More than 850 alumni return, reconnect for 2026 Reunion Weekend

Sandy Dewitt Wheaton of Dacono, Colo., hadn’t stepped foot on the SUNY Oswego campus since graduating in 1976 with a business administration degree in hand 50 years ago. But when she reunited with college pal and fellow 1976 grad Wendy Badgley Hindley during Reunion Weekend in Oswego, the stories came flooding back.

They were among the more than 850 alumni who attended the celebration, June 4-7, representing 60 class years spanning 1956 through 2026. The Class of 1986 earned highest participation among class years, while Delta Kappa Kappa earned top participation among affinity groups as it celebrated its 100th anniversary. (See related story.)

Alumni came from 23 U.S. states – and from as far away as Los Angeles. Outside New York, the largest numbers came from New Jersey, Florida, Pennsylvania, Connecticut and Massachusetts. One alum even made the trip from Wauwatosa, Wisconsin.

Until recently, when Hindley moved back to New York, she had spent decades in California and Hawaii, teaching private music lessons. The former roommates had not seen each other in many years, making their Golden Reunion the perfect time to reconnect.

The pair quickly slipped back into laughter and storytelling, including memories of “Mr. Rogers” — a prosthetic leg they discovered in their house attic and adopted as an unofficial roommate. Over time, Mr. Rogers became a staple at gatherings, even doubling as a party dip holder.

Warm welcome

The energy of the weekend was evident from the moment alumni began checking in Thursday afternoon in Waterbury Hall, where hugs, laughter and joyful reunions set the tone for the days ahead.

Thursday afternoon, historian and Syracuse City School District history teacher Don Little hared his passion for SUNY Oswego founder, Edward Austin Sheldon, detailing Sheldon’s life and monumental contributions to educational systems, not only in America but throughout the world. Little earned his undergraduate degree from Oswego in 1991 as well as master's degrees in 1994 and 2015.

During the Thursday night Golden Alumni Kick-Off Dinner held on campus in the Marano Campus Center, alumni from the Class of 1976 shared stories of their lives since SUNY Oswego.

Doran said she came to Oswego for college 54 years ago and stayed a part of the Oswego County community.

“Am I the only one?” she asked her peers. She shared how she switched from math to psychology before settling as an art major. After earning a master's in teaching from St. Lawrence University, she spent her career in the Hannibal School District teaching art.

“I loved it,” she said. “It was the job I was supposed to do.”

On Friday morning, a couple dozen Lakers soaked in the beautiful sunshine as they played 18 holes at Battle Island Golf Course in Fulton. For one duo the outing was their first attempt at golf, renting their clubs and borrowing a few balls. For several others, they play the course every year during Reunion Weekend and looked forward to hitting their favorite holes.

Meanwhile, at Penfield Library, University Archivist Zachary Vickery and Digital Collections Librarian Marissa Caico presented about Special Collections and SUNY Oswego history, including the burial of a litter-filled 1960 Chrysler DeSoto outside Culkin Hall in recognition of the first Earth Day in 1970. Following their presentation, Carol Ricketts Schelin of the class of 1972 donated copies of her late husband Robert Schelin's (Class of 1967) dissertation on U.S. President Millard Fillmore to the university’s Special Collections. 

Golden alumni reflect

Later in the morning, members of the Golden Anniversary class gathered in the Maraviglia Atrium in Wilber Hall for the Class of 1976 Remembrance Ceremony, with Director of Campus Ministry Michael Huynh (a two-time alumnus) and President Peter O. Nwosu delivering poignant remarks about the significance of the act of remembering. A candle was lit as attendees said aloud the names of deceased classmates to mark the occasion.

President Nwosu highlighted that the most significant takeaway from their time at Oswego was not just their education, but the unshakable foundation of their relationships.

“We remember our departed friends, not with a sense of heavy tragedy, but with a deep, warm gratitude," President Nwosu said. “As long as you carry those memories... a part of that youth and a part of them remains alive, remains with you. May the memory of your classmates be a blessing that inspires you to live fully, to love deeply and to cherish every moment.”

Following the ceremony, many members of the Class of 1976 joined alumni from 1975 and earlier for the Golden Alumni Society Luncheon and Induction Ceremony in Sheldon Hall Ballroom.

