Join us for Reunion 2026!

September 2026 
Official dates will be released in March once the Fall 2026 athletics schedule is finalized.

After a successful transition to a fall Reunion in 2025 — and with positive feedback from attendee surveys (average of 4.5 stars) — we are excited to continue this momentum into 2026. Keeping Reunion in September allows us to uphold the traditions alumni cherish while offering a more dynamic, energetic, and well-attended weekend experience. Aligning Reunion with Family Weekend continues to strengthen campus engagement, broaden participation, and support a robust schedule of events for alumni, students, families, and the entire Elmira College community.

The 2026 Reunion also provides a meaningful and timely opportunity to celebrate President Chuck Lindsay’s leadership as he retires in June, while warmly welcoming and introducing our newly appointed president to the alumni community. Hosting Reunion in September creates an ideal setting for this transition, ensuring both alumni and students can take part in this significant moment for the College.

This will also provide the new president two years of data—attendance, engagement, budget efficiencies, and participant feedback—to thoughtfully evaluate and determine any future adjustments to Reunion timing or structure.

Be sure to follow Elmira College Alumni on Facebook to stay up to date on news and events!



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Are meals included in the registration cost?

To keep registration costs low, all meals will be "pay at the door" at the Campus Center Dining Hall. The exception is the Alumni Dinner Saturday night in Stephans Lounge, Meier Hall. This reduces your upfront costs and does not require you to pay for a meal you might not be joining. It also gives our alumni the flexibility to buy from food vendors during Octagon Fair or visit beloved area restaurants. Meals at the Campus Center Dining Hall offer variety and allergy-friendly options. Cash and credit cards will be accepted at the register. Meals will average $15 per person, a low cost that is thanks to our partnership with Parkhurst.

What does the main individual registration cost cover?

Registration covers event expenses such as entertainment, catering, staffing, and supplies to host a successful reunion event. Events during the weekend, such as the Alumni Meeting, Candlelight Ceremony, tours, classes, and even s’mores at the Firepit are included in the registration. Parking on campus is free.

What accommodations are available?

Due to our growing enrollment and strong student retention, we are unable to offer on-campus housing for alumni in residence halls.

Each year we secure room blocks at discounted rates. Also, there are 11 hotel properties in the Elmira-Corning region, not to mention Airbnb’s and local bed and breakfasts.

Additionally, fewer alumni chose on-campus accommodations due to the limited appeal of traditional dorm-style housing. Survey feedback highlighted concerns about the lack of hotel-style amenities.

Why is Reunion remaining in September?

We decided to move Reunion from the summer to the fall following a decade-long decline in attendance. Moving to the Fall, while a change, offered a number of benefits from expanding our entertainment and programing, to sharing budget and cost savings as well as an increase in volunteer support.

Following feedback from Reunion 2025 attendees, continuing the fall model offers several advantages:

Student Engagement & Campus Energy

With students already on campus, alumni can enjoy a lively atmosphere and meaningful interaction with today’s Soaring Eagles. Student volunteers, performers, athletes, and club leaders contribute to a more engaging and memorable Reunion experience.

Shared Budget & Cost Savings

Combining Reunion with Family Weekend allows for greater efficiency and smarter use of shared resources. By coordinating event budgets, staffing, and entertainment across both groups, the College is able to offer higher-quality programming without increasing costs for attendees. Feedback from Buildings & Grounds and Parkhurst was overwhelmingly positive—they reported stronger staffing levels, fewer setup demands, and significantly more support throughout the weekend. The College Store experienced record-breaking sales, and student clubs and community vendors saw increased fundraising and higher sales during the Octagon Fair. Campus Life and The Office of Institutional Advancement & Alumni Engagement can offer more events as they are able to share budget costs.

Expanded Entertainment & Programming

The fall schedule supports a fuller range of events. In addition to the traditional summer events, we can now include events and activities such as Octagon Fair, Lectures with Faculty, College classes, Athletic competitions and tailgates, the Senior Class pub nights fundraiser, and the Mammone Academy Honors.

Increased Volunteer Support

With the entire campus community present—students, faculty, staff—Reunion, Family Weekend, Octagon Fair all benefit from significantly greater volunteer capacity and support.

Dining Services Fully Operational

Parkhurst Dining operates at full capacity during the academic year, ensuring consistent, high-quality food service with appropriate staffing and supplies.

Were alumni surveyed about the change?

Yes. Feedback from Reunion 2024 and previous years' surveys highlighted several areas for improvement:

  • Cost concerns

  • Underwhelming food options

  • Low attendance and engagement

  • Desire for more interaction with students, faculty, and staff

  • Timing

What about those who are teachers or have kids in school?

Mid-June has posed a problem for many alumni throughout the years. New York State schools are generally in session until the third or fourth week of June. Going earlier in the month conflicts with Father’s Day Weekend and graduations and graduation parties for alumni who are in neighboring states. Elementary and high school athletics and activities run August - June for many of our alumni, making it difficult to find a time that avoids these conflicts.

While no date works perfectly for everyone, many alumni reported that a September weekend—with significant advance notice—was easier to plan for than mid-June.

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