Alumni Weekend Returns to Keene State

Keene State College’s Alumni Weekend was a time to celebrate, after spending time apart. For the first time in two years, more than 350 alumni and friends came back to campus October 1-3 to reconnect with other Owls, following the cancellation of last year’s event due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Alumni returned to campus eager to visit their favorite places on campus, meet current students, and celebrate their fellow friends and peers. Special events were held throughout the weekend to honor distinguished alumni, faculty, and staff, including athletics Hall of Fame inductees, alumni award recipients Jocelyne Cummings ’09 and Dorothy Simpson ’61, retired athletic coaches Denise Lyons ’90 and Ken Howe ’86, and Professor Emeritus David E. White.

Director of Alumni Relations Bethany Morin ’12 was thrilled the College was able to welcome alumni and friends back to campus with safety in mind. “Having alumni on campus reconnecting with one another and with students felt wonderful. There were so many activities and opportunities to see what happens at Keene State — athletics, arts, student groups, and more. It felt good to have them back on campus.”

Alumni spanned over 70 years of graduates, with Ruth Washburn ’47 proudly leading the parade of classes as the oldest alumna in attendance. Activities included class reunion lunches, varsity athletics and club sport games, sizzlers in the Night Owl Café, lawn games and music on Fiske Quad, the opening of the David E. White Children’s Illustration Collection, and much more. Check out the slideshow of photos below to see some highlights of the weekend.

Alumni Weekend 2021The annual Parade of Classes on Appian Way during Alumni Weekend 2021Students and Alumni play outdoor lawn games to kickoff Alumni Weekend 2021Women’s Soccer Alumni Return to Celebrate Denise LyonsAlumni from the Class of 1971 pose for a photo during reunion lunchesStudents and alumni gather for an Alumni of Color Leadership ConversationMembers of Delta Phi Epsilon during the annual Walk to End Alzheimer’sWomen’s Lacrosse members at the KSC Men’s Ice Hockey game on October 1, 2021Dorothy Simpson ‘61 receives the Sprague W. Drenen Award during Alumni Weekend 2021Young alumni gather on Fiske QuadCoaches Ken Howe and Denise “Irish” Lyons were celebrated during Alumni Weekend 2021 at a retirement celebration event.Alumni were able to get sizzlers in the Night Owl CafeAlumni at the Owl Athletic Complex during Alumni Weekend 2021Young Alumni on Fiske Quad during Alumni Weekend 2021Professor Emeritus David E. White and Keene State President Melinda Treadwell view the David E. White Children’s Illustration Collection in the Thorne-Sagendorph Art GalleryJocelyne Cummings ‘09, recipient of the Alumni Inspiration Award, and friends attend the KSC Men’s Ice Hockey gameAlumni from the Class of 1967 and 1968 during Alumni Weekend 20212010 alumni before the Parade of ClassesAlumni view the Owls Fly Home Art Exhibit in the Thorne-Sagendorph Art GalleryEnable Javascript to view image gallery.