Dawn to Dusk Self-Guided Tour of the Arboretum
The Arboretum was established in 1931 and is owned and operated by Connecticut College. This self-guided tour, which begins at the notice board just inside the Williams Street entrance of the Arboretum, is an introduction to the 25-acre collection of trees and shrubs native to eastern North America, and to some of southern New England’s common biological communities. The main trail is approximately two miles long and should take about one hour to complete at a leisurely pace. To download a self-guided tour brochure, please click here. Enjoy your walk and please remember not to collect anything so that plants and animals are available for those who follow!
Arboretum, Williams Street, New London, Connecticut
8 a.m. – 3 p.m. Registration & Welcome Center
Check in at the Registration Desk for important information about this weekend's festivities.
Information Desk, College Center at Crozier-Williams
8 - 11 a.m. Coffee Corner
Enjoy a seasonal treat & cup of coffee before kicking off the day. Sponsored by the Connecticut College Fund.
Information Desk, College Center at Crozier-Williams
8 a.m. - 10 p.m. Unity House 50th Celebration Exhibit
Experience Unity House's transformative 50-year journey, catalyzing monumental community change. Explore its origin, pivotal milestones, and profound impact as a beacon of unity, diversity, and progress. Join us in celebrating a legacy that has shaped lives and empowered generations.
First Floor Exhibition Area, Charles E. Shain Library
9 – 10:30 a.m. Funded Summer Research Presentations
Stroll through research poster presentations given by students who received funding for summer research from the Funded Sophomore Research Program; The Sharis '86 & Thorn '88 Pozen Endowed Fund for Excellence in Journalism, Writing, and Media; the Steven and Pamela Baker Rearden '67 International Travel Fellowship Fund; Walter Commons Funded Summer Research and Study; ConnSSHARP (Connecticut College Social Sciences, Humanities, Arts, Research Program); the Myers Research Fellowship; the Lowitt-Lear Fellowship for Primary Research in History; and Davis Projects for Peace. Students will share their topics and conclusions from their research completed during Summer '23. Information about applying for these funded summer research opportunities will be available. Co-sponsored by the Offices of the Dean of the College and the Dean of Academic Support.
1962 Room, College Center at Crozier-Williams
9 - 10:30 a.m. Hale Center for Career Development Open House
Stop by the Hale Center for Career Development's Career Studio space to learn more about Connecticut College’s nationally-recognized career preparation program and speak with some of our career advisors.
Hale Center for Career Development, Fanning Hall
9:45 - 11:45 a.m. GNCE 30th Anniversary Alumni Panel and Celebration
The Goodwin-Niering Center for the Environment invites the entire College community to celebrate their 30th anniversary. Fall Weekend will serve as the perfect time to gather as we look back on the founding of the center, our history and accomplishments along the way and as always our amazing alumni and incredible students. Four GNCE alumni, Ricardo Olea '19, Conor Quilty '15, Katie Surrey '14, and Marissa Gildea '17, are coming in from across the country to share their experiences since graduating and are eager to share their environmental career paths. Pre-registration requested.
Olin 014, Olin Science Center
10 a.m. - Noon Stark Center for the Moving Arts Grand Opening and Tours
Celebrate the grand opening of the new Stark Center for the Moving Arts with Professors of Film Studies Ross Morin and Greg Surman. Take a guided tour of the new facilities to learn about new technology.
Stark Center for the Moving Image
10 - 11 a.m. First Year Seminar - Ordinary Heroes: The Power of Community and Public Service
Former White House and State Department official Joseph "Jody" Trapasso ’87 will challenge members of the Connecticut College community to be “ordinary heroes” – everyday Americans who use public service to rebuild our democracy by promoting community and inclusion, and by finding common ground with their neighbors in these divided times.
Charles Chu Reading Room, Charles E. Shain Library
10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Katherine Yaochen Du: I Am Listening Anyway
Beginning from early paintings that probe the artist’s personal and familial history, this exhibition tracks a journey of form-finding that leads the artist towards her ongoing project of locating the complex origins of Chinese-American identity. Research and process on display reveal that for Du, answering this call involves the act of embodying what cannot be found. The exhibition culminates in The Robert Browne, a walk-in cyclorama that immerses the viewer in a story of colonial resistance that took place aboard a 19th-century Connecticut ship. Katherine Yaochen Du joined Connecticut College in 2022 as Visiting Assistant Professor of Art. She teaches 2D Fundamentals, Drawing, and Painting courses. She received her BA from Wesleyan University and her MFA from Yale University.
