Alumni Summer Celebration Brings Community Together

July 29, 2026 - 19:07

Boston University Wheelock College of Education and Human Development hosted its third annual Alumni Summer Celebration last weekend, drawing graduates from across the country back to campus. The event, held on the Charles River Lawn, aimed to strengthen bonds between former students and the current academic community.

Organizers reported a strong turnout despite the heat, with alumni from graduating classes spanning five decades in attendance. The afternoon featured a barbecue, lawn games, and a photo booth decorated with Wheelock memorabilia. Several retired faculty members also joined the gathering, sparking conversations about changes in education policy and classroom technology since their tenure.

Dean Katherine Chen welcomed the crowd, highlighting recent program expansions and scholarship initiatives. She noted that the celebration has grown each year since its launch, reflecting a renewed interest in alumni engagement. "This is about more than nostalgia," Chen said. "It is about building a professional network that supports our graduates at every stage of their careers."

Attendees shared stories of their time at Wheelock, from late-night study sessions to student teaching placements. One 1998 graduate, now a school principal in Rhode Island, said the event reminded her why she chose the field. "We came here because we wanted to make a difference," she said. "Seeing everyone still committed to that mission is inspiring."

The celebration concluded with a group photo and a promise to reconvene next summer. For those who missed it, the alumni office plans to post a recap video on its social media channels in the coming weeks.