Where Our Fam At, DU?!
May 7-9, 2026
SAVE THE DATE
“Where Our Fam At, DU?!” Alumni Reunion
Honoring Milestone Classes Ending in 1s and 6s and the Power of the Dillard Family
“Where Our Fam At, DU?!” is more than a call — it’s a celebration of connection, culture, and collective strength. Last year, we unmasked our journey; this year, we reunite in stepping boldly into The Power of Us. When the Dillard family gathers, we ignite a spirit that elevates our legacy, honors every era of Bleu Devil excellence, and reminds us that together, we are truly unstoppable.
As we come together for the annual Dillard University Alumni Reunion, we’re especially thrilled to recognize and celebrate our milestone classes ending in 1s and 6s. This is your moment to return to the Oaks, reconnect with your Dillard Fam, and revel in the pride, history, and power that only DU can inspire.
Early Bird Registration Ends March 6, 2026, at 5 p.m.
Reunion Registration Closes April 19, 2026, at 5 p.m.
Schedule of Events
May 7-9, 2026
Thursday, May 7
Nursing Pinning Ceremony | Lawless Chapel
1:00 p.m.
Dillard University’s Department of Nursing will host its annual Pinning Ceremony. Let's come together to celebrate and recognize the rigorous accomplishments of the Nursing Class of 2026.
Boots on Deck: River Roundup Cruise | Limited Availability
Paddlewheeler Creole Queen | 1 Poydras New Orleans, LA 70130
Arrival: 5:30 p.m. Cocktail Hour: 6:00 pm Departure/Dinner: 7:00 p.m.
Boots on the ground, Dillard style! Step aboard the Creole Queen for an exclusive Cowboy-inspired evening on a private floor reserved just for Dillard alumni. Kick off the night with a vibrant cocktail hour, enjoy an open bar, and dance to the beats of our own live DJ. Don your best boots and bling attire and immerse yourself in the magic, energy, and elegance of New Orleans. Reconnect, celebrate, and make memories as we honor the spirit of Bleu & White in true Rodeo fashion!
Friday, May 8
Golden & Silver Graduates Breakfast Celebration | Student Union
8:30 a.m.
Help us celebrate those who graduated 50 & 25 years ago at a breakfast event in their honor. This is the first event on Friday, so you are strongly encouraged to purchase your ticket in advance. Registrants will be on the guest list for the event, so there is no need to stop by registration to pick up your ticket or merchandise. (Please note: This event is not included in the reunion packages.)
On-site & Pre-Registration Pick-Up | Featuring DJ Raj Smoove ‘98
Student Union Foyer
9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Enjoy some great tunes while taking care of business! Alumni who pre-purchased packages, event tickets, or merchandise will have the opportunity to pick them up during this time. Want to make a purchase? Here is your chance to do so! Alumni merch will also be available for sale.
Meet & Greet: Celebrating Alumni Nurses Hosted by DUPON | PSB 2nd Floor Balcony
10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Calling all Alumni Nurses! Join us for an unforgettable celebration, discovering the power of the strong bond between the esteemed Dillard University Professional Organization of Nursing (DUPON) and our prestigious College of Nursing. Immerse yourself in an engaging atmosphere as alumni nurses come together to share experiences, insights, and memories. Indulge in delectable light refreshments while forging new connections and reigniting old friendships. Don't miss out on this extraordinary event that celebrates the past, present, and future of nursing excellence.
Tour of the PSB & new Student Union | Student Union
11:00 a.m. & 2:30 p.m.
Reminisce about your time on the Oaks and explore the new additions to our prestigious university. See how your time, talent, and treasures have continued to support and enhance our beloved “communiversity.”
Bleu Rodeo New Orleans Style Feast featuring Live Music | Kearny Dining Hall
Noon - 2:00 p.m.
Indulge in a soulful feast of mouthwatering cuisine while grooving to infectious beats that will keep you dancing and smiling all day. Join us as we honor our reunion class years and salute the legacy of Miss Dillard queens and Mister Dillard kings in a lively, laughter-filled event. This unforgettable celebration of food, fun, and Dillard pride is the perfect way to let the good times roll—don’t miss it!
Class Meetings - Years Ending in 1s & 6s | Professional Schools Building (PSB)
2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Don't miss out on the exclusive Class Meeting designed just for you. Join us for an engaging session where we'll celebrate our university's incredible achievements and discuss your class's goals and aspirations. Our dedicated class agents and university representatives will be present to answer any questions you may have and provide valuable assistance. Let's come together, reconnect, and make a lasting impact on our alma mater.
