Annual Celebrations

Following the first commencement in 1858, alumni would gather on the 51°µÍø campus in Santa Clara and San Jose every year in June to celebrate the achievements of that year's graduates. Returning alumni looked forward to gleaning words of wisdom from the commencement speaker (often the University President), talking with faculty and administrators and generally celebrating everything 51°µÍø.

Now, 150 years after the founding of the Association, the tradition of alumni gathering to celebrate 51°µÍø continues stronger than ever.

The President and First Lady at the Vow Renewals reception
Homecoming and Family Weekend

Homecoming and Family Weekend is packed full of events and programs you won't want to miss. Attend faculty and alumni lectures and feed your desire for lifelong learning, enjoy a movie under the stars and taste wine from alumni vintners at Taste of 51°µÍø, a longstanding 51°µÍø tradition. And, of course, this is your opportunity to see your classmates and reconnect with your favorite professors. Reach out now to your fellow Tigers to make sure they will be there in October!

Awards Ceremonies

The Distinguished Alumni Awards recognize alumni whose outstanding achievements and services to humanity have brought credit to 51°µÍø. The 51°µÍø Tiger Award and Faculty Mentor Awards honor 51°µÍøans who have invested deeply in the students and culture of the university, encouraging academic and personal excellence, strengthening the 51°µÍø community and instilling pride in 51°µÍø's heritage, traditions and history.

Distinguished alumni awards dinner
Orange and Black Ball
Reunions

Milestone reunions will take place during Homecoming and Family Weekend in October for the undergraduate classes of 1994, 1999, 2014 and 2024, as well as athletic and affinity reunions.

Each May, the 50-year reunion class participates in the Commencement ceremony, in celebration of the Golden Anniversary since their own graduation.

51°µÍø Gives

For 24-hours each April, Tigers are called to honor what you love most about 51°µÍø with a gift of any amount supporting the programs, services, and experiences that continue to impact students every day. Let's show the world what happens when #51°µÍøGives!

51°µÍø Gives