Major Reunions Themes
Old Guard
The centerpiece of Reunions for the Old Guard, the Saturday luncheon at Forbes College, will feature remarks by President Christopher L. Eisgruber ’83 and the presentation of the Class of 1923 Cane to the oldest alumnus from the oldest class at Reunions. After the lunch, the Old Guard will head to Nassau Hall to lead the P-rade. A capella groups will entertain throughout the weekend during cocktail hours on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
APGA
The APGA has planned activities from morning to night for this year’s Reunions. On Thursday, alumni are invited to celebrate the graduate students, who just finished their general exams, before dancing to Bad Tiger, a blues and classic rock band fronted by Dan Ruth *22 and Alby Padovan *22, followed by Angel Mirage and their drag show, and finishing off with grad-student band Scanderlous. In entertainment co-sponsored with A4P, ABPA and ALPA, performers DJ Classic, Ritmo Caliente and DJ Edward Glissando, will entertain on Friday night, with Mission Dance on tap for Saturday night. Throughout the weekend, there will be panel discussions, festive meals and receptions at Cuyler Courtyard, along with individual department receptions.
65th Reunion: Class of 1961
The Class of 1961 is “Burning Bright” again in the P-rade, wearing their award-winning jackets, led by “THE Princeton Tiger” bedecked in a ’61 cape. Events will include a virtual tour of the campus, Art Museum tour and the traditional memorial service in the cool comfort of Forbes College.
60th Reunion: Class of 1966
In keeping with their Route 66 heritage, the Class of 1966’s theme is “On the Route Again.” And are they ever! They’re on the way to break a 60th attendance record. Holder Courtyard will ROCK! But what really makes this weekend special is the class’s attendance at Reunions. This is a class with Nobel Prize winners, a MacArthur Genius award, national champions, All-Americans, and a few suspiciously talented New Yorker cartoon caption winners. And the former head of the FBI. You know who you are. We’ve built institutions, endowed buildings and scholarships, filled libraries with our erudition, and somehow still found time to create 8-foot tiger P-rade figures and invent traditions no other class can claim. “We are, quite literally, one of a kind.” And now the class gets to gather again not as résumés, but as friends. To laugh at the same old stories, tell a few new ones, and remember that the real accomplishment was never the awards. This reunion is about cherishing our relationships. Come for the music. Stay for the people.
55th Reunion: Class of 1971
The theme for the Class of 1971’s 55th reunion is “Sustaining the Wild Life,” a nod to the “Wild Life” theme it has had for 30 years (the iconic Joe Cool on a motorcycle as its branded emblem). The idea was to acknowledge the University’s efforts toward sustainability and the international crisis of global warming and at the same time make a tongue-in-cheek statement that age hasn’t slowed us down. The class won’t have any new uniforms but will use the Reyn Spooner tropical shirts it made for the 50th reunion that it didn’t have (but used at its 51st) and is making efforts to put on a sustainable reunion as much as it can (e.g. recycling, composting etc.).
As in past major Reunions, entertainment is a focus and the class will have Dancing Dream (an Abba cover band) Thursday night, Liquid Pleasure on Friday, and Gary Rolands and the Land Sharks (a Jimmy Buffet-themed band) on Saturday. They will have additional music entertainment at other times as well as a soundtrack of music of the class’s times (1967-71). Meals will be catered by Golden Carrot, Princeton Food Services or Restaurant Associates, depending on the date or time.
There will be three class-sponsored discussion events to supplement the University’s Alumni-Faculty Forums. One is a panel of classmates with constitutional law and government experience to speak on “The Imperial Presidency.” Another is a talk by a classmate who is a documentary filmmaker, and the third is a talk by a classmate who has hiked the Camino de Santiago twice, which will follow the class’s memorial service on Saturday.
As part of its sustainability focus, the class’s community service project is a book drive that will provide books on climate, the environment and sustainability to school and municipal libraries in underserved areas of Mercer and Monmouth counties. Classmates are asked to select from a collated list of award-winning books and librarian requests.
