Information about class-specific gatherings can be found on the Milestone Class Reunions page.

Reunion Weekend Details

Friday, May 3

4:30 – 6:00 PM | Alumni and Student Leadership Reception hosted by the Mentor Program

Keller Center, Sky Suite

The Harris Mentor Program invites program participants and leaders from the Harris alumni and student community to join in celebration of the end of another academic year and the 2024 Harris Reunion Weekend. The program will feature keynote remarks, the presentation of the Mentor(s) of the Year Award, and will be a great opportunity for networking with inspiring leaders from generations of Harristas!
 

6:30 – 8:30 PM | Harris Alumni Awards Presentation & Dinner

The Study, Winter Garden, 1227 E 60th St, Chicago, IL 60637

Join us to celebrate the accomplishments of the 2024 Harris Alumni Award winners. More information about each of the awards being conferred can be found here.


Saturday, May 4    

9:00 –10:00 AM | Breakfast

Keller Center, Commons

Enjoy coffee and breakfast with fellow alumni and guests as you arrive at the Keller Center for the day’s events.

10:15 – 10:50 AM | Freedom of Expression and the Chicago Principles

Keller Center, Harris Family Foundation Forum - Livestream available

The Harris School follows a robust tradition at the University of Chicago in upholding the values of free inquiry and debate in the academy. Interim Dean Ethan Bueno de Mesquita will facilitate a discussion on the Chicago Principles and the topic of freedom of expression on campus and at the Harris School. 
 

11:00 – 11:35 AM | Faculty Talk ft. Professor Lesley Turner

Keller Center, Harris Family Foundation Forum - Livestream available

Join Lesley Turner for a discussion of higher education financing and economics and the implication that government policies have on students’ educational and workforce outcomes. 


11:45 AM – 12:20 PM | Faculty Talk ft. Professor Chris Berry

Keller Center, Harris Family Foundation Forum - Livestream Available

Join Christopher Berry for a discussion of municipal finance and property tax reform in the Chicago context and worldwide. Learn more about the unprecedented tax reforms undertaken by Cook County Assessor’s Office and the economic impacts on residents as a result.
 

12:30 – 1:30 PM | Picnic Lunch

Keller Center, Commons
Enjoy a relaxing picnic lunch at the Keller Center with great food and plenty of time to catch up with your classmates. Family-friendly activities will be available. School on a Saturday has never been so fun!
 

2:00 – 2:45 PM | “State of the School” Town Hall with Interim Dean Ethan Bueno de Mesquita

Keller Center, Harris Family Foundation Forum - Livestream Available

The Harris School of today undoubtedly looks different than that of past decades. Interim Dean Ethan Bueno de Mesquita will provide an update on the Harris School and share about upcoming opportunities and challenges. Questions will be taken from the audience.
 

6:00 – 8:00 PM | Class Reunion Celebration

Aster Hall Chicago, 900 N Michigan Ave, Level 6, Chicago, IL 60611

Join us for food, drink, and great conversation with all classes celebrating milestone reunions! This signature event provides a unique opportunity to reconnect with your classmates and others across the Harris community in Downtown Chicago.

8:00 PM – 12:00 AM | Harris Gala

University Club, 76 E Monroe St, Chicago, IL 60603

We are excited to open invitations to the annual Harris Gala to all members of the Harris community. Join alumni, students, and friends as we celebrate another year of excellence and tradition at Harris!

Dress is formal. This is a ticketed event through a separate registration page. More details to come.


Sunday, May 5    

5:00 – 7:00 PM | MiPPS Alumni Awards Gala

Ida Noyes Hall, The Theater

Minorities in Public Policy (MiPPS) is one of Harris’ oldest student organizations, which celebrates its members and their achievements every spring during our annual gala. This event will bring together the MiPPS student and alumni communities for networking and community building, along with the presentation of the 2024 MiPPS Alumni Award. Dress as you wish, at minimum business attire.

The 2024 MiPPS Alumni Award winner is Daniel O. Ash AM'94!

University of Chicago Preferred Hotel Program

While there is no reunion hotel block for Reunion Weekend 2024, the University of Chicago has partnered with several hotels in Hyde Park and Downtown Chicago to offer discounted rates to alumni. Learn about the University of Chicago Preferred Hotel Program.

 

Transportation:

We welcome all guests to the panels and open forums during Harris Reunion Weekend, but we understand that those with young children may want to explore other options. Below are a list of events that might be appealing to you and your little ones.

