Home is truly where the heart is, and for Principians across the globe, Reunion felt like coming home. 

Over the weekend of June 26–30, approximately 475 Principia alumni gathered on the Elsah campus from as far away as Germany and Hawaii. Among the excited reunioners were attendees from the classes of 1974 and 1975, here to celebrate their 50th reunion.  

The weekend's programming rekindled the connections of a lifetime. More than an opportunity to reminisce about pub shakes and College memories, the gathering deepened friendships and bonds. 

On-campus 50th events included a Village Inn-themed ice cream welcome party, an appreciation dinner with College leadership, a ribbon-cutting event on the Bluffs, and a class party featuring a photo booth, line dancing, and Tony’s Pizza. There was also a workshop with Spiritual Life Director and College Chaplain Roger Gordon. On Saturday, the two classes met via Zoom with fellow classmates who could not make the trip to Elsah.  

Nostalgia expanded beyond campus to Aerie's Resort in Grafton, where 50th Reunion alumni enjoyed ziplining and alpine coaster riding. 

During the final night of Reunion, the 50th Reunion Steering Board presented College President Dr. Daniel Norton with a check for $210,000 for use in two areas: the revitalization of the Bluffs Lookout Area, which was a collaboration with the Class of 2024, and an endowment gift for the Spiritual Life program which encourages students’ spiritual growth by providing activities that benefit the entire College student body. 

Among those returning home to Principia were Paul and Sue (Rice) Beeson (both C’74) who came from Kirkland, Washington. Married for 49 years, the couple met as students on campus. Sue commented on her favorite activities from the weekend, “It was fantastic to see so many familiar faces. We enjoyed having two-hour meals with old friends. We also did the zipline. It was great to hear from Principia leadership about the direction that Prin is going. I think that was important for all of us.” 

Asked to summarize the joy she felt about seeing old friends and recalling their College years Sue said, “You talk about the atmosphere of the Love divine. It was that on overload. It was great fun."