Reunion Weekend

Reunion Weekend 2026

Welcome Back to Mongoose University

Reunite with classmates, relive memories, and reconnect with the campus that shaped your story. Mongoose University Reunion Weekend is a celebration of our alumni community — no matter when you graduated.

Event Details

Dates: Friday, April 24 – Sunday, April 26, 2026

Location: Mongoose University Main Campus, One Mongoose Lane, Orchard Park, NY 14127

Theme: “Mongoose Through the Decades”

Milestone Classes: 2021, 2016, 2011, 2006, 2001, 1996, 1991, 1986, 1981, 1976

Registration & Pricing

Full Weekend Pass (Alumni): $95 per person

Full Weekend Pass (Guest/Spouse): $75 per person

Single-Day Pass: $45 per person

Golden Mongoose Gala Add-On: $65 per person

Children (under 12): Free with registered adult

Early-Bird Discount: Register by April 10 and save 15%

Who Should Attend

Reunion Weekend is open to all Mongoose University alumni, their families, current faculty and staff, and friends of the university. Whether you graduated five years ago or fifty, you’re welcome home. Milestone reunion classes will have reserved seating and special programming, but every alum is encouraged to attend.

Current students are also invited to attend select events including the Career Alumni Mixer and the Campus 5K, free of charge with a valid student ID.

Friday, April 24 – Welcome Back Day

Kick off Reunion Weekend with registration, campus tours, and reconnecting with old friends.

10:00 AM – 6:00 PM | Reunion Registration & Check-In
Founders Hall Lobby. Pick up your welcome packet, name badge, campus map, and weekend schedule. A complimentary Mongoose tote bag is included with every Full Weekend Pass.

11:00 AM – 12:30 PM | Campus Walking Tours
Depart every 30 minutes from the Admissions Welcome Center (Founders Hall, Room 101). Student ambassadors will lead you through recent campus additions including the new Science & Innovation Center, the renovated Lakeside Commons dining hall, and the Mongoose Athletics Complex expansion.

12:00 PM – 1:30 PM | Welcome Luncheon
Lakeside Commons Dining Hall. A buffet lunch featuring local favorites and campus classics. Vegetarian, vegan, halal, kosher, and gluten-free options available. No additional charge with Full Weekend Pass.

1:00 PM – 3:00 PM | Academic Open Houses
Visit your former department. Each of the six academic colleges will host open houses with current faculty, lab demonstrations, and displays of student research. Locations: College of Arts & Sciences (Whitman Hall), College of Engineering (Turing Engineering Center), College of Business (Morrison Business Building), College of Education (Dewey Hall), College of Health Sciences (Nightingale Health Sciences Center), College of Fine Arts (Bernstein Center for the Arts).

2:00 PM – 3:30 PM | “State of the University” Address
Bernstein Center for the Arts, Main Stage (Auditorium, 650 seats). President Dr. Sylvia R. Whitfield will share a campus update, highlight recent achievements, and unveil plans for the new Student Innovation Hub breaking ground in fall 2026. Q&A to follow.

3:30 PM – 5:00 PM | Career Alumni Mixer
Morrison Business Building Atrium. Network with fellow alumni across industries. Current students are invited to attend. Light refreshments provided. Organized by the Office of Career Development and the Alumni Association.

5:30 PM – 7:00 PM | Class Welcome Receptions (Milestone Classes)
Hosted by individual class reunion committees in designated spaces across campus. Check your welcome packet for your class’s assigned location. Appetizers and a cash bar provided.

7:30 PM – 10:00 PM | Mongoose Pub Night
The Burrow (campus pub, University Center Lower Level). DJ, trivia night with Mongoose-themed questions, drink specials, and a photo booth with vintage Mongoose props. Must be 21+ with valid ID. Cover: $5 at the door or free with Full Weekend Pass.

Saturday, April 25 – The Main Event

Saturday is packed from sunrise to the Gala. Something for everyone – families, athletes, foodies, and party-goers alike.

7:30 AM – 8:30 AM | Mongoose Morning 5K Fun Run/Walk
Start/Finish at Greenway Quad. A scenic 3.1-mile route through campus and the Orchard Park Nature Trail. Pre-registration required ($20, includes a commemorative tech tee). Day-of registration available for $25 if spots remain. Chip-timed. Awards for top 3 male and female finishers plus best class spirit costume.

8:00 AM – 10:00 AM | Reunion Breakfast
Lakeside Commons Dining Hall. Full hot breakfast buffet. Included with Full Weekend Pass or $18 per person at the door.