50th Reunion: Class of 1976
The Class of ’76 has always been “So Happy Together,” so it’s only natural that this is the theme of their fabulous 50th reunion! From the fall of 1972 onward, they have been uniquely joyful when with each other. They will once again be “So Happy Together” in 2026 to talk to, learn from, dance unabashedly with and completely enjoy friends of many decades. This year, they have created a special quiet area, ’76’s Backyard, where classmates can talk when they’re not listening to music from the Steve Wexler Band, the East Coast Band and the Right On Band.
On Thursday, there will be contra dancing at the reunion site (open to all Reunions attendees). Classmates can attend a reception at the new and globally praised Princeton University Art Museum before having dinner under the Alexander Beach tent. The class also sponsors insightful talks and discussions about sustainability on Thursday and Friday.
Friday will start with reflections, with a memorial service at Nassau Presbyterian Church at 9 a.m., followed by the 10th edition of the Class of ’76 survey about life and the world around us at 2:30 p.m. in McDonnell Hall, the Class of ’76 Talent Show at 3:30 p.m. under the main tent and a second Art Museum reception for those who did not attend on Thursday, all topped off with a class reception and dinner at Alexander Beach.
On Saturday, the class photo will be on the Blair Arch steps at 11:30 a.m., followed by the amazing P-rade, with more than 800 classmates and guests showing off ’76’s new regalia. Dinner will be at the Alexander Beach tent. Throughout the weekend, ’76ers will participate in Alumni-Faculty Forums and other special presentations, providing their insights about science, technology, politics and the world around us.
45th Reunion: Class of 1981
Theme: The Ties that Bind
With Wild Stripes Gleaming, ’81 Shines! The Class of 1981 celebrates its 45th reunion by stepping into Tigranova, a magical realm of boundless creativity and brilliance. The realm is ruled by the dual figures of Anita, the dancing tiger and radiant muse, and her illustrious consort Raelix, a dazzling embodiment of brilliance and boldness. Together, they embody the enduring legacy, shared memories and shining spirit of ’81’s wild stripes. Activity highlights: campus scavenger hunt, Princeton Battlefield tour (virtual), karaoke and a wayback portal to 1977-81.
40th Reunion: Class of 1986
The Class of ’86 40th reunion goals are to return, preserve, reconnect, rekindle and reinvent. Since the music of the ’80s is “the best damn music of all,” we chose the reunion theme: Class of ’86 Top 40th…off the charts! Our “Off the Charts” entertainment lineup for the weekend thematically riffs on “Everybody’s Working for the Weekend! Forty years of top 40 hits in three days.” Featured entertainment includes Mark Goodman (the original MTV VJ), ABBA tribute band Dancing Dream, Soulsystem Orchestras and Right on Band.
The class is leveraging an ambitious “Big Tent” initiative with the following objectives:
Ensure there’s something for everyone at Reunions.
Track down classmates with whom we’ve lost touch.
Encourage attendance, especially first-timers.
As we move into our 60s and the world (and work climate) change around us, many of us are facing major decisions in our lives. We are devoting more energy and resources toward helping each other negotiate all of these upcoming transitions as a focus on the “third act” segment of our lives. We still have so much to learn from our extraordinary classmates. So, starting with our 40th reunion, we plan to build programs and events, both online and in person, around helping all of us navigate our 60s, 70s and beyond!
35th Reunion: Class of 1991
The Class of 1991’s Reunions theme captures the musical memories of those college years. Just like the ultimate mixtape, the Great Class of 1991 is unique, eclectic and unforgettable. They’re goin’ back to Old Nassau to share stories and celebrate the soundtrack of their college years. Reflecting their diverse tastes, the 35th reunion program has something for everyone, including “Say Anything,” a class panel about the unexpected turns our lives have taken since graduation; a “Battle of Princeton” walking tour; class memorial service; numerous happy hours; and, of course, plenty of awesome ’80s and ’90s music.
