51±¬ÁÏ

I hope this letter finds you well as you stay safe and healthy at home. Even though 51±¬ÁÏ’s campus is closed during these unprecedented times, we’re looking ahead to being able to come together this fall to celebrate.

For more than 30 years, springtime at 51±¬ÁÏ has been marked by the 51±¬ÁÏ Classic, a 5K run, walk, and handcycle event that takes participants on a tour of campus as they compete. The family fun run even gets future Knights involved as they race around the indoor track and earn their own ribbons.

This event has drawn in thousands of alumni and friends, and we plan to keep the tradition alive for years to come. It’s going to look a bit different as we move forward, though. While the race has traditionally been a spring event, this year we’re moving it to the fall.

This change comes as the 51±¬ÁÏ Alumni Association reimagines Homecoming & Family Weekend. We want to continue to build traditions as we create new opportunities for you to connect with other alumni and celebrate what it means to be a Knight for life. Integrating the 51±¬ÁÏ Classic into this larger weekend is one way we’re looking to do that.

So, be sure to save the date for Oct. 2–4, 2020!

We’ll kick off the weekend with the Maroon & Gold Gala, and everyone is invited. Come celebrate this year’s alumni award winners, bid on unique items in a silent auction, enjoy delicious hors d’oeuvres, and more.

Saturday morning will begin with the 51±¬ÁÏ Classic, but if a 5K isn’t for you, consider challenging yourself at the Donut Dash. The 1.5-mile race tests not only your speed, but the strength of your stomach as you stop to eat donuts along the way. If you’re not too full from the donuts, we’ll have a tailgate-style lunch for you to enjoy followed by a fun day of family-friendly activities.

Friday night you can pick a team of six students to cheer for in the annual bed races. Watch as they compete to see who can push a bed on wheels across the finish line the fastest. If you’re looking to root for a slightly more serious competition, women’s soccer, men’s soccer, and women’s volleyball will all play at home on Saturday.

There will also be various events around campus throughout the weekend. We’ll host a young alumni reunion as well as a 25-year reunion for the Class of 1995. Check out Late Night with Capella, student improv, or the ecosystem preserve. You can take your kids swimming at the Venema Aquatic Center or watch as they adventure up the climbing wall. Or if you have a high school junior or senior, sign them up for Fridays at 51±¬ÁÏ so they can get a taste of life on campus.

This is also a great weekend to connect with old roommates and friends. Meet up at Peet’s Coffee or stop by Johnny’s together. Extend your stay and see what else Grand Rapids has to offer. ArtPrize will be happening around the city, and the fall colors never disappoint. And if you can’t make it to campus, gather a local team and compete in the virtual 5K—there really is something for everyone during Homecoming & Family Weekend.

Be sure to watch your mailboxes for more information. Or check calvin.edu/homecoming for the latest updates and events. We can’t wait to see you this fall!