9:00 AM – 11:00 AM | Mongoose Kids Zone
Greenway Quad (rain location: Fieldhouse Gymnasium). Face painting, bounce houses, lawn games, a mini petting zoo, arts & crafts stations, and a Mongoose mascot meet-and-greet. Free for all registered families. Recommended ages 3–12.

9:30 AM – 11:00 AM | Alumni Panel: “Mongoose Makers – Careers That Change the World”
Whitman Hall Lecture Room A (150 seats). Four distinguished alumni share their career journeys: Dr. Priya Nair ’01 (Chief Medical Officer, WNY Regional Health), Marcus Ellison ’96 (VP of Engineering, Verizon), Sonia Gutierrez ’06 (Founder, EduBridge Nonprofit), and James Okafor ’11 (NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory). Moderated by Dean Elizabeth Hargrove. Open to all attendees and current students.

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Mongoose Marketplace
University Center Ballroom. Browse goods from 25+ alumni-owned businesses and local vendors. Mongoose University merchandise tent with exclusive reunion-edition items (hats, polos, glassware). A portion of all sales benefits the Mongoose Scholarship Fund.

11:30 AM – 1:00 PM | Reunion Picnic & BBQ
Greenway Quad (rain location: Fieldhouse). Pulled pork, grilled chicken, burgers, veggie burgers, corn on the cob, coleslaw, and all the fixings. Included with Full Weekend Pass or $22 per person. Live acoustic music by the MU Jazz Combo. Class photo stations set up by milestone year.

1:30 PM – 3:30 PM | Alumni vs. Alumni Softball Game
Mongoose Softball Complex. Classes of odd years vs. even years. Sign up at the registration tent by 12:00 PM. Spectators welcome – bring a lawn chair. Concessions available.

1:30 PM – 3:00 PM | Library & Archives Tour
Hawthorne Library, Special Collections (3rd Floor). View historical photos, yearbooks from every decade, the original 1952 university charter, and a new exhibit: “Mongoose Through the Decades: 74 Years of Campus Life.” Guided tours depart at 1:30 PM and 2:15 PM.

3:00 PM – 4:30 PM | Department Reunions
Individual departments host gatherings in their home buildings. Check the event app or your welcome packet for your department’s specific time and location. Light refreshments at each.

4:00 PM – 5:30 PM | Greek Life Reunion Reception
Morrison Business Building, Rooms 200–210. All 15 Mongoose University fraternities and sororities are invited to gather by chapter. Chapter composite photos from every era on display. Cash bar and appetizers.

6:30 PM – 10:30 PM | Golden Mongoose Awards Gala
Bernstein Center for the Arts, Grand Ballroom. The premier event of Reunion Weekend. Cocktail hour at 6:30 PM, dinner at 7:30 PM, awards ceremony at 8:30 PM. This year’s honorees include the Distinguished Alumni Award, the Young Alumni Achievement Award, the Honorary Mongoose Award (community partner), and the Lifetime Service Award. Formal/semi-formal attire. Separate ticket required ($65 per person). Table reservations available for groups of 8 or 10 – email gala@mongooseuniversity.edu.

10:30 PM – 12:30 AM | Late-Night Dance Party
University Center Ballroom. DJ spinning hits from the ’80s through today. Open bar (beer, wine, signature cocktails) included with Gala ticket; $10 cover for non-Gala attendees. Must be 21+ with valid ID.

Sunday, April 26 – Farewell & Reflection

Close out the weekend with a meaningful morning before heading home.

8:00 AM – 9:30 AM | Farewell Brunch
Lakeside Commons Dining Hall. Omelets to order, pancakes, fresh fruit, pastries, and Mongoose-blend coffee. Included with Full Weekend Pass or $20 per person at the door.

9:00 AM – 10:00 AM | Interfaith Reflection Service
Mongoose University Chapel (seats 250). A nondenominational service of gratitude and remembrance. The university chaplain will lead the gathering, with readings by alumni from various traditions. A brief In Memoriam segment will honor Mongoose alumni who have passed.

10:00 AM – 11:00 AM | Mongoose Alumni Association Annual Meeting
University Center, Conference Room A. Open to all dues-paying members. Agenda includes election of new board officers, annual financial report, and a preview of 2026–2027 alumni programming. Proxy voting available at alumni.mongooseuniversity.edu.

10:30 AM – 12:00 PM | Campus Farewell Walk
A self-guided walking route with 12 stops at significant campus landmarks. Grab a printed guide at Founders Hall or use the Mongoose Reunion app. Ends at the Mongoose Statue on Greenway Quad for a final group photo at 11:45 AM.