Baccalaureate
Lawless Memorial Chapel
6:00 p.m.
Join us in a powerful tradition of unity and love. Let's uplift the 2026 Graduating Seniors as they enter their bright futures. Together, through prayer, we create a bond that lasts a lifetime. Stand with us and be part of something truly special.
Saturday, May 9
Commencement | Avenue of the Oaks
8:00 a.m.
Welcome back to the Oaks, where we celebrate a legacy of excellence, achievement, and resilience at Dillard University! Join the Dillard Community in honoring the extraordinary Class of 2026 as they prepare to embark on their next chapter, saluting the enduring impact of our Golden Graduates on their 50-year milestone, and our Silver Graduates who now proudly carry the torch in being the leaders of our institution, marking 25 years since their walk across the Oaks.
Legacy Gala & Award Ceremony Masquerade
Hyatt Regency Hotel | 601 Loyola Ave. New Orleans, LA 70113
5:30 p.m. Donor Recognition | 6:00 p.m. 1s & 6s Class Year Photos & Reception | 7:00 p.m. Dinner & Program
An evening of elegance, purpose, and celebration! The Legacy Gala & Awards Ceremony Masquerade is Dillard University’s premier fundraising gala, dedicated to supporting scholarships and shaping future leaders. Join us as we honor exceptional alumni making an impact in their careers, communities, and beyond—all while investing in the next generation of Bleu Devils.
Semi-formal and cocktail attire are encouraged, and masks are optional—but your Dillard pride is essential! Don’t forget to submit your University Awards nomination by January 30—we will celebrate the honorees in grand style at this unforgettable night of legacy and giving!
The After Party | Treehouse, 1940 Thalia St.
(pay at the door, prices set by the venue)
10:00 p.m.
Alumni who are ready for a night out on the town should be ready for this! Meet us at Treehouse, the latest “it” club of our time. Pay at the door (prices set by venue).
Sunday, May 10
Happy Mother’s Day from the Dillard University Alumni Relations Office!
To all the incredible mothers in our Dillard family, we celebrate YOU today! Your strength, love, and guidance inspire us every day, and your contributions—both on campus and beyond—help shape the legacy of our Bleu Devils community.
Whether you’re a proud alumna, a mother of a current student, or both, we honor your unwavering dedication, resilience, and the countless ways you nurture and uplift those around you.
From our family to yours, Happy Mother’s Day! We hope your day is filled with love, joy, and well-deserved celebration.
With Dillard pride and gratitude,
The Alumni Relations Office
*The acronym PSB is short for the Professional Schools Building (located directly behind the Alumni House).
*The new Student Union Building is located behind the Cook Center, facing Gentilly Blvd.
Event locations are subject to change
Elevate Your Reunion Experience
UNIVERSITY AWARDS
Dillard University proudly recognizes alumni making waves in their careers, communities, and beyond! The prestigious Dillard University Alumni Awards spotlight those whose impact embodies the spirit of excellence, leadership, and service.
Do you know a deserving Bleu Devil who is leaving their mark on the world? Now is the time to nominate them! Let’s celebrate their achievements and honor their legacy at this year’s unforgettable Legacy Gala & Awards Ceremony Masquerade.
Nominate today and help us recognize the best of Dillard! Nominations close January 30, 2026.
REUNION BUS PASS
Don’t miss a beat at the Alumni Reunion weekend! Secure your stress-free transportation with the exclusive REUNION BUS PASS. Say goodbye to parking nightmares and hello to convenience. Limited passes are available, so grab yours now and focus on creating unforgettable memories hassle-free! Please note that this bus pass is only valid for transportation to and from the reunion-hosting hotels and events.
LEGACY GALA AND AWARDS CEREMONY: PROGRAM ADVERTISEMENT
Celebrate legacies in style! Secure your spot in the prestigious 2026 Legacy Gala and Awards Ceremony Program Booklet. Honor your class, business, or loved ones with a timeless tribute that will be remembered for years to come. Act now to reserve your ad space and make a lasting impact. Submit the Event Registration Form and payment before April 3, 2026, to be part of this exclusive opportunity. Don’t miss this chance to shine bright at the Legacy Gala!
Submit all designs (in their original electronic file) for editing by April 10, 2026.
