ALWAYS BERRY (HOME) >> ALUMNI WEEKEND & WORK WEEK

Alumni Weekend

May 21-23, 2027

Alumni Work Week

 May 23-27, 2027

Wide porch with white columns and rocking chairs overlooks green lawn and trees at sunset.

ALUMNI WEEKEND

May 21-23, 2027

As members of the Berry family, we know there's something special about coming home. No matter where life has taken us, returning to this beautiful place reminds us of who we are, where we began, and the community that shaped us. Berry has always been a home that welcomes us back—ready for shared memories, familiar faces, and new moments together. And this year is extra special, because we're celebrating Berry's 125th anniversary! We hope you'll come home for Silver and Blue Alumni Weekend 2027 as we mark this incredible milestone together.

We'll kick off Friday evening with class reunion celebrations and an opportunity to connect with Berry's president, Dr. Sandeep Mazumder. Then on Saturday, we will spend the day revisiting the "shrine of many a memory" and celebrating 125 years of Berry tradition at the Silver and Blue Dinner, then close the weekend with our cherished Sunday morning chapel service and moment of reflection outside afterwards. We can't wait to welcome you home and celebrate together.

Tree-lined road with sunlight filtering through large green trees on a peaceful rural path.

Alumni Work Week

May 23-27, 2027

Since 1985, Work Week has brought alumni back to the place that made us who we are. Rooted in the spirit of service and hard work championed by Billy Smith (39H), this cherished gathering honors our shared past while building Berry's future, one task at a time. And 2027 marks something truly special — Berry's 125th year. There's no better time to roll up your sleeves, walk those familiar paths and celebrate a legacy worth getting your hands dirty for.

Each year, participants of all ages serve in the same spirit that built this community — caring for campus grounds, creating artisan crafts, and preserving Berry's history. Whether you join for all five days or just a portion, there's a place for every skill, schedule, and passion. Reconnect with old friends, make new ones, and help carry Berry's story into its next chapter.

Attendees stay in Centennial Hall, enjoying two- and four-bedroom suites with full kitchens, living areas, and private bathrooms — bringing back those "dorm days" memories, just with a little more comfort this time. Meals are served in the student dining hall or catered in historic Ford Dining Hall, and our beloved Snack Wagon still makes its rounds each morning and afternoon, just like you remember.

Work Week is called that for a reason, but your time here is yours to shape. Come for a day, a few days, or stay the whole week. Some alumni even join as "day students," working on campus and heading home each night. However you take part, it all adds up to something bigger — keeping Berry's roots strong for the next 125 years.

As we gear up to celebrate this milestone anniversary, there's no better way to mark the occasion than by giving back to the place that gave us so much. Come find your spot on campus, pick up a tool, and be part of the story once again.


Work Crew Options

Alumni Work Week attendees are assigned to a work crew, which is led by a Crew Chief. You are invited to select your top 3 of interest, and, as much as possible, assignments are made to match both interests and needs.

If you plan to work outside, please remember to bring hats, work gloves, sunscreen, insect repellant and attire appropriate to your work assignment.

INDOOR CREWS

  • Activities Crew - setup and facilitate themed meals and special activities, as well as host the silent auction
  • Berry Archives Crew - assist staff with historical data collection for the Daughters of Berry
  • Oak Hill Collections Crew - assist staff with cataloging school-related artifacts in the museum
  • Quilting Crew - design and sew quilts to sell at Work Week auction
  • Sewing & Weaving Crew - utilize the looms and sewing machines to create textiles for the Sunshine Room enterprise

OUTDOOR CREWS 

  • Fuqua Crew - under the direction of Stewart Fuqua (80A), this team will tackle carpentry work on campus
  • House o' Dreams Grounds Crew - assist staff with the gardening and other outdoor maintenance needs
  • Oak Hill Grounds Crew - help maintain trails behind the museum and assist with repairs near the greenhouse
  • Victory Lake Grounds Crew - paint gates as well as clean up around pavilion and stone bridges
  • Single Day Project Crew - each day a different mini-project will be tackled by this crew, including clean and stain benches, clean and touch up historical signage, clear trails. If you can only attend 1 or 2 days, this is the crew for you.

INDOOR/OUTDOOR CREWS 

  • Photo & DVD Crew - take photos of participants at work sites and events, then put together slideshow for the week
  • Snack Wagon & Kitchen Crew - prepare snacks and drinks each morning and afternoon and deliver to work sites, as well as assist catering and students to set-up and clean-up lunch and dinner in Ford Dining Hall