Joanne Toor Cummings Gallery and Gallery 66, Cummings Arts Center
10:30 – 11:30 a.m. Connecticut College Mock Trial
On July 4, 2021, attorney Morgan Felder joined pilot Reese Campbell for a flight over Basin Lake. After departing the Rapid River Valley Airfield, the aircraft deviated from its planned route and eventually crashed into the nearby Mount McIntosh. There were no survivors. Ari Felder—Morgan’s spouse—has brought a negligence suit against Koller Campbell Air LLC, the company that owned the aircraft. Witness the Connecticut College Mock Trial plaintiff and defense as they go head-to-head in a captivating trial!
Room 101, New London Hall
10:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. Men’s Ice Hockey Alumni Scrimmage & Alumni Reception
Men’s Ice Hockey alumni are invited to play in an Alumni Scrimmage at Dayton Arena, followed by an alumni gathering from 12:30 - 1 p.m. in the AC Courtyard. Please email Coach Jim Ward (jbwar2@conncoll.edu) or register here if you are interested in playing!
Dayton Arena & AC Courtyard
11 a.m. & 1 p.m. Campus Tours
Accompany a student admission tour guide on a 75-minute walking tour of our beautiful arboretum campus. Learn about new campus improvements and see buildings and structures that are hallmarks to generations of alumni. Please reserve your spot in advance by clicking here.
Office of Admission, Horizon House
11 a.m. State of the College Address with Interim President Wong
You're invited to join Interim President Leslie Wong for a State of the College Address where he will take you through exciting and innovative initiatives taking place on campus.
Palmer Auditorium, Athey Center for Performance and Research
Noon – 1:30 p.m. Pumpkins & Pooches
Pose for a picture with your pooch in front of the CONN letters. Enjoy complimentary toys, treats, and doggy bags. Say WOOF!
CONN Letters, Tempel Green
Noon – 2 p.m. All-Campus Picnic
All are welcome to enjoy a festive picnic on Tempel Green. Please note: Students do not need to register for the All-Campus Picnic.
Tent on Tempel Green
Noon Women's Field Hockey vs. Williams College
Cheer on the Camels in their game against the Ephs!
Silfen Turf Field
Noon Women's Soccer vs. Williams College
Support the Camels in their game against the Ephs!
Freeman Field
1 – 3 p.m. Harvestfest
Support campus clubs and organizations while browsing crafts, gifts, and custom Connecticut College swag at this signature Fall Weekend event! Clubs and organizations can only accept cash, but there is a convenient ATM in the lobby of the College Center at Crozier-Williams. Sponsored by the Student Activities Council (SAC).
Tent on Tempel Green
1:30 - 4 p.m. 40th Anniversary Women's Soccer Post-Game Tailgate
Come together with former teammates, families and current Camels for a celebration honoring 40 years of Women's Soccer at Connecticut College!
Terrace closest to Williams School, Cummings Arts Center
2 - 4 p.m. Camel Fan Zone
Enjoy swag, seasonal treats, and festive beverages from local food trucks — Bella Cannoli, Greekin' Out, Luigi's Wood Fire Pizza, and Wakin' Up Waggin' — while cheering on the Camels!
Freeman Green
2 p.m. Women's Volleyball vs. Hamilton College
Support the Camels in their game against the Continentals!
Luce Fieldhouse
2 p.m. Men's Soccer vs. Williams College
Cheer on the Camels as they take on Williams College, with a special half-time ceremony to celebrate 50 years of the Men's Soccer Program at Conn.
Freeman Field, Tempel Green
2 p.m. Ophelia (Run Amok)
In the spirit of Charles Ludlum’s Ridiculous Theater, an ensemble of women, all named Ophelia, stage a radical remix of William Shakespeare’s excessive tragedy, Hamlet, Prince of Denmark. By running amok, they decenter the flailing solipsistic prince from his own no-win all-lose narrative and use Shakespeare’s word-play and theatrical devices to reimagine a new and surprising active role for Ophelia in the rotten state of Denmark. Conceived and directed by Kenny Prestininzi, Associate Professor of Theater.
Tickets: $10; Seniors, Students, CC Faculty & Staff: $5
Tansill Theater, Hillyer Hall
2:30 - 3:30 p.m. GNCE 30th Anniversary Reception
Join us for the culmination of the Goodwin-Niering Center for the Environment’s 30th Anniversary. Enjoy an afternoon reception featuring special guests, delicious libations, tasty treats and fun surprises. We look forward to celebrating with you! Pre-registration requested.
Hood Dining Room & Patio, Blaustein Humanities Center
3 – 4:30 p.m. Shabbat and Holiday Schmooze with Rabbi Susan
Come say “Shabbat Shalom” and "Chag Sameach" to Rabbi Susan over a nosh at Zachs Hillel House. All are welcome!
Zachs Hillel House
3 - 5 p.m. Connecticut College Swimming & Diving Reception
Mix and mingle with the Connecticut College Swimming & Diving athletes, alumni, and families. By invitation only.