Accommodations & Registration
HOST HOTEL
Hyatt Regency New Orleans
601 Loyola Ave, New Orleans, LA 70113
$179.00 per night
(800) 233-1234
Book by April 17, 2026
Book your reunion hotel by phone or online today! Be sure to reference “Dillard University Room Block (G-DIL3).”
REGISTRATION
ONLINE REGISTRATION
Online registration is open until April 19, 2026.
REGISTER BY PHONE
(504) 816-4182
Available M-F, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
thru April 17, 2026
REGISTER BY MAIL
Complete the attached form and mail it to:
Dillard University Office of Alumni Relations
2601 Gentilly Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70122.
Forms and payments must be
received by April 17, 2026.
ON-SIGHT REGISTRATION
Participants may purchase tickets at registration on Friday, May 8, subject to availability. As events have sold out in the past, please purchase tickets in advance to guarantee entry.
REGISTRATION PICK-UP
All who register should be available to pick up tickets and souvenirs at the Pre-registration/ Registration Pick-up Station on Friday, May 8th, between 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. If you assign someone to pick up your tickets, please email their names to alumnirelations@dillard.edu by April 30, 2026.
THINGS TO REMEMBER
- All pre-registrants must be available to pick up event tickets at Registration on Friday, May 8.
- Tickets must be presented at the door of each event (event tickets will be available for purchase and pick-up on Friday, May 8, in the registration room).
- Class gifts are the aggregate giving of any class to the University during this fiscal year (July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026). Class gift totals to date will be presented at the gala, and final figures will be announced online in July 2026.
- The alumni participation rate is the percentage of alumni who give to their alma mater during this fiscal year (July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026). We will also acknowledge the classes with the highest alumni participation rate at the gala.
- Gifts may be included with your registration form or by contacting the Development Office at (504) 816-5707.
- Any questions regarding the Donor Recognition Event should be directed to the Development Office at (504) 816-5707.
- Transportation between the reunion hotel and reunion events will be provided from May 7-9 upon purchase of the Bus Pass. The transportation schedule will be posted online and at the concierge desk of the reunion hotel.
- All purchases are final and non–refundable.
- The Golden & Silver Graduates Breakfast Celebration is not included in the reunion packages
- To participate in the prestigious Avenue of the Oaks (Golden and Silver) ceremony, graduates must secure their cap and gown and purchase at least one ticket to this memorable event. Don’t miss out on this important milestone!
Reunion Packages
REUNION PACKAGES
Reunion Package A: $560
Early Bird Special: $504
(Early Bird Special Postmarked by March 6)
1 Boots on Deck: River Roundup Cruise ticket
1 A Bleu Rodeo New Orleans Style Feast ticket
1 Legacy Gala & Awards Ceremony ticket
1 Celebratory Souvenirs: T-Shirt and Stainless Steel Tumbler
1 DU Clack Fan
Reunion Package B: $485
Early Bird Special: $436.50
(Early Bird Special Postmarked by March 6)
1 Boots on Deck: River Roundup Cruise ticket
1 A Bleu Rodeo New Orleans Style Feast ticket
1 Legacy Gala & Awards Ceremony ticket
Save the Date! - Your Reunion Weekend Awaits!
Let the countdown begin! It’s never too early to start planning your return to the Oaks. Whether you’re reconnecting with classmates, celebrating your legacy, or creating new memories, Reunion Weekend is your time to shine.
We’re excited to celebrate milestone classes and invite YOU to be a part of the planning by becoming a Class Agent today! Lead the charge, rally your classmates, and help us make your reunion unforgettable.
Mark your calendars:
- Reunion Weekend 2027: May 6–8, 2027
Celebrating Classes ending in 2s & 7s - Reunion Weekend 2028: May 11–13, 2028
Celebrating Classes ending in 3s & 8s - Reunion Weekend 2029: May 10–12, 2029
Celebrating Classes ending in 4s & 9s
Dates are tentative and subject to change. For more information or to sign up as a Class Agent, please visit the Class Agent Signup form or contact the Office of Alumni Relations at alumnirelations@dillard.edu.
Let’s make your reunion weekend a celebration to remember!
UPDATE US!
CONTACT ALUMNI RELATIONS
2601 Gentilly Boulevard
New Orleans Louisiana 70122
Ph. (504)816.4182
alumnirelations@dillard.edu
Office Hours:
M-F 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Be part of the fun
We have something for everyone – exciting events, activities, games, and more! Come join us for an unforgettable weekend of fun.
Share your memories
Bring your family and show them what makes Dillard so special – we want to hear all your memories from college and beyond.