30th Reunion: Class of 1996
COVID may have dimmed the lights on their 25th, but the Class of ’96 is not just Burning Bright for their 30th reunion; they’re ready to show up and show out under the Orange Moon, “Still Lit!”
Close to 1,000 classmates and guests are making plans to go back to the Yeh/New College West courtyard at the Best Old Place of All (aided in part by the Save the Wild Life Fund, the class financial assistance program) for an unbeatable lineup of entertainment, including popular Reunions cover bands as well as beloved class band Daddy’s Soul Donut. Follow the neon orange lights to the 30th, where Tigers big and small will be able to feast on delicious (and nostalgic) eats and a broad variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic refreshments to keep you shining all weekend.
The class will top it off with an incredible collection of 96ers featured in Alumni-Faculty Forums, as well as “office hours” with special guests, a knitting/crafting circle and activities for all ages at their HQ. Don’t miss the photo booth and the “glambot” 360 camera on Friday night! Come light up the night with the Great Class of 1996 at the 30th!
25th Reunion: Class of 2001
Theme: Player ’01: Leveling Up!
Power up, grab your controllers and press PLAY — because 2001’s 25th reunion is all about reaching the next level. After conquering 25 years of quests, the class has unlocked a major achievement: 25th reunion class jackets. The class jackets feature a custom-designed ivy pattern composed of binary code — just like their class year ’01, and the video games that inspired their theme! Embroiderers will be on site all weekend to personalize each jacket with names. Classmates are also invited to tune in to the Class of 2001 25th Reunion Podcast series in the lead-up to Reunions. With more than 60 episodes already available, it’s a great way to catch up with fellow ’01ers and relive unforgettable Tiger moments ahead of their first in-person major reunion in 10 years.
The class is planning several Extra Lives performances open to all Reunions attendees. This choose-your-own-adventure video game concert—inspired by their time on campus—is different every time! ’01 panelists will appear in Friday and Saturday morning Alumni-Faculty Forums covering food and agriculture, journalism, AI, world politics, and public health, as well as in Friday’s PWN We Roar Together event. Their class photo will be taken at Blair Arch immediately following Saturday’s Pre-P-rade brunch. They are also offering face painting, airbrushing, and glitter tattoos on Saturday before the P-rade.
Their 25th reunion Whitman HQ quad will feature the ever-popular Tiger Big Mouth Slide, a large inflatable Mario Whack-a-Mole game, and other oversized outdoor favorites like Connect Four, Jenga, and cornhole, along with a Magic Mirror photo booth. Additional children’s activities include arts and crafts, jewelry-making, board games, and video game battles throughout the weekend! Other 25th reunion festivities will be highlighted by performances from a cappella groups Shere Khan and The Tigressions, as well as the Princeton University Marching Band. Raiders Drum and Bugle Corps will help level up the energy of their video game–inspired P-rade march.
Nightly entertainment at 2001’s Whitman Headquarters kicks off Thursday with legendary DJ John Dill, widely acclaimed for his dynamic, eclectic sets and ability to provide the perfect backdrop for any setting. On Friday, nighttime entertainment begins after the semi-formal Steak & Salmon Class Dinner at Jadwin Gym. The line-up opens with ’01 Headlight, an all-alumni rock/pop band making its Reunions 2026 debut with members from the Class of 2001 and satellite classes. Next up, is the ultimate party band, The Gilfords, New York City’s premier ’80s rock and pop tribute band, followed by The Scumfrog, a renowned DJ known for iconic house remixes and a talent for creating epic dance parties. Saturday night starts with Steve Tam, bringing his signature high-energy, crowd-pleasing DJ sets. He’s followed by Fleetmac Wood, whose dance-floor-ready remixes reimagine Fleetwood Mac through disco, techno, and house. The night closes with DJ Ruckus, who joined Run-DMC’s Rock & Roll Hall of Fame band in 2012 and has been called “the most sought-after DJ in the world” by GQ.
