Hundreds come Back to Bellingham

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

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 featured more than 100 reunions, tours, educational discussions, athletic events, recreational and entertainment opportunities, with live music on four stages. Guest speakers for 2014 included environmentalist and founder of 350.org, Bill McKibben, as well as YouTube sensation and inspirational speaker "Dancing Matt" Harding.

Registration included 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.

Also occurring were the 15th Annual Scholars Week Showcase and the "Spring into Western" event for high school students.

For more information, visit www.back2bellingham.com.