12:00 PM | Reunion Weekend Concludes
Thank you for coming home! Safe travels, and we’ll see you at Homecoming Weekend on October 17, 2026.

Parking & Transportation

Reunion Parking

Reunion Weekend guests receive complimentary parking in designated lots with a valid reunion parking pass (included in your welcome packet at check-in).

Primary Reunion Lots:

Lot C – Greenway Lot: 450 spaces. Closest to Greenway Quad, Lakeside Commons, and Founders Hall. Enter from University Drive. Fills early on Saturday – arrive by 8:30 AM.

Lot D – Athletics Complex Lot: 600 spaces. Adjacent to the Fieldhouse and Softball Complex. Enter from Stadium Road. Shuttle service to central campus every 10 minutes.

Lot F – West Campus Overflow: 800 spaces. Largest lot, used as overflow when Lots C and D fill. Enter from Orchard Park Boulevard. Continuous shuttle loop to Founders Hall (5-minute ride).

Accessible Parking: Reserved accessible spaces are available in every lot, closest to event venues. Accessible shuttle vehicles are available upon request at any shuttle stop.

Shuttle & Transportation

Campus Shuttle: Free shuttle buses circulate between all parking lots and major event venues continuously from 7:00 AM to 11:30 PM on Friday and Saturday, and 7:00 AM to 1:00 PM on Sunday. Look for the green-and-white Mongoose Reunion shuttle signs.

Shuttle Route Stops: Lot F (West Campus) → Lot D (Athletics) → Bernstein Center → Founders Hall → University Center → Lakeside Commons → Greenway Quad → Lot C → Loop restart. Frequency: every 8–10 minutes.

Airport Shuttle: Complimentary shuttle from Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF) on Friday, April 24 at 9:00 AM, 12:00 PM, and 3:00 PM. Return shuttles to BUF on Sunday, April 26 at 12:30 PM and 3:00 PM. Reservation required – email reunion@mongooseuniversity.edu by April 18.

Rideshare: Uber and Lyft are available in the Orchard Park area. Designated rideshare pickup/dropoff zone is at the University Center main entrance (Loop Drive).

Electric Vehicle Charging: 8 Level 2 EV chargers available in Lot C (first come, first served). Additional chargers at the Orchard Park Town Center, 1.5 miles from campus.

Driving Directions

From Buffalo (20 min): Take I-90 West to Exit 54 (Route 219 South). Follow 219 South for 8 miles. Take the Orchard Park exit and turn right onto Orchard Park Boulevard. Mongoose University entrance is 1.2 miles on your left at One Mongoose Lane.

From Rochester (75 min): Take I-90 West (NY Thruway) to Exit 54 (Route 219 South). Follow directions above.

From Toronto (120 min): Take QEW to the Peace Bridge crossing into Buffalo. Follow I-190 South to I-90 West. Take Exit 54 (Route 219 South) and follow directions above.

From NYC (6 hrs): Take I-87 North to I-90 West (NY Thruway). Continue to Exit 54 (Route 219 South). Follow directions above.

GPS Address: 1 Mongoose Lane, Orchard Park, NY 14127

Where to Stay

Mongoose University has negotiated discounted room blocks at three nearby hotels for Reunion Weekend. Be sure to mention “Mongoose Reunion 2026” when booking or use the links at alumni.mongooseuniversity.edu/reunion to access the group rate.

Orchard Park Inn & Suites – 0.8 miles from campus. $129/night (group rate). Complimentary breakfast, outdoor pool, free parking. Shuttle pickup available. Call (555) 478-3300 or book online. Block expires April 10.

Hampton Inn Buffalo South/Orchard Park – 2.1 miles from campus. $149/night (group rate). Hot breakfast, fitness center, indoor pool. Call (555) 478-4100 or book online. Block expires April 12.

Hilton Garden Inn Orchard Park – 3.4 miles from campus. $159/night (group rate). Restaurant on-site, business center, EV charging. Call (555) 478-4500 or book online. Block expires April 12.

On-Campus Housing: Limited dormitory-style accommodations are available in University Village for $55/night per person (shared room) or $85/night (single). Linens and towels provided. Continental breakfast included. Book at alumni.mongooseuniversity.edu/reunion or call (555) 478-2586. Available on a first-come, first-served basis – popular with milestone reunion groups.

Good to Know

Accessibility

Mongoose University is committed to making Reunion Weekend accessible to all guests. All event venues are ADA-compliant with wheelchair-accessible entrances, elevators, and restrooms. Accessible seating is available at the Gala and all presentations – please note your needs when registering.

