Golden Reunion
Save the date! Golden Reunion will be held from May 11-13, 2026.
The ASU Alumni Association is excited to welcome the Class of 1976 back to campus for their 50-year Golden Reunion celebration.
Members of the Class of 1976 will return to campus to walk in Undergraduate Commencement alongside ASU’s newest graduates, tour familiar and new landmarks, and be inducted into the Golden Circle.
The Class of 1976 Golden Reunion celebration will take place May 11–13, 2026. Registration information will be available in early January.
Schedule at a glance (see below for full schedule):
Sunday, May 10 - (Optional) Welcome back happy hour
Monday, May 11 - Golden Reunion tours, meals and Commencement
Tuesday, May 12 - Golden Reunion tours, meals and Golden Circle ceremony
Wednesday, May 13 - Academic College breakfasts
Schedule of events
Sunday, May 10 (optional)
4 p.m. - Welcome Back reception
Join the Class of 1976 at our Welcome Back reception, hosted by the Golden Reunion Outreach Committee, and enjoy the unofficial start of your reunion! Location to be announced.
Monday, May 11
8:30 a.m. - Reunion check-in at Old Main
Park at the Fulton Center parking structure and head to Old Main, where we will kick off the Golden Reunion festivities.
9 a.m. - Kickoff breakfast at Old Main
Reconnect with former classmates and relive memorable moments together.
Receive welcome remarks from the ASU Alumni Association and a brief overview of the changes at ASU over the past 50 years.
11 a.m. - Tour of Hayden Library
Enjoy a tour of one of ASU’s most popular campus spots: the Hayden Library. Originally built in 1966, this library acted as a popular study spot for students for over 50 years - come see how it’s been reinvented for the 21st century.
12 p.m. - Lunch at the Memorial Union
Join your classmates with casual lunch at the center of campus. Spend time at the Memorial Union or wander over to the Sun Devil Campus Store to pick up some new Sun Devil gear.
2 p.m. - Tour of the School of Earth and Space Exploration
Enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour of one of the many innovative research buildings at ASU - the Interdisciplinary Science and Technology Building 4 - featuring a state-of-the-art auditorium, lab space, the 3D Marston Theater and out-of-this world research. A multiuse complex, ISTB4 provides flexible laboratories with adjoining workspaces for a number of ASU research programs and environmental engineering and energy research initiatives.
3:30 p.m. Transportation to Mountain America Stadium
4 p.m. - Student Panel
Hear from current student leaders about what it means to go to ASU in 2026, including favorite memories and a time for Q&A.
5 p.m. - Dinner and robing for Commencement at Mountain America Stadium
Receive welcome remarks from Christine K. Wilkinson, ‘66 BAE, ‘76 PhD, President andCEO, ASU Alumni Association. Enjoy a special dinner at Mountain America Stadium before putting on your golden robe for the Commencement ceremony. Veterans will receive a special thank you and commemorative stole from the Pat Tillman Veteran Center at ASU
7:30 p.m. - Undergraduate Commencement at Mountain America Stadium
Participate in ASU’s 2026 Commencement ceremonies on the field at Mountain America Stadium.
Join the opening procession as thousands of graduates take the field to celebrate ASU’s remarkable Class of 2026, representing over 20,000 students earning their degrees.
Enjoy VIP seating for the ceremonies and a special acknowledgment by ASU President Michael M. Crow.
Tuesday, May 12
9:30 a.m. - Check in at Old Main
Choose your own adventure during the breakout sessions on Tuesday. You will be able to select one of the tour options below during each of the session times:
Option 1: Mirabella at ASU
Mirabella at ASU opened its doors in 2020 and is the nation’s first certified University-based Retirement Community and a demonstration of ASU’s broader commitment to meeting the needs of learners across our longer lifespans. In this session, you will learn more about ASU’s vision for lifelong learning, get an overview and tour of the community, and speak with current Mirabella residents about their experiences. Enjoy lite bites and a glass of wine from the only senior living community to win a prestigious Wine Spectator award!
Option 2: Tooker House
The high-tech, innovative Tooker House is home to the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering residential community of students. Opened in 2017, this community is built on the site of the earlier Palo Verde Main. Tooker House offers living and learning settings immersed in an engineering education environment.
Option 3: Dreamscape Learn
Dreamscape Learn is a collaborative venture between Dreamscape Immersive and ASU, merging the most advanced teaching methods with the entertainment industry’s best emotional storytelling. Experience a virtual reality classroom environment during this session. Space is limited.
10 a.m. - Breakout session 1
Select one:
Mirabella at ASU
Tooker House Residence Hall
11:30 a.m. - Lunch at Carson Ballroom in Old Main
Return to Old Main to for a luncheon
1:30 p.m. - Breakout session 2
Select one:
Tooker House Residence Hall
Dreamscape Learn
3 p.m. - Breakout session 3
Select one:
Mirabella at ASU
Dreamscape Learn
4:30 p.m. - Golden Circle reception at Carson Ballroom in Old Main
Mingle and reminisce on your 50th anniversary experience as you enjoy delicious hors d'oeuvres. A cash bar is available. Open to graduates and your friends.
6 p.m. - Golden Circle induction ceremony on Old Main Lawn
The glorious Golden Circle induction ceremony is a tradition that dates back to the 1960s.
This iconic candle-lighting ceremony acknowledges your place in ASU’s long and storied history.
● The Class of 1976 will be joined by honorees from the graduating Class of 2026.
● The event concludes with a class photo on the steps of Old Main
Wednesday, May 13
Academic College Options
Enjoy programming from the academic college within ASU that granted your degree. Dates and times vary by college. Please list your school on our registration page/form and we will follow up with more information. Please note, the event times and locations may change. The Alumni Association will confirm information with all registered guests as we get closer to your Golden Reunion.
Interested in joining the Class of 1976 Outreach Committee?
As a committee member, you'll join monthly meetings and help reconnect classmates, teammates, Greek life members and student government leaders and encourage them to join the celebration alongside you. Tell us about yourself and fill out our interest form by clicking the button below.
Reconnect with the Class of 1976 with our Sun Devil Storybook
Share a little about yourself, upload photos and connect with fellow classmates before we gather in person. This is your chance to catch up, reminisce and celebrate 50 years of memories. Don’t miss out — sign up today and be part of the conversation.
Hotel information
Book your stay now at the Alumni Association's partner hotel, Hyatt Place Tempe/Phoenix/University. Located just across the street from Desert Financial Arena, receive a discounted rate as a Golden Graduate when you stay May 10-13, 2026. Book online or call 888-591-1234 and mention the group code G-A291.
Relive Golden Reunion with the Class of 1975
Hear from our Golden Graduates
I felt so recognized, encouraged and supported. When we were walking down the field, the undergraduates that were sitting on both sides of us had big smiles on their faces, and they were clapping for us. It felt so good.
Rita Merrill, Class of 1975
Whether you live near or far away, take the time to return, remember and reconnect with why you loved ASU and see all that is new and exciting.
Maurice Portley, Class of 1975
This reunion should not be missed! Amazing time and we were made to feel so special.
Kimberly and Joyce Wheeler, Class of 1975
