Some things are simply better in person.

From October 1 to 4, more than 8,000 (and counting!) alumni, students, families, faculty, staff, and friends gathered across the University of Rochester’s campuses for Meliora Weekend 2026—a four-day celebration of the people, places, ideas, and traditions that make URochester a singular place to be.

There was plenty to wonder about. PBS NewsHour journalist Amna Nawaz made a case for resisting cynicism and holding on to our humanity—even when the world gives us reasons not to. Andrew Ross Sorkin looked to the lessons of 1929 to ask when economic optimism becomes dangerous. Actor, author, humorist, and woodworker Nick Offerman brought his signature wit to campus. And Grammy Award–winning Alarm Will Sound came home to Eastman, where the ensemble got its start 25 years ago.

But the real headliners? The thousands of Yellowjackets who came to reconnect—with classmates and professors, with campus traditions, with favorite haunts, and, of course, with each other.

Nearly 300 events filled the weekend with conversations and concerts, reunions and research, food and festivities, athletics and a whole lot of URochester spirit.

And because some things are better seen than summarized, we’ll stop talking now. Take a look back at Meliora Weekend 2026.

Reunions—planned and otherwise—are at the heart of Meliora Weekend, bringing generations of Yellowjackets back to the people and places that helped shape their URochester experience.

DIGGING IN: Construction is underway on a new Student Life building that will add 15,000 square feet of gathering, rehearsal, and programmatic space to the River Campus, with the second floor becoming the Greenbaum Center for Jewish Life, a new home for Hillel at the University. The ceremonial groundbreaking featured University leadership, including President Sarah Mangelsdorf (center), trustees, donors, Hillel leaders, architects and construction managers, and supporters.

Big ideas have always been part of the Meliora Weekend mix. This year’s speakers—journalist PBS NewsHour co-anchor Amna Nawaz, actor and comedian Nick Offerman, and journalist and author Andrew Ross Sorkin—took on questions of truth and trust, history and economics, community and connection—and, naturally, woodworking.

JUMPING FOR JOY: Meliora Weekend brings out the URochester spirit—and, occasionally, some impressive hang time.

Between the big events were hundreds of smaller ways to spend a fall weekend at URochester—from rides and games to campus traditions, family activities, and even a Yellowjacket victory (29–18) against Buffalo State on the football field.

HOME AGAIN: Matthew Klocek ’61 (right) celebrated his 65th reunion this year. A member of NROTC as an undergraduate, he came back to campus last year for NROTC’s 80th anniversary reunion celebration—and was the oldest member in attendance. He and his wife, Priscilla (left), lived in Honolulu for 50 years before moving back to Rochester two years ago so Priscilla could undergo cancer treatment at the Wilmot Cancer Center.

Yellowjackets showed their colors all weekend long, from the sidelines and stands to downtown gatherings and the Eastman Quadrangle.

RITE OF REUNION PASSAGE: Is it even Meliora Weekend if you don’t take a photo on or with the big letters?

During the weekend’s festivities, the fun keeps going even after the sun goes down, with music, performances, celebrations, and plenty more reasons to linger on campus.

Until next year!