Get out the orange — it's Reunions time

On Reunions weekend, May 26–29, Princeton will be draped in orange and black, but according to Shana Weber, the University’s sustainability manager, alumni should notice some interesting shades of green as well.

There are stories about Princeton’s sustainability efforts “practically everywhere you walk on campus,” Weber said, and this year visitors will be able to hear some of those stories — and see the green projects at work — on a tour led by the Office of Sustainability.  

The tour, starting Saturday at 10 a.m., begins on the south lawn of the Frist Campus Center and includes stops at the new Frick Chemistry Laboratory, which has 216 solar panels on the roof and a digital dashboard in the lobby displaying energy use and conservation; Butler College, home of two of Princeton’s green roofs; and Forbes College, where students have been cultivating an organic garden since 2007.

The green tour is one item on a calendar packed with activities for alumni, family, and friends returning to Princeton. In the lecture halls, alumni-faculty forums on Friday and Saturday will call on experts to discuss a range of topics, including college admission, women in science, civil rights and liberties, the future of health care in America, and intercollegiate athletics. Offering lighter fare, PAW is hosting a comedy show 2 p.m. Friday in Richardson Auditorium, Alexander Hall. The event features alumni comics, some of whom were high­lighted in PAW’s January humor issue.  

Two class-sponsored panel discussions will celebrate Princeton’s tradition of service. The intergenerational collaboration ReachOut ’56-’81-’06 will explore “Serving on Nonprofit Boards: Responsibilities, Opportunities, Challenges” (Friday at 3 p.m.). Spirit of Service ’76 has joined with the Prince­ton Environmental Institute to present “Unleashing Innovation: Tackling Environmental Challenges” (Friday at 3:45 p.m.).  

For the casual browser, there are exhibits exploring art and history. The Princeton University Art Museum is presenting collages and paintings by the German avant-garde artist Kurt Schwitters, as well as works from China, Japan, and Italy in three separate exhibitions. The Mudd Manuscript Library has extended its exhibit commemorating the life of John F. Kennedy ’39 and his brief stay as an undergraduate. And on Frist’s 100 level, the Princetoniana Committee will highlight the history of Reunions garb with a display of jackets, costumes, and other Tiger regalia.

On Saturday, President Tilghman will hold her annual conversation with alumni at 10:30 a.m. in Richardson Auditorium. The Class of 1986 will lead the P-rade, beginning at 2 p.m. The University Orchestra will perform its annual concert at Finney and Campbell fields at 8 p.m., followed by fireworks at 9:15 p.m.