Celebrate
Reunion at Thurtene Carnival is packed with exciting events on campus and around St. Louis, but there are a few extra-special reunion experiences you don’t want to miss. These signature events include the Welcome Back Party and the Alumni BBQ, and – of course – your Class of 2001 Party! We’re eagerly working on a full schedule, so check back in early 2026 to read about all the receptions, tours, and events we have planned.
Featured Events
Reunion at Thurtene weekend will be packed with events on campus and around St. Louis, but there are a few signature reunion experiences you won’t want to miss.
Welcome back party
Friday, april 17
6-9 p.m.
Day one of reunion weekend concludes with our signature Welcome Back Party, an epic celebration. As the sun sets, catch up with old friends over heavy appetizers, desserts, and beer, wine, and soda. Enjoy live music, fun photo opportunities, and an amazing evening with the WashU community.
Alumni bbq
Saturday, april 18
11:30 A.M.-1:30 p.m.
Join classmates and their families for a fun-filled afternoon of great BBQ catered by the award-winning Pappy’s Smokehouse. Complimentary beer, wine, and soda will be provided. Enjoy children’s activities and entertainment throughout the event.
good bye brunch
sunday, april 19
9 – 11 A.m.
Reminisce on your reunion weekend, bid “until we meet again” to your classmates, and enjoy an all-you-care-to-eat brunch.
Get involved
Reunion class gift
At WashU, we believe in the power of tradition, community, and the transformative impact of education. Your reunion year is not only an opportunity to reconnect with old friends but also a chance to make a meaningful contribution to the institution that played a significant role in shaping your journey.
Be a part of the time-honored tradition of giving back through your reunion class gift. Regardless of the size of your contribution, every gift makes an impact on the university, its students, and the larger community.
Class of 2001 reunion committee
Want to help plan Reunion and make sure it’s a huge success? Join your Reunion Committee! Check out this list of classmates who have already signed up:
Liz Aloi
AB ’01
Rajesh Daftary
AB ’01
Jayson Johnson
AB ’01
Lauren Kalikow Lappen
AB ’01
Eric Nelson
BSBA ’01
Eric Scroggins
AB ’01
Eric Smith
AB ’01
Meredith Yehudai
BSBA ’01
Alicia Bond-Lewis
AB ’01
Emily DeYoung
AB ’01
Cory Kamholz
AB ’01
William McKeveny
AB ’01
Karen Parsons
AB ’01
Pankaj Sharma
AB ’01, MAEd ’02
Josh Steinfeld
AB ’01
Amy Jacobs Brackett
BSBA ’01
Marissa Hockfield
AB ’01
Harpreet Khera
AB ’01
Naveen Neerukonda
BSBA ’01
Sarah Perez
AB ’01
Samir Sheth
AB ’01
Lauren Zeller
AB ’01
Class memories
Class notes
Cody Carpino, BS ’01, is served as the president of American Institute of Architects (AIA) Central Valley, which covers 17 counties in Northern California.
Kate Van Steenhuyse, BFA ’01, was appointed chief programs officer of the Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission, the official state arts agency of Kansas.
John O. Brandon, MFAW ’01, penned a new novel, Penalties of June (McSweeney’s, December 2024).
Maggie McDonald, MSW ’01, and Katrina Watson, AB ’06, are both working at United Way of Central Alabama. McDonald serves as vice president of Legacy Gifts.
Looking back at 2001
Searching for life in the cosmos
Planetary scientist Sarah Stewart Johnson, AB ’01, wants to find the limits of life and broaden our world.
Joy to reign at 140th commencement
Books are closed, finals are finished, grades are in and so are the gowns — now it’s time to graduate. This morning, 2,246 students will enter Brookings Quadrangle but leave as alumni. National Science Foundation (NSF) Director Rita R. Colwell, Ph.D., will deliver the Commencement address.
Meaningful entertainment
Despite majoring in psychology, Sara Taksler, AB ’01 — a senior producer for the satirical news program The Daily Show and a documentary filmmaker — realized at WashU that she wanted to work at the intersection of “entertainment and social justice.”
W.I.L.D. performers
Spring 2001 – Crazy Town
Fall 2000 – The Roots
favorite hangouts
Coming soon
See who’s coming
Search for classmates who are planning to come back for WashU Reunion at Thurtene Carnival, April 17-19, 2026.