are proud to showcase the best of what our students, faculty and the entire Western community have to offer.”
Back2Bellingham offers an opportunity for all Western colleges, departments, clubs and organizations to bring potential and current students, parents and staff together to network with alumni and former faculty.
Growing bigger and better each year, Back2Bellingham’s fourth year features more than 100 reunions, tours, educational discussions, athletic events, recreational and entertainment opportunities, and parties with live music on five stages, two more than previous years. This year will also be highlighted by the first reunion for Golden Vikings, Western Washington University alumni who graduated 50 or more years ago.
The $12 registration fee includes a barbecue lunch on the Old Main Lawn with live music from the PrimeTime band, the Red Square Carnival, Party in the Library, Science in Red Square, Classes Without Quizzes, Junior Viking Blast Pass and kids athletic camps, the 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 Western’s Box Office throughout the weekend.
“Last year’s Back 2 Bellingham was our biggest ever with thousands of Vikings coming back to campus and we’re excited to make this year’s B2B even bigger,” said Chris Roselli, Western’s Alumni Association director of young alumni and student programs. “This year there will be more than 130 events community-wide with five stages of music and entertainment on campus. Of course, back by popular demand will be a bigger carnival in Red Square, and more excursions, reunions and fun for the whole family.”
Back2Bellingham fun extends beyond Saturday’s 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 boat.
“The events scheduled during Back2Bellingham will provide family members, alumni and the community with a great way to have fun and find out what’s going on at Western,” said Anna Carey, Director of New Student Services/Family Outreach. “We’re especially excited about the opportunity to give back to Bellingham with service projects that are being launched this year.”
Potential students and parents will also have an opportunity to see the outstanding work of current Western students with the 14th Annual Scholars Week Showcase, which is now part of Back2Bellingham weekend. Additionally, Western's Office of Admissions invites high school students interested in attending Western to attend “Spring into Western,” a series of discussions about applying to Western and resources available for incoming students and their families.
Each year Back2Bellingham highlights a different college. This year the Woodring College of Education will be featured, with special events including the Spirit of Woodring Reunion Pep Rally, open tours of the department and Classes Without Quizzes presented by some of the most beloved and well-known Woodring College of Education faculty members. Participants can learn about “First Person Singular — International Climate Change” presented by Lauren McClanahan, “Learning in a Second Language Classroom While Hearing Only Swedish” with Jennifer Green, “It’s Your Arboretum” with David Engebretson, “30 Apps in 50 Minutes” with Paula Dagnon, and “Fostering Global Citizens” with Rosalie Romano.
Back2Bellingham brings approximately 7,000 alumni, students, staff and community members to campus each year to reunite, network and celebrate being a part of Western.
Parking is free during Back2Bellingham in all non-reserved lots from 4:30 p.m. on Friday, May 17 to 7 a.m. on Monday, May 20.
For more information about the event and to register for Back 2 Bellingham visit www.back2bellingham.com.
