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Spring Alumni Weekend 2026 Brings Marlins Home Again
The eventful weekend offered a vibrant blend of celebration, tradition, and Marlin pride
University News | April 11, 2026
Laughter echoed across campus, old friendships were rekindled, and new memories were made as alumni returned to Virginia Wesleyan University for Spring Alumni Weekend 2026. From the first curtain rise to the final farewell, the weekend offered a vibrant blend of celebration, tradition, and Marlin pride—proving that, once again, a good time was had by all.
The festivities began on Thursday evening with a lively performance of “Avenue Q” at the Susan S. Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center. The hilarious production set a playful tone for the weekend, bringing alumni, students, and guests together through humor, music, and a shared appreciation for the arts.
On Friday, alumni and friends traded business attire for golf polos as they gathered for the Men’s Soccer Golf Outing at Honey Bee Golf Club. Whether competing on the course or simply enjoying the camaraderie, participants embraced the opportunity to reconnect while supporting current student-athletes. Later that evening, the celebration continued with an Alumni Gathering at the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA), where guests explored gallery spaces, enjoyed tours, and honored milestone reunion classes with the customary Scroll Signing tradition.
Saturday brought the heart of the weekend—and the largest crowds. Alumni returned to familiar fields and courts, cheering on Marlin teams and even stepping back into the game themselves during alumni competitions in soccer and field hockey. The university also paused to recognize excellence, honoring inductees into the inaugural ODAC Hall of Fame, a moment that blended pride, nostalgia, and celebration of athletic legacy. The new Virginia MOCA was open for self-guided tours especially for the VWU community.
The centerpiece of the day was the Marlin Family Picnic, where the campus transformed into a festival of food, music, and fun. Guests enjoyed live entertainment, a picnic-style lunch, and a host of family-friendly activities—from inflatable games and face painting to a spirited photo station beneath a Marlin balloon arch. Laughter filled the air as alumni of all generations mingled, shared stories, and created new traditions alongside their families.
The day continued with athletic matchups across campus, including softball’s annual Strike Out Cancer event, as well as lacrosse and tennis competitions. As evening approached, alumni gathered once more for a collaborative arts reception before returning to the theater for another performance of “Avenue Q,” closing the day on a high note of creativity and connection.
Sunday offers a more reflective close to the weekend. Alumni and their families are invited to attend a worship service at Haygood United Methodist Church, followed by a warm, welcoming brunch that extends the spirit of fellowship just a little longer. Meanwhile, Marlin athletics continues, giving visitors one last chance to cheer from the sidelines before heading home.
Throughout the weekend, one theme remains constant: connection. Whether gathered around a picnic table, walking through an art gallery, or applauding from the stands, alumni had opportunities to rediscover the bonds that first brought them to campus. Spring Alumni Weekend 2026 was more than a series of events—it was a joyful reminder that the Marlin community continues to thrive, grow, and welcome its members home year after year.