Sign Language Interpreters: Available at the President’s Address, Alumni Panel, and Gala ceremony upon request. Contact us by April 17.

Assistive Listening Devices: Available at Bernstein Center events. Request at the venue entrance.

Dietary Needs: All meals accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, halal, and kosher diets. Allergen cards are posted at all food stations. For severe allergies, contact dining@mongooseuniversity.edu in advance.

Quiet Room: A sensory-friendly quiet space is available in University Center Room 115 throughout the weekend.

Accessibility Contact: reunion-access@mongooseuniversity.edu or (555) 478-2590

Weather & What to Bring

Late April in Orchard Park typically brings daytime highs of 55–65°F and evening lows around 38–45°F. Rain is common, so plan accordingly.

Recommended Packing:

• Layers – mornings and evenings are cool

• Rain jacket or umbrella

• Comfortable walking shoes (campus is 215 acres)

• Formal/semi-formal attire for the Gala (Saturday evening)

• Running shoes if participating in the 5K

• Lawn chair or blanket for outdoor events

• Mongoose gear – show your school spirit!

Rain Plan: All outdoor events have designated indoor backup locations listed in the event app and in your welcome packet. Decision to move indoors is made by 7:00 AM each day and communicated via the Mongoose Reunion app push notification and signs posted at venue entrances.

Event Policies & FAQs

Registration: All attendees must register in advance or on-site at Founders Hall. Name badges are required for entry to all ticketed events.

Children: Children under 12 attend free with a registered adult. The Kids Zone is supervised but is not a drop-off childcare facility – a parent or guardian must remain on-site.

Alcohol Policy: Alcoholic beverages are served at designated events only (Pub Night, Gala, Class Receptions). Valid government-issued photo ID required. No outside alcohol permitted on campus.

Photography: A professional photographer will be on-site Saturday. Photos will be posted to alumni.mongooseuniversity.edu/reunion-photos within two weeks. Personal photography is welcome everywhere except during the Interfaith Service.

Pets: Service animals are welcome. Pets are not permitted at indoor events. Well-behaved leashed dogs are allowed in outdoor areas.

Cancellation Policy: Full refund if cancelled by April 17. 50% refund from April 18–22. No refunds after April 22. Transfer your registration to another person at no charge by emailing reunion@mongooseuniversity.edu.

Questions? Contact the Office of Alumni Relations at reunion@mongooseuniversity.edu or (555) 478-2586, Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM ET.

Download the Mongoose Reunion App

Get the most out of Reunion Weekend with the official Mongoose Reunion app, available free for iOS and Android. The app is your all-in-one companion for the weekend.

Interactive Campus Map: GPS-enabled map with real-time shuttle tracking, event venue locations, parking lot status, and walking directions between venues.

Live Schedule: Personalize your weekend by bookmarking events. Receive push notifications for schedule changes, rain plan updates, and special announcements.

Attendee Directory: See which classmates are registered and attending. Send direct messages to coordinate meetups. Opt-in only – your profile is private by default.

Photo Sharing: Upload your reunion photos to the shared album. Vote on the best class spirit photos. All photos available for download after the weekend.

QR Check-In: Scan into events quickly using your digital pass. No paper tickets needed.

Search “Mongoose University Reunion” in the App Store or Google Play, or visit alumni.mongooseuniversity.edu/app. Use your alumni ID or registration confirmation email to log in.

Volunteer at Reunion

Reunion Weekend is brought to life by alumni volunteers. Whether you can spare two hours or the full weekend, we need your help. Volunteer roles include registration desk greeters, campus tour guides, Kids Zone assistants, 5K course marshals, class reunion coordinators, and Gala ushers. Volunteers receive a special Mongoose Volunteer polo shirt and an invitation to the Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast on Sunday morning. Sign up at alumni.mongooseuniversity.edu/reunion-volunteer or contact volunteer@mongooseuniversity.edu.

Reunion Giving Challenge

Each year, Reunion Weekend kicks off the annual Reunion Giving Challenge. Milestone classes compete to achieve the highest participation rate in donations to the Mongoose Annual Fund. Last year, the Class of 2000 won the Mongoose Cup with 47% participation. Your gift – at any amount – supports scholarships, faculty research, campus improvements, and student programs. Make your gift online at give.mongooseuniversity.edu, at the Giving Station in the University Center lobby during the weekend, or by texting GOMONGOOSE to 44321. Every dollar counts, and every class wants bragging rights.