Returning for its sixth year, Western’s Back2Bellingham weekend will welcome at least 2,500 alumni from Friday, May 15, through Sunday, May 17.
During that time, the university will also see another 2,500 visitors on campus for festivities like the 15th Annual Ridin’ Low in the 3-6-0 car show, Relay for Life and an alumni choir concert.
In all, more than 130 tours, reunions and other attractions will be available at Western during the weekend. Below are a few highlights of some of Back2 Bellingham’s weekend events.
Back2Bellingham Tap Trail
A special trail has been designed by Bellingham Tap Trail to run through Back2Bellingham weekend that will take visitors to Wander Brewing, Chuckanut Brewery, Boundary Bay Brewery and Aslan Brewing. Visitors may obtain their trail passport in the Back2Bellingham event guides, or at information booths across campus. Those who complete the trail and submit their passports will receive a commemorative pint glass.
Dr. George Mariz Retirement Celebration
Dr. George Mariz has been part of the Western community for 45 years.
He has served as a professor, chair of the history department, director of the WWU Honors Program and president of the Faculty Senate. Join the celebration to thank Dr. Mariz for his many contributions to Western on Friday, May 15, at 4 p.m.
16th Annual Scholar’s Week Showcase
Outstanding work from more than 200 of Westerns graduate and undergraduate students will be showcased and judged on Friday, May 15 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Sam Carver Gymnasium.
B2B BBQ on Old Main Lawn featuring the Music of Baby Cakes
A barbecue lunch will be served on Saturday, May 16, on the Old Main lawn for registered attendees of Back2Bellingham. During this time, live music will also be performed by Baby Cakes, a local soul/funk group. Lunch begins at 11 a.m. and will continue through 1:30 p.m.
Fairhaven College’s 45th Anniversary Celebration
Dinner and cocktails will be served in honor of Fairhaven College’s 45th anniversary on Saturday, May 16, in the Fairhaven College Courtyard from 6-10 p.m. The cost of attendance is $35.
Whose Live Anyway?
Bellingham resident and improv comedian Ryan Stiles will be headlining Back2Bellingham’s weekend of events along with Greg Proops, Joel Murray and Jeff Davis at the Performing Arts Center Main stage on Saturday, May 16. The show runs from 7-9 p.m. Student and alumni tickets are $35, tickets for the public are $45-$65.
Huxley College 45th Anniversary Celebration
Huxley Dean Steve Hollenhorst will be in attendance at the college’s 45th anniversary celebration, which will include dinner, speeches and special guests. The event will take place from 6-9 p.m. on Saturday, May 16, in the MAC gym. The cost of attendance is $35.
Also new to Back2Bellingham is the new Guidebook app that has been launched in conjunction with the weekend’s events.
Users may download the program for Apple, Android or desktop devices and gain access to a full schedule of events, campus map, a personal schedule and other navigation tools.
