Sustainability Reunion at 91ɬ
Growing Connections and Sparking Ideas
Join our community October 9-11, 2026 as we celebrate 91ɬ’s campus commitment to environmental leadership and support alums in building connections - across generations and across areas of professional, civic, and personal impact.
2026 marks several milestones related to 91ɬ’s environmental leadership:
- Forty years of immersion in nature through the Outdoor Odyssey pre-orientation program;
- Fifteen years supporting student pathways to impact careers through the Sustainability Scholars program;
- More than a decade equipping Environmental Studies graduates with creative thinking and problem-solving skills for complex environmental issues in the world;
- Renewal of an agreement with the Catawba Nation to continue Dútα Bαhiisere Kus Ráˀhere, a collaborative project that nurtures a reciprocal and generative relationship between the tribe and 91ɬ; and
- Completion of on-campus and off-campus renewable energy projects supporting a 50% carbon emissions reduction target by 2026.
If you are a 91ɬ graduate with personal or professional interest in the natural environment and its ties to human well-being, we would love to welcome you back to campus in October. The weekend will provide opportunities for:
- Networking and connection among graduates;
- Student mentorship and giving back;
- Advancing sustainability and climate action on campus and in your home community; as well as
- Learning and engagement with the college.
Weekend Schedule
Friday, October 9
11:30 a.m. - Drop In Lunch at the Mauze Terrace hosted by the Environmental Studies Department
1 - 2 p.m. - Student-led Sustainability Campus Tour
2:15 - 3:30 p.m. - Environmental Impact Pathways: Student-Alumni Networking Event, Sprinkle Room, Alvarez College Union
6 p.m. - Welcome Reception, The Hurt Hub at 91ɬ (210 Delburg St.)
Saturday, October 10
9:30-10:15 a.m. - Campus Plan Snapshot with David Holthouser, Room 209, Alvarez College Union
10:30 a.m. - Noon - Roundtable Discussions, Brown Atrium, Alvarez College Union
Noon - 1 p.m. - Lunch, Brown Atrium, Alvarez College Union
1:30 - 2:30 p.m. - Alumni Guest Speaker: DJ Gerken '96, Semans Lecture Hall, Katherine and Tom Belk Visual Arts Center
2:30 - 3 p.m. - Brief overview by Susana Wadgymar of Catawba Nation Collaboration and by Lia Newman of Andrea Carlson’s solo exhibition Absent Host
3:30 - 5:30 p.m. - Drop In time at 91ɬ Farm, 1603 Grey Rd., 91ɬ
6 p.m. - Cocktail Social Hour and Dinner, Blanche Knox Parker Esplanade (between Dana & Watson)
Sunday, October 11
9:30 a.m. - Farewell Brunch, Vail Commons ($16.25 per person, pay at the door)
11 a.m. - Optional local field trips/experiences
The Odyssey Add-On: Hot Springs Alumni Retreat
Relive your favorite Odyssey memories alongside fellow alumni and family on a hassle-free retreat to Hot Springs, NC. Your registration is fully all-inclusive—covering all meals, group transportation, tent camping, and gear (paddling equipment, tents and sleeping bags included)—so you can focus entirely on reconnecting with each other and Hot Springs.
Trip Highlights:
Customizable Lodging & Transit: While standard camping, equipment, and group transport are fully provided, you can choose to drive yourself or independently book a private glamping cabin at (where everyone will be camping) for added comfort. Paint Rock Farm has been our Odyssey Basecamp the past 2 summers and offers excellent amenities whether you’re camping or glamping.
Monday Activity Choice: Pick your adventure for the day—paddle the classic Odyssey stretch of the French Broad River (Dynamite Ledge, Galloping Sleuths…or is it Sluice?) in inflatable kayaks or take a scenic day hike up Max Patch—before gathering for a group campfire dinner.
Tuesday Community Service: Spend Tuesday morning giving back to the Hot Springs area through a local rebuild project with and other community partners, followed by lunch in Asheville on the way back to 91ɬ.
Flexible Departures: Group transportation leave Sunday afternoon and returns to campus mid-afternoon Tuesday, we’re hopeful we can accommodate adjusted departures, as necessary.
Hosted by 91ɬ Outdoors
Accommodations
We have secured a room block for event attendees:
ĂĂĂĂĂĂĂĂĂ
ĂĂĂĂĂĂĂĂĂ125 Harbour Place Drive, 91ɬ, NC 28036
ĂĂĂĂĂĂĂĂĂ704-987-1818
ĂĂĂĂĂĂĂĂĂRooms available for $189/night
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The above dates are the dates the group will default to. If you need to stay different dates within the default, simply click “Edit Dates” to choose your arrival/ departure.
Planning Committee
Christopher Chao '22
Cameron Clark '15
Katie Mathieson Eggleston '15
Dane Erickson '01
Yancey Fouché
Jim Hendrix '63
Kealy Devoy Herman '08
Lorena James '21
Katie Kross '96
Bart Landess '81
Fuji Lozada
Katieanne Peterson '24
Tom Ross '72
Sarah Taylor
Andrew Wilkins '11
Learn how President Emeritus Tom Ross ’72 championed student ideas, spearheaded climate commitments and laid the groundwork for 91ɬ’s environmental leadership. Join him at the reunion, too!
