Alumni Work Week once again brought Berry alumni and friends back to campus for a meaningful week rooted in service, tradition and community. Since 1985, Work Week has reflected the values that shaped Berry, inspired by the legacy of Billy Smith (39H) and his belief in the dignity of hard work. This year, 82 participants representing nearly 650 years of combined service returned to give their time, talents and energy, continuing a tradition that connects generations through shared purpose.
Across campus, alumni worked side by side in the same spirit that built Berry generations ago. In just a few days, participants contributed an estimated 1,100 to 1,200 hours of work, caring for the grounds, creating artisan crafts and preserving pieces of Berry’s history. Each project, whether large or small, reflected a deep commitment to stewardship and a shared pride in maintaining the beauty and legacy of the college.
Work Week’s flexibility once again made it possible for alumni to take part in ways that fit their schedules. Some joined for the full week, while others came for a few days or participated as “day students,” contributing during the day and returning home in the evening. No matter the length of stay, each contribution helped carry the tradition forward.
For those who lived on campus, Centennial Hall provided a comfortable home base, blending the nostalgia of dorm life with modern conveniences. Meals shared in the student dining hall and historic Ford Dining Hall offered time to reconnect, while the beloved Snack Wagon delivered mid-morning and afternoon treats to work sites across campus. Evenings brought opportunities to gather, reflect and celebrate, including a recognition dinner that highlighted the collective impact of the week.
That sense of impact was felt not only in completed projects but in the people who made them possible. Honorees recognized for five to 25 years of participation represented a remarkable 175 years of combined service to Work Week alone, while a community auction raised more than $1,000 to support ongoing efforts. Throughout the week, alumni shared stories, explored campus, interacted with students and staff and strengthened connections that continue long after the work is finished.
Alumni Work Week has never been just about the work. It is about returning to a place that continues to inspire service, purpose and connection. As the week came to a close, participants left knowing their efforts helped preserve Berry’s past while strengthening its future, ensuring that the spirit at the heart of the college endures for generations to come.
