There is a distinct magic to the Lewis & Clark campus. It’s in the way the morning light hits the bricks, the crispness of the Oregon air, and the quiet spaces that shaped who we became. As we prepare to gather for Alumni Weekend this June 11-14, L&C grads from across the generations are looking forward to stepping back onto the grounds where lifelong journeys—and lifelong friendships—first began.
We talked to reunion year alumni of different eras and asked where they felt most at home on campus. The variety of answers we received paints a picture of the special places that define L&C.
For a member of the Class of 1981, home meant a specific, permanent table in the Watzek Library, where friends always knew they could find her for an impromptu chat. For someone in the Class of 1976, it was the bustling social hub of the dining hall (formerly known as “Saga”).
For some, home was a physical sanctuary. One member of the Class of 2016 we spoke to immediately pictured the Agnes Flanagan Chapel, a space defined for her by the vibrant energy of late-night dance rehearsals, a cappella shows, and the power of the Race Monologues. For others, it was the comfort of the residence halls, like the south-side halls of Copeland or Aiken Hall, where members of the Class of 1991 and 1981 say they formed the kinds of deep, enduring connections that eventually turned friends into family.
And then, of course, there is the natural beauty that defines the L&C experience. For our member of the Class of 2006, home was any grassy spot near the reflecting pools—enjoying warmer afternoons with textbooks or friends. And a member of the Class of 2011 cited the timeless, breathtaking view behind the Manor House, where looking across the water to Mt. Hood on a gloomy day still feels purely magical.
Buildings are remodeled and landscaping shifts, but the heart of Lewis & Clark remains exactly as you left it. Alumni Weekend is your chance to revisit your own personal landmarks, grab a coffee with old roommates, and celebrate how far you’ve come since your days on campus.
Leave a Legacy for the Next Generation
As alumni return to the spaces that gave them their start, they are often reminded that the L&C experience is something to be protected. For many, their time on the Hill was only made possible by the generosity of the alumni who came before them, through life-changing scholarships and financial aid.
If you are celebrating a milestone reunion this year—whether it’s your 5th or your 45th—you have a unique opportunity to pay it forward. By participating in your reunion class gift, you help ensure that the small, discussion-driven classrooms, the life-changing overseas trips, and the vibrant campus community remain strong, independent, and accessible for the next generation.
Join Your Reunion Class Giving
Don’t forget to finalize your plans! You can view the full schedule of events and register for Alumni Weekend (June 12-14) here.