20th Reunion: Class of 2006
Theme: ’06 LOVE
The Class of 2006 can’t wait to showcase their ’06 LOVE by putting our spin on a Reunions theme classic: Tennis! To make it truly our own, we have anchored the theme around a playful rivalry between the sport’s two most iconic aesthetics — the timeless elegance of preppy tennis apparel (Team Preppy) and the irreverent court fashion of the early ’90s (Team Rebel).
Classmates and their guests choose a side through their costume selections, where they can opt for ’90s neon kitsch (colorful ombré tiger-stripe shorts and throw-back warm-up jackets), old-school preppy glamour (classic tennis whites and varsity patch cardigans), or a mishmash of both. We’ll be leaning into the competition motif all weekend, with dueling theme nights, add-on apparel supporting each team, opportunities to play tennis and pickleball, and more!
We’re also leaning into nostalgia and happy times with two amazing bands — White Ford Bronco will be making their Reunions debut on Friday night, playing pop and alternative bangers from the ’90s, and Reunions-stalwart Fresh Kids of Bel Air will keep the party going on Saturday by taking us back to the turn of the millennium when we partied at Princeton. Later, on Saturday night, our very own classmate Pete Dougherty will bring us home by performing as Moon Boots!
For our youngest Tigers, we’ve got great kids’ programming throughout the weekend, including bouncy houses, a magician, a bubble artist, and a Friday afternoon performance by Louis and Dan and the Invisible Band. And as no Reunions is complete without delicious food and drinks, we’ll have tennis-inspired cocktails, mocktails, and beer throughout the weekend, along with a classic surf-and-turf Friday.
15th Reunion: Class of 2011
Theme: Nassau ’11
The Class of 2011 is excited to welcome its families, friends and the larger Princeton alumni community to Nassau ’11, a caper-style experience inspired by the “Ocean’s Eleven” movie franchise.
The class will kick off festivities on Thursday night with music spinning from Jersey’s own DJ Classic. They will gather on Friday for the class dinner and then bring back a Princeton Friday night tradition: BlackBox. In collaboration with the Class of 2011: Dexter Doyle ’09, aka DJ 3X Dex, will host “BlackBox: One Night Only,” a special dance party rooted in the classic Princeton BlackBox tradition. On Saturday morning before the P-rade, they will gather for a class photo and then enjoy a class brunch. During brunch, they will take time to remember our classmates who are no longer with us. Following the P-rade and fireworks, their tent will feature the second night of White Ford Bronco, a nationally renowned ’90s cover band. White Ford Bronco will play the top hits of the ’90s to close out the 15th reunion.
10th Reunion: Class of 2016
Start your engines. The Great Class of 2016 is back for its 10th lap around the track and ready to shift into high gear for the Grand PriXVI with music and dancing every night! It wouldn’t be race day without suiting up. Check out the podium-worthy racing jackets and flashy checkered bottoms made by Reunion Outfitters. Be sure to fuel up at the 10th tent for our Friday class dinner and much-anticipated power hour, and take a pit stop at our Saturday brunch and class photo-finish at Blair Arch. Full throttle!
5th Reunion: Class of 2021
The Class of 2021 invites classmates to go all in at Reunions and experience the Vegas thrill of “’21 or Bust.” A nod to the rules of blackjack, the class theme will evoke the golden age of Las Vegas! Think smoky glamour of midcentury casinos, the grit of Lucky-Strike-era Americana and the charm of The Strip glowing with neon signs. This old-school Vegas vibe will run through everything, from the tent decor to vintage-inspired class merch.
And it’s not just a vibe — it’s an experience. Expect live entertainment every night, classic card games and plenty of opportunities to try your luck. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a total beginner, you’ll be able to learn blackjack with our custom-designed playing cards and join in on the fun. Step into the action, embrace the nostalgia, and get ready for a weekend that’s equal parts high stakes and high energy.