There’s something for everyone at the College of Charleston – and, this year’s Fall Alumni Weekend is no exception.

Among the many events during Fall Alumni Weekend is the annual Alumni Awards Reception and Gala.

Among the many events during Fall Alumni Weekend is the annual Alumni Awards Reception and Gala.

Bookended by ESPN’s Gildan Charleston Classic Basketball Tournament (Nov. 17–20), the Fall Alumni Weekend is packed with activities for the whole family. From scavenger hunts, yoga, theater performances and guided tours to brunch, an oyster roast, craft beer tastings and an array of receptions: These four days are designed not just to welcome, entertain and celebrate the College’s alumni and their families, but to honor them as well.

“Fall Alumni Weekend is all about recognizing the outstanding achievements of our alumni while highlighting the academic and life lessons learned at the College, which contributed to their success,” says College of Charleston President Glenn F. McConnell ’69, the third alumnus president in the College of Charleston’s 246-year history. “I’m looking forward to attending this weekend with my fellow alumni, their families, our campus community and many friends of the College. This certainly will be a fun-filled weekend of fellowship, engagement and recounting old memories. We always love having our alumni come home.”

The College of Charleston Alumni Association has invited its 80,000+ members to come home for the Fall Alumni Weekend, which is cosponsored by the Cougar Club and the Black Alumni Council – and non-alumni are welcome to participate, as well.

In addition to the ESPN Gildan Charleston Classic Basketball Tournament and the Alumni Awards Reception and Gala, some highlighted events include:

  • Black Alumni Reunion: It’s the beginning of a new tradition! Held in the Stern Center Garden, this festive event includes food, entertainment, dancing and beer/wine/sodas. Children are welcome, and alumni are encouraged to sponsor a student ticket to increase alumni-student engagement. Friday, November 18, 2016, 7–9 p.m. TICKETS: Children (6 and under) – FREE; Students (7–20) – $20; Adults (21 and older) – $45.
  • Ballots and Brunch: A Review of the 2016 Presidential Election and Forecast of the Future of American Politics: Presented by the School of Humanities and Social Sciences and the Bully Pulpit series, this event features New York Times‘ bestselling novelist and Time magazine’s political editor Joe Klein as the keynote speaker and Elizabeth Colbert-Busch ’79 and political science professor Jordan Ragusa as moderators. Held in the Stern Center Ballroom, this is one event you don’t want to miss. Saturday, November 19, 2016, 10 a.m.–12 p.m. (Doors open at 9 a.m.) TICKETS: $35.
  • Bioethics: So What and Now What?: Especially for alumni scholars, teachers and practitioners in the medical field, this event features pediatrician and religious ethics scholar Dr. Margaret Mohrmann ’69 and includes a networking breakfast. School of Sciences and Mathematics Building, 202 Calhoun Street. Each ticket sold provides a ticket for a student to attend. TICKETS: $55.
  • Alumni Beer, Books and Band: Taste craft beers created/promoted by alumni, meet 18 alumni authors and purchase books (at a discounted alumni price) for them to sign and enjoy the sounds of an alumni band. Price includes 12 beer-tasting tickets, specialty food items and a stainless-steel souvenir cup. Held in the Cistern Yard, this event benefits the Alumni Association’s programs and scholarships. Saturday, November 19, 12–3 p.m. TICKETS: $45.

Check out a full list of Fall Alumni Weekend events. Please note that events require reservations in advance. Many of the events are free, and any proceeds from the weekend’s events will benefit programs and scholarships at the College. And, to sweeten the whole experience even more, the College of Charleston Bookstore is offering alumni a 20 percent discount during the four-day weekend!