“Winged Victory” statue between Jane Addams House and Harkness House
3 - 5 p.m. Connecticut College Rowing Reception
Mix and mingle with the Connecticut College Women's and Men's Rowing athletes, alumni, and families. By invitation only.
Bill Hall Upper Lawn
3:30 – 5 p.m. Treats on the Terrace — an Alumni Reunion
All Connecticut College alumni are invited to enjoy festive snacks, hard cider, fall craft brews, and seasonal beverages on Cummings Terrace. Must have a valid photo ID and be 21+ to enter the party.
Terrace, Cummings Arts Center
3:30 – 5:30 p.m. Celebrating 50 Years of the Children's Program
Celebrate 50 years of the Children's Program with a reception for current students working at the Lab School and their families, along with alumni of the program, faculty and staff.
Fanning Green
5 – 6:30 p.m. Fran Shields P'14 Retirement Celebration
Join us to celebrate Fran Shields P'14 and his many contributions to Connecticut College as Athletic Director Emeritus and Inaugural Director of the Camel Athletics Network. Plus, mingle with our newest classes of CC Hall of Famers!
Library Green, Shain Library
6 – 7:30 p.m. Artist's Reception with Gallery Talk - Katherine Yaochen Du: I Am Listening Anyway
Enjoy a gallery talk and reception to follow with Katherine Yaochen Du. Beginning from early paintings that probe the artist’s personal and familial history, this exhibition tracks a journey of form-finding that leads the artist towards her ongoing project of locating the complex origins of Chinese-American identity. Research and process on display reveal that for Du, answering this call involves the act of embodying what cannot be found. The exhibition culminates in The Robert Browne, a walk-in cyclorama that immerses the viewer in a story of colonial resistance that took place aboard a 19th-century Connecticut ship. Katherine Yaochen Du joined Connecticut College in 2022 as Visiting Assistant Professor of Art. She teaches 2D Fundamentals, Drawing, and Painting courses. She received her BA from Wesleyan University and her MFA from Yale University.
Joanne Toor Cummings Gallery and Gallery 66, Cummings Arts Center
6 - 8 p.m. Celebrating 50 Years of Men's Soccer
Gather with Coaches Reuben Burk and Andrew Storton, former teammates, families and current Camels for a celebration honoring 50 years of Men's Soccer at Connecticut College!
Cro's Nest, College Center at Crozier-Williams
6:15 - 7:30 p.m. Sailing Reception
Mix and mingle with the Connecticut College Sailing athletes, alumni, and families. By invitation only.
Athletic Center Courtyard
6:30 - 9 p.m. Connecticut College Athletics Hall of Fame Ceremony & Dinner
Please join us as the Classes of 2021, 2022, and 2023 are inducted into the Connecticut College Hall of Fame. Cocktail reception and dinner to follow. Pre-registration is required –
click here.
1962 Room, College Center at Crozier-Williams
7:30 p.m. Ophelia (Run Amok)
In the spirit of Charles Ludlum’s Ridiculous Theater, an ensemble of women, all named Ophelia, stage a radical remix of William Shakespeare’s excessive tragedy, Hamlet, Prince of Denmark. By running amok, they decenter the flailing solipsistic prince from his own no-win all-lose narrative and use Shakespeare’s word-play and theatrical devices to reimagine a new and surprising active role for Ophelia in the rotten state of Denmark. Conceived and directed by Kenny Prestininzi, Associate Professor of Theater.
Tickets: $10; Seniors, Students, CC Faculty & Staff: $5
Tansill Theater, Hillyer Hall
8 p.m. OnStage Series - Agathe and Adrien in "N.Ormes"
Blurring the lines between circus show, contemporary dance, and performance art, N.Ormes invites audiences to question preconceived ideas with a deep search for equality. In this physically impressive and touching creation, two protagonists - portrayed by duo Agathe Bisserier and Adrien Malette-Chénier - navigate a power struggle between complicity and dominance and push the limits and expectations of their own bodies and gender norms. Agathe and Adrien create a rich, complex acrobatic language and redefine what it means to perform conventional roles – in the circus and in society.
This performance is funded in part by the New England States Touring program of the New England Foundation for the Arts, made possible with funding from the National Endowment for the Arts Regional Touring Program and the six New England state arts agencies.
Tickets: $20; Seniors: $18; CC Students with Camel ID: $7; Students: $10 (General Admission)
Palmer Auditorium, Athey Center for Performance and Research
9 – 11:30 p.m. 50th Anniversary of Unity House Celebration & Reception
Celebrate 50 Years of Unity House under the Tent on Tempel Green! Enjoy wonderful and lively ambiance, alumni performers, delicious food, beer, wine and drinks, and best of all – the opportunity to come together as a community to honor the legacy of a historic place and presence on campus that has impacted so many in such a meaningful way! Must be 18+ to attend.
Tent on Tempel Green