Note: Alumni and guests should make their own arrangements if they wish to attend the following activities or visit places in Hyde Park.

Activities Within 15 Minutes from Campus:

Activities Within 30 Minutes from Campus:

Downtown:

  • Observe the world-class Lincoln Park Zoo, built right into the heart of Lincoln Park. Also in Lincoln Park is the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, take the kids for a last-minute stop before leaving the park.
  • Visit the Chicago History Museum to learn about this great city, it's struggles, and it's rise.
  • The newest addition to the already stunning Grant Park, features several playgrounds, ice/roller-skating, mini-golf, gardens, a field house, and a climbing wall, Maggie Daley Park has everything for a family day-out, and is nestled within view of Chicago's beautiful skyline.
  • Situated next to Maggie Daley is Millennium Park, with the famous Bean, fountains, and Jay Pritzker Pavilion music shows!
  • Navy Pier features endless activities for families, from the Chicago Children's Museum, stores, dining, IMAX movies, firework shows, boat tours, rides, and amazing views. Take in the best views at Offshore, a unique bar and restaurant at the end of Navy Pier. 
  • For all those little builders, check out the Legoland Discovery Center!
  • Some of the world's finest collections of art, history, meet families at Museum Campus. Families can also enjoy both underwater and out-of-this-world experiences, visit the Field Museum, tour the Art Institute of Chicago, gaze at the galaxy at the Alder Planetarium, catch a glimpse of a modern medium in the Museum of Contemporary Photography.
  • There are also opportunities for catching a show at the Hunting Bank Pavilion in the revamped Northly Island Park.
  • If you're a sports or music fan, check out Soldier Field for football and soccer games, or look for any of the big ticket concerts coming to town!
  • The Chicago Children's Theater can keep the kids entertained when you're ready for a break!
  • Chicago is famous for its sports. Discover the heart of our sports spirit at the Chicago Sports Museum.
  • Want to see the whole city from above, or feeling daring enough to step onto glass over the tallest building in Chicago, check out the Skydeck at the Willis Tower. 
  • If the weather is right, check out the Chicago River Walk and even check it out up-close with Urban Kayaks.
  • Want to do several big-ticket visits? Check out the Chicago CityPASS for reduced-cost entry to multiple popular venues!

Chinatown:

Getting Around:

  • The United States' second-largest transit system can take you around Chicago, to the airports, and UChicago campus. The CTA even has visitor information. (Use Google Maps to navigate your trip on the CTA's L, bus network, and get live updates on travel times.)
  • Divvy Bikeshare is an excellent option for rides around the city's Lakefront Trail, or network of bike lanes. The app can be downloaded from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store
  • Rideshares like Lyft, Uber, and Curb are excellent options to get around quickly, when transit or driving isn't an option. Available on Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
  • Chicago is the rail-hub of the nation, and that is reflected in the plentiful options for suburban and regional travel via the Metra train network. Tickets via Metra's Electric District Line are the cheapest and fastest form of travel from Downtown to Hyde Park. 

Harris Reunion Weekend 2023 Photos

2023 Rising Star Awardee, Ana Aguilera, MPP’13
2023 Rising Star Awardee, Ana Aguilera, MPP’13
Reunion Dinner Mixology Class
Reunion Dinner Mixology Class
2023 MiPPS Awardee, Barbara Barreno-Paschall, MPP'17 with MiPPS Student Leaders
2023 MiPPS Awardee, Barbara Barreno-Paschall, MPP'17 with MiPPS Student Leaders
Career Achievement Awardee, Sylvia Puente, AM’90
Career Achievement Awardee, Sylvia Puente, AM’90
Reunion Dinner Mixology Class
Reunion Dinner Mixology Class
2023 Harris Alumni Award Winners with Interim Dean, Ethan Bueno de Mesquita
2023 Harris Alumni Award Winners with Interim Dean, Ethan Bueno de Mesquita
2023 Harris Alumni Award Dinner and Ceremony
2023 Harris Alumni Award Dinner and Ceremony
CC DuBois Alumni Service Awardee, Kate Tomford, SM’07
CC DuBois Alumni Service Awardee, Kate Tomford, SM’07
2023 MiPPS Awardee, Barbara Barreno-Paschall, MPP'17
2023 MiPPS Awardee, Barbara Barreno-Paschall, MPP'17 with MiPPS Student Leaders