To open the luncheon, Vice President for University Advancement Heath Wood took attendees back to 1976, reflecting on the year’s major headlines, pop culture moments and campus life.

“One of the great gifts of reunion weekends is the opportunity to revisit a different version of ourselves,” Wood said.

He shared how the Class of 1976 had the distinction of being the last graduating class able to cheer on a varsity Laker football team before the program concluded after the 1975 season. He recounted the many now-famous musicians who performed at SUNY Oswego, including Bruce Springsteen, Herbie Hancock and Poco.

“What truly defines your Oswego experience isn’t a concert ticket… It’s the friendships you built,” he said. “The professors who challenged you. The lessons you learned … You helped build the reputation, traditions and spirit that continue to define SUNY Oswego today.

“Thank you for returning home … and for helping ensure that future generations of Lakers can create memories every bit as meaningful,” Wood said.

Following lunch, Executive Director of the Oswego Alumni Association Laura Pavlus Kelly, a 2009 graduate, read the names of each Class of 1976 member in attendance as Wood presented each with a pin, officially welcoming them into the Golden Alumni Society.

Gratitude and celebration

Alumni who served in the U.S. Armed Forces stopped by the university’s Office of Veteran and Military Services in Sheldon Hall for a reception and networking event. They also visited the Battle Buddy Center, a dedicated safe haven and lounge located in Room 313 of Sheldon Hall. The space is a NYSID-designated center that provides a sense of community, a place to study and a hub for veteran-specific services.

More than 75 alumni donors and friends attended a special presidential reception honoring members of the President’s Circle Giving Society, Sheldon Legacy Society members and 25-year-plus members of the Loyal Lakers Society in the Marano Campus Center’s Hearth Lounge.

During the reception, they heard from Shineman Oswego Scholarship recipient Alison Hallinan of the Class of 2028 and Grace Maxon Clarke, associate dean of students and director of the Office of Student Wellbeing and Care (and two-time Oswego alumna), who both spoke on the impact of philanthropy on campus.

Hundreds of alumni and friends enjoyed a beautiful evening at Fallbrook Friday for the annual BBQ and bonfire. Among them were a group of 20 friends who graduated in the mid-1980s, including several who met their spouses at SUNY Oswego.

“We were out throwing around a football, and this girl walks by and I said, ‘I’m going to marry that girl someday,’” recalled Rich Lalier, a 1987 gradate. He did. Lalier and “that girl” — Ellen Wilson Lalier of the Class of 1986 — have been together for 41 years. Today, they live in Southport, N.C., and have two adult children.

His best man, Andy Wagner, met his wife, Kim White Wagner, one month before they graduated in 1986. Lalier served as Wagner’s best man in his wedding in 1989. The group of 20-plus alumni spent the weekend reconnecting and reminiscing together.

For many Lakers, the evening closed out with the Delta Kappa Kappa 100th Anniversary Rocking by the River Concert, featuring music by Frostbit Blue and JUMBOshrimp.

Defying the usual Saturday sleep-in, a dedicated group of Lakers laced up their sneakers and hit the wet pavement bright and early (well, 8:30 a.m. early) for the 5K Fun Run/Walk around campus.

Others headed into the Marano Campus Center auditorium to hear an update on fraternity/sorority life at SUNY Oswego from Vanessa Taylor, director of Student Engagement and Leadership, and senior campus leaders.

Meanwhile, John "Rocco" Varacchi of the Class of 1970 screened his tribute video to the legendary Buckland's bar before leading a spirited round of Buckland's/Oswego trivia.

President Nwosu shares vision

More than three dozen alumni and their guests representing milestone reunion classes gathered Saturday morning for the Milestone Class Anniversary Reception, where President Nwosu offered remarks and a university update.

“What a magnificent sight it is to look across this room and see the history of this university come to life,” President Nwosu said. “As I engage with some of you, it is particularly clear to me that you continue to care deeply, deeply about this wonderful institution. Whether you are here for your 25th reunion or I just met someone [Dick Gillard] who graduated in 1956 celebrating his 70th reunion, you have returned to the place that shaped who you are today.”

