aerial view of Western's campus at night, with golden lights surrounded by dark trees

's 'Back2Bellingham' Reunion Weekend is May 18-20

Contact: Chris Roselli, Western Washington University Alumni Association, (360) 650-6832; Chris.Roselli@wwu.edu

BELLINGHAM – Western Washington University will host its 3rd Annual Back2Bellingham reunion weekend for alumni, families, students, faculty/staff and community, Friday to Sunday, May 18-20.

Western Washington University's "Back2Bellingham" Reunion Weekend is set for May 18-20 ... come back to campus and reconnect!

"Back2Bellingham is a great opportunity for anyone in the Western family or the greater Bellingham community to sample the wide-ranging excellence, both in and out of the classroom, that is Western," said Western President Bruce Shepard.

This year’s theme, “Reunite in Real Life,” acknowledges that while social media keeps people connected virtually, the face-to-face reunion simply can’t be replaced. Back2Bellingham offers an opportunity for all 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 third year features more than 100 reunions, tours, educational discussions, athletic events, recreational and entertainment opportunities and parties with live music. The includes a BBQ lunch on Old Main Lawn with live music by the Prime Time band, the Red Square Carnival, Party in the Library, Science in Red Square, 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 and at the Box Office throughout the weekend.

 “We are excited to have even more community involvement this year at Back2Bellingham,” said Chris Roselli, assistant director of Western’s Alumni Association. “With the cooperation of our community partners and various departments, we’re able to put on an incredible weekend filled with reunions, entertainment, education and fun for the whole family.”

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 cruise.

“Back2Bellingham is also a great way to explore Bellingham and enjoy the outdoors,” says Anna Carey, director of New Student Services/Family Outreach at Western. “With sailing on Bellingham Bay and a golf tournament that supports student scholarships, you can see some of the scenic spots in Whatcom County while having fun with family and friends.”

Potential students and parents will also have an opportunity to see the outstanding work of current Western students with the 13th Annual Scholars Week Showcase, which is now part of Back2Bellingham weekend. Additionally, Western's Office of Admissions invites high school students interested in attending to attend “Spring into Western,” a series of discussions about applying to Western and resources available for incoming students and their families.

Each Back2Bellingham year highlights a different college. In 2012, the College of Sciences and Technology (CST) will be featured, with special events including Science in Red Square, open tours of the department with laboratory demonstrations and Classes Without Quizzes presented by some of the most beloved and well-known CST faculty members.

Presentations include “Life, Religion & Design in Nepal” by Arunas Oslapas, Industrial Design; “Between Order and Chaos: Computer Generated Knots and Mazes” with Geof Matthews, Computer Science; “Why are there species?” with Dietmar Schwartz, Biology; “How to make jet fuel from algae” with Greg O’Neil, Chemistry; “Secret Lives of Dinosaurs” with Thor Hansen, Geology; and “Studying the Sciences and Technology at Western – for parents/students interested in the STEM fields” by Jeff Wright, CST Dean.

Back2Bellingham brings approximately 1,500 alumni, students, staff and community members to campus each year to reunite, network and celebrate being a part of Western.

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