Campus was full of sunshine, excitement, and celebration during Reunion 2024 as alumni and friends converged on the bluffs to celebrate their Principia connections, reunite with longtime friends, make new friends along the way, and catch a glimpse of Principia’s future.  

Over 475 alumni and guests joined us for various events throughout the weekend, celebrating class years ending with a 4, 5, 9, or 0, as well as affinity reunions for Howard House alumni and international alumni from all class years. 

“I had to be talked into coming back and am now so glad I did,” said one alum who returned to celebrate his 50th Reunion this year. “I loved everything about it. Living in the dorms, listening to speeches by professors, touring Eliestoun, walking in the morning with friends, parties after dinner,” shared another reunioner. 

The classes of 1974 and 1975 enjoyed extra time on campus, arriving a day earlier to celebrate. Throughout the weekend, they participated in a variety of fun events—from a Village Inn-themed welcome party and a sunset ribbon-cutting event for the renovated bluffs lookout (a fundraising initiative with the Class of 2024) to other on- and off-campus events. The 50th reunioners had plenty to celebrate.

Alums from all classes were invited to learn about today’s Principia during a Town Hall with Chief Executive Barbara Blackwell (HON’22), College President Dr. Daniel Norton, and Head of School Dr. Merry Sorrells (C’79). “It’s a challenging time for higher education, and especially for communicating the value of liberal arts education,” Dr. Norton remarked. He went on to add: "You know the value of liberal arts. Principia has prepared generations of graduates who have gone out and done amazing things because of that broad, liberal arts experience. We have something so incredible here, and we can’t be shy or bashful about it anymore. We’re excited about where we are going for the future.” 

Throughout the weekend, attendees enjoyed various talks by faculty and/or alums and plenty of pickleball with the Principia Panther! 1994 alum artists Kesra Hoffman and Storey (Hieronymus) Hauck showcased their work in Voney Art Center. Reunioners were also treated to an interactive session with current College students followed by a networking event. 

But perhaps the most meaningful activity was the opportunity to connect on a more personal level, lodging together in assigned houses and connecting at affinity and class-specific parties. Reunioners reconnected not just with each other, but with the beauty of the campus through tours, walks to Eliestoun, and an evening Hymn Sing. 

“I came back for Reunion Weekend because of the many great relationships I made at Principia and to again feel the specialness that comes with this place” shared Murilla King (C’14) of Teton Village, WY. “I’m so grateful I came to spend time with other Howard sisters and to continue to make and maintain those bonds.” 

View the Reunion photo slideshow on YouTube. 

2024 College Reunion by the Numbers 

40/4 – states and countries represented  

56 – College classes represented, including one member of the College class of 1955 

28 – alumni and faculty presentations, including talks, panels, lectures, networking, pickleball, and bird walks 

27 – percent of Class of 1974 attending reunion (the highest percentage among all classes) 

1,000+ – delicious Pub shakes served