Alumnx Reunion Weekend
Friday–Sunday, October 18–20
Naropa University Arapahoe & Nalanda Campuses in Boulder, Colorado
President Charles Lief and the entire Naropa University community cordially invite you to the Alumnx Reunion Weekend! All alumnx, all programs, and all graduation years welcome. Please join us for a weekend of events offering connection, contemplation, and celebration in community.
See the hotel blocks below for out of town attendees.
Reunion Reception
Saturday, October 19 // 7:00–10:00 PM
Location: Nalanda Events Center, Naropa University Nalanda Campus, 6287 Arapahoe Avenue, Boulder, Colorado 80301
Join us at this festive event and party like it’s 1974! The reception will include hors d’oeuvres, drinks, live music, an open dance floor, and a special performance by the Tibetan Cultural School. Tickets for the reception are $50 per person; if the ticket price is prohibitive, please reach out to Kelly Watt.
Schedule of Events
The Alumnx Reunion weekend kicks off with SparkTalks on Friday night, program & affinity mini reunions on Saturday, followed by an Alumnx Reception on Saturday night. The reunion weekend ends with contemplative practices offerings.
- 1:00–4:00 PM // Welcome Concert on the Naropa Green
Check in for the weekend and enjoy a concert under the sycamores featuring alumnx and current students. Tours of the Arapahoe campus will leave from Wulsin Hall on the hour.
- 7:00 PM // SparkTalks, Performing Arts Center, Arapahoe Campus
SparkTalks, dynamic presentations that share the wisdom of Naropa University’s alumnx, will open your heart, broaden your perspective, and enliven your spirit.
Naropa alumnx will share their experiences, stories, ideas, inquiries, research, poetry & artwork around the theme of “Roots & Branches.”
SparkTalks will be hosted by Beck Sydow (MA Contemplative Psychotherapy, ’06; presenter at SparkTalks 2017). Among their many accomplishments since their time at Naropa, Beck most recently founded HumanKind Business Leaders.
- 9:00 AM–12:00 PM // Program Reunions, Arapahoe Campus
- BA/BFA All Majors
- Jack Kerouac School
- MA Contemplative Psychotherapy
- MA Ecopsychology
- MA Environmental Leadership / Resilient Leadership
- Psychedelic-Assisted Therapies Certificate
- Wisdom Traditions Department (BA, MA, & MDiv)
- …and more to be added.
Interested in helping organize a program reunion? We are looking for volunteers from any/all programs, but especially: Transpersonal Counseling, Art Therapy, Education, Environmental Studies, Performance, Somatic Counseling, and Wilderness Therapy. Let us know!
- 1:00–4:00 PM // Affinity Reunions, Arapahoe Campus
- Bhutan Study Abroad
- Former Naropa Faculty/Staff
- Student Union of Naropa
- Meditation Instructor Training (new day/time! Sunday, October 20 10:30AM–12:00PM)
- …and more to be added.
Interested in helping organize an affinity reunion? We are looking for volunteers for any/all affinities, but especially: LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, International Students, and Former Naropa Faculty/Staff. Let us know!
- 7:00–10:00 PM // Alumnx Celebration Reception, Nalanda Events Center
Join us at this festive event and party like it’s 1974! The reception will include hors d’oeuvres, drinks, live music, an open dance floor, and a special performance by the Tibetan Cultural School. Tickets are $50 per person. if the ticket price is prohibitive, please reach out to Kelly Watt.
- 10:00 AM–12:00 PM // Contemplative Offerings, Arapahoe Campus
- Sitting Meditation in Shambhala Hall
- Tea Ceremony in the Tea House
- Contemplative Dance Practice in the Performing Arts Center
- …and more to be added.
Interested in offering a contemplative practice? Contact Kelly Watt.
Reunion Weekend Frequently Asked Questions
How do I register?
How much does it cost to attend the Reunion Weekend?
The entire weekend is free, with the exception of the Reunion Reception on Saturday night which is $50 per person.
Are spouses/partners/significant others/children invited?
Yes, they are welcome to attend most events throughout the weekend, including the Welcome Concert on the Green, SparkTalks, the Reunion Reception (must be 21 years or older to attend), and the Contemplative Offerings. Program and affinity reunions may be open to alumnx, faculty, and staff only, depending on the content.
Are faculty and staff invited to attend?
Yes, we welcome anyone connected with Naropa to return for the Reunion Weekend, including current and former faculty and staff.
What if I didn’t graduate from Naropa, can I still attend?
Yes, we welcome anyone connected with Naropa to return for the Reunion Weekend, including former students that did not complete their degrees here.
Can I attend even if I didn’t register?
Yes, we will accept walk ins throughout the weekend. However, for planning purposes, we encourage you to register in advance.
Can I attend part of the weekend?
Yes, you may participate in some or all of the weekend, it’s up to you. We have crafted a weekend of events to encourage connection, contemplation, and community; we welcome you to attend whatever sparks your mind and ignites your heart.
Is there a dress code?
Dress is casual all weekend, with the exception of the Reunion Reception on Saturday night – we encourage “Naropa fabulous” attire for that event.
What if I have need accessibility accommodations?
Please contact Kelly Watt with a description of your needs.
Is there housing available in the residence halls?
No, but we have hotel rooms available at a special discounted rate to fit a variety of budgets and needs.
Other questions?
Reach out to Kelly Watt, Senior Director of Alumnx Relations and Co-Chair of Naropa’s 50th Anniversary Celebration.
Preferred Hotel Accommodations
Below are our hotel accommodations with availability for the Alumnx Reunion Weekend (Friday, October 18 through Sunday, October 20) within a short drive of the Naropa University. Whatever accommodations you choose, we recommend booking early.
Hilton Garden Inn, 2701 Canyon Blvd, Boulder, CO 80302 // Special Naropa nightly rate: $229
Located in Central Boulder at 28th & Canyon, the Hilton Garden Inn offers an onsite restaurant and room service, a fitness center, luxury spa, free EV charging, free Wi-Fi. Self and valet parking are available for an additional fee. Pets welcome for an additional fee.
RESERVE YOUR ROOM AT THE HILTON GARDEN INN
Fairfield Inn & Suites, 5397 South Boulder Rd, Boulder, CO 80303 // Special Naropa nightly rate: $174
RESERVE YOUR ROOM AT THE FAIRFIELD INN & SUITES
Courtyard Boulder/Broomfield, 948 West Dillon Road. Louisville, CO 80027 // Special Naropa nightly rate: $167
RESERVE YOUR ROOM AT THE COURTYARD BOULDER/BROOMFIELD