He provided an update on the university and some priorities for the future.

“There's a lot going on in this campus, but we cannot achieve this without your support,” he said. “Whether you are following our news and social media, cheering on our student athletes at a match in your hometown or participating in the annual fund for the school, you are elevating this university. And as you elevate SUNY Oswego, you elevate the value of your own degree. As I often say, we all rise together. And to our milestone classes, your success, I mean this deeply, is our greatest point of pride.”

President Nwosu then made his way to the Marano Campus Center auditorium where three alumnae, Linda Morley Loomis (bachelor's graduate in 1990, master's in 1997), 1981 graduate Maureen McArdle-Schulman and 1977 graduate Andrea J. Sant received Oswego Alumni Association (OAA) Alumni Awards from OAA President Justin Dobrow of the Class of 2017. (See related story.)

Dobrow also led a “fireside chat” with President Nwosu, which covered a range of topics, including such construction projects as the $80 million renovation of Hewitt Hall, which is part of a broader effort to modernize campus infrastructure with sustainable geothermal energy, with Mahar Hall renovations underway and Penfield Library slated to begin shortly thereafter. (Watch a recording of the conversation with President Nwosu)

President Nwosu also talked about Vision 4040, a strategic initiative designed to double the number of degrees and credentials to meet the regional economic demands created by major investments like Micron.

“The talent pipeline that powers this region comes from the education this university provides,” he said. “We have a responsibility to keep faith with a promise that was begun 165 years ago to lift up lives and increase upward mobility.”

President Nwosu concluded the conversation by talking about the importance of alumni support through mentorship and technology funding to ensure students remain competitive on a global stage.

“I also want to thank you for just being here,” President Nwosu said. “By being here, you're able to see what is happening, you see the changes happen on campus, you ask questions, you see the direction of the university and then you ask, ‘how might I help?’”

Mini-reunions and exploring

Alumni also got the latest scoop on the campus and student life from a student-led “Admissions Campus Tour for Alumni.” The group visited several academic buildings, the campus center, the library and even a residence hall.

Three mini-reunion groups celebrating milestone anniversaries and many more mini-reunion affinity groups gathered throughout Saturday for receptions, dinners and informal meet-ups. Among them was Alpha Epsilon Phi sorority, which celebrated its 40th anniversary with a dinner in the newly renovated Hewitt Hall Ballroom.

Not far from Hewitt, a loyal and spirited group of alumni had gathered at the Peace: Free and Easy Forever Memorial, located between Tyler and Seneca halls, to reconnect and remember four alumni and classmates whose lives were cut short by acts of terrorism: Colleen Brunner of the Class of 1990, and Lynne Hartunian, Richard Caproni and Michael Hannan of the Class of 1989.

Many of these alumni have developed deep friendships returning to the memorial over Reunion Weekend for more than a decade and look forward to their annual trip back to campus to celebrate life, with all of its peaks and valleys. In addition to recalling old Oswego tall tales, they swapped stories of becoming grandparents, moving to new homes, planning children’s weddings and celebrating all of life’s milestones together.

Years after mastering the art of thinking on their feet, former members of SUNY Oswego's improv troupe, the Shaun Cassidy Fan Club (now known as Oswego’s Own Improv), proved they hadn't missed a beat.

Members planned a mini-reunion this year to remember the group’s founder, 1991 graduate Tim Mollen, who passed away in August 2025. Michelle Garcia of the Class of 2006 led a memorial gathering for Mollen on Saturday morning, and then the group honored him in a way that he would appreciate – through the live performance Saturday night.

To wrap up Saturday night, hundreds of alumni laughed and danced the night away at the free “We Are Family” social at Dockside Bar and Grill, along the river in downtown Oswego.

Until next year

As Reunion Weekend came to a close with the Bon Voyage Breakfast Sunday morning, alumni departed with renewed friendships, cherished memories and an even deeper connection to the place they will always call home.

• Save the date for the 2027 Reunion: June 10-13, 2027. 
• Or even join the 2027 Reunion Engagement and Philanthropy Committee to plan next year’s weekend.
• Watch a video recap of the weekend. 
• View the full Reunion Weekend Photo Gallery.

-- Submitted for University Advancement