GSE Reunion Homecoming 2025
October 16 - 19, 2025
Reconnect with friends and make new connections at this year's Reunion Homecoming.
Engage with º£½ÇÂÒÂ×ÉçÇø professors through Classes Without Quizzes, delve into diverse subjects,
and explore the modern campus through exclusive tours.
Register for Reunion Homecoming 2025!
Walk-in/on-site registration is available for all GSE alums.
To attend any of these events, it is important to have a GSE Reunion 2025 name badge. The name badge signifies your registration for the GSE's Reunion Homecoming events.
For questions, concerns or more information about Reunion Homecoming , please contact Tiffany Ah Tye at ahtyet@stanford.edu.
2025 Reunion Homecoming Events
Pre-Reunion Virtual Events
Perspectives, Practice & Play
We're excited for you to join our virtual events designed to center learning and build community. Together, we'll explore foundational research perspectives on learning, hear from alumni as they share stories about why learning matters in their work, and dive into hands-on discovery with the AI Tinkery. Feel free to join us for all three parts or drop in for just one! See you there!
Event 1: GSE Perspectives on Learning
In this interactive 60-minute session, hear faculty and guests share their perspectives on learning and participate through a Q-and-A discussion. Stay tuned for more information!
Monday, October 13, 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. PT (3:00 - 4:00 p.m. ET)
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Event 2: Why Learning About Learning Matters
In this 60-minute session, alumni share their experiences in centering learning and learning design in professional conversations in a facilitated discussion led by Senior Lecturer Karin Forssell.
Tuesday, October 14th, 4:00 - 5:00 p.m. PT (7:00 - 8:00 p.m. ET)
Alumni panelists:
Kara Blond LDT ’02
Kevin Nguyen LDT ’15
Kavindya Thennakoon LDT '20
Vic Vuchic LDT ’07
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Event 3: Tinker Time
Explore how generative AI can enhance your daily work. In this hands-on workshop, you'll get the chance to:
- Better understand the differences between AI models for text generation
- Discover effective prompt strategies to maximize your AI experience
- Engage with peers, ask questions, and collaborate on practical applications
Whether you’re just opening the AI toolbox or already building with it, this is a space to play, ask questions, and stretch your skills. Think of it less as a lecture and more as a workshop-lab — supportive, exploratory, and a little experimental.
Wednesday, October 15th, 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. PT (5:00 - 6:00 p.m. ET)
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Thursday, October 16
Welcome to Reunion Happy Hour
Join us as we kick off Reunion Homecoming Weekend with a happy hour mixer! Mingle with other GSE alumni and current students, and enjoy refreshments on us at Vina Enoteca in downtown Palo Alto.
Friday, October 17
President’s Welcome and Microlectures
Secure a front-row seat at the official reunion welcome and immerse yourself in the latest insights from life and academia. Experience engaging microlectures delivered by esteemed faculty scholars, showcasing groundbreaking research and innovative ideas shaping our future.
Tour of the New GSE Buildings
Explore the Graduate School of Education's new home in the Angela Nomellini & Ken Olivier Building (ANKO) and the Patricia & Jeffrey Raikes Building (Raikes).
Tours are 30 minutes long and can accommodate up to 30 people each.
- Tour 1: 11:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
- Tour 2: 1:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
GSE Makery Tour
Join your fellow alums for a walkthrough tour of the GSE Makery! The GSE Makery provides equipment and support for the Graduate School of Education community to co-design and build for tomorrow's learners. Learn more and tinker with lab manager Jacob Ramirez, GSE students, and alumni at this unique learning space. This year's tour will also include an exclusive look at the new AI Tinkery!
Tours are 30 minutes long and can accommodate up to 15 people each.
- Tour 1: 1:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
- Tour 2: 2:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Signature CWOQ: The Future of Higher Education
Join º£½ÇÂÒÂ×ÉçÇø President Jonathan Levin, '94, Condoleezza Rice, and Peter Salovey for a talk about the future of higher education.
5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. | Angela Nomellini & Ken Olivier Building (ANKO)
Alumni Excellence in Education Award Ceremony
5:30 p.m. | Awards Ceremony
6:30 p.m. | Awards Reception
º£½ÇÂÒÂ×ÉçÇø GSE alumni, Reunion Homecoming attendees and esteemed guests of this year's honorees are cordially invited to join us for the 11th annual Alumni Excellence in Education Award Ceremony (AEEA). Celebrate the outstanding achievements of our 2025 cohort with an evening of recognition and camaraderie. Enjoy an inspiring event honoring those who have significantly contributed to the field of education.
Registration Required. Please register via the link above.
Honoring the 2025 Alumni Excellence in Education Award Recipients
Tina Cheuk, MA ’07, PhD ’19, Policy, Organization and Leadership Studies; Social Sciences, Humanities, and Interdisciplinary Policy Studies in Education; Associate Professor of Elementary Science Education, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo
Laura Evans, MA ’97, º£½ÇÂÒÂ×ÉçÇø Teacher Education Program; Middle School Math Teacher / Teacher on Special Assignment, San Mateo Foster City School District
Heather Kirkpatrick, PhD ’00, Education Administration and Policy Analysis; Founder, President & CEO of Alder Graduate School of Education
Learn more about this year's recipients!
Saturday, October 18
9:00 a.m. - 4:45 p.m. | Angela Nomellini & Ken Olivier Building (ANKO)
STEP Conference
This year's conference theme is Rooted and Rising: Teaching with Purpose in Times of Change.
STEP enthusiastically welcomes this year's keynote speaker, Tony Thurmond, California Superintendent of Public Instruction. Coming from Sacramento, Superintendent Thurmond will be addressing teacher education in the present context.
Make sure to sign-up to engage with fellow alumni who are working to create systemic change in educational institutions and connect with colleagues from your cohort and beyond!
This year's conference schedule may be found on the STEP Conference website.
9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. | Angela Nomellini & Ken Olivier Building (ANKO)
Classes Without Quizzes (CWOQ)
"Designing for Excellence and Equity: Algebra and Math Pathways" with Professor Thomas Dee
Start your morning by delving into evidence-based research on an ongoing controversy in education policy: the placement and design of algebra. This hands-on class invites alumni to step into the shoes of school leaders, where they will explore the latest research findings and engage in decision-making that will impact thousands of students. Together, they will strive to enhance excellence and equity within the district, shaping a brighter future for all learners.
Thomas Dee is the Barnett Family Professor, professor of education, and a senior fellow at the º£½ÇÂÒÂ×ÉçÇø Institute for Economic Policy Research and, by courtesy, at the Hoover Institution.
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. | Angela Nomellini & Ken Olivier Building (ANKO)
Classes Without Quizzes (CWOQ)
"Teaching, Politics, & Purpose" with Professor Ira Lit, '90, MA '91, PhD '03
There are plenty of big questions circulating about the intersection of education, teaching, and politics. What are schools for? What makes for a good teacher? What roles should politics play in education? Who should decide these things and how? Join Professor Ira Lit in exploring these questions and potential answers. Come with questions, curiosity, and an open mind.
Ira Lit is a professor (Teaching) in the Graduate School of Education and the director of the º£½ÇÂÒÂ×ÉçÇø Teacher Education Program (STEP).
Homecoming Hangout
Welcome to The Homecoming Hangout, a new addition to the Reunion Homecoming experience.
This informal gathering space in Koret Plaza invites all º£½ÇÂÒÂ×ÉçÇø alumni. There will be games, music and all-around good vibes!
Stop by the GSE booth and make your own tote bags, courtesy of the GSE Makery! Connect with the school and hear all about the new buildings and meet other alumni in the Graduate School of Education. The Homecoming Hangout offers the perfect spot to unwind between scheduled events or to soak in the pre-game excitement. No tickets or reservations required—just drop by and make yourself at home.
5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. | Avery Plaza
GSE Tailgate
Join fellow GSE alumni, faculty, emeriti, and students for a pre-game tailgate. Connect with classmates and meet some new friends. There is a $5 fee for alums; students and faculty attend for free. Register now to receive our exclusive tailgate SWAG!
7:30 p.m. | º£½ÇÂÒÂ×ÉçÇø Stadium
º£½ÇÂÒÂ×ÉçÇø vs Florida State University
Sit with your fellow classmates to watch º£½ÇÂÒÂ×ÉçÇø vs. Florida State.
For more information, contact Tiffany Ah Tye at .