Alumni Day 2026: February 21
“Public service is about responsibility and not power. I always felt keenly aware that I was exercising the massive power of the federal government in the decisions I was making and that that power should be applied sparingly.”
“AI is a tool. It can be inclusive, it can be divisive. These tools really lower the barrier to math research.”
Luncheon Program
Held in Jadwin Gymnasium, the Alumni Day luncheon program is the Alumni Council’s Annual Meeting. Hear from President Christopher L. Eisgruber ’83 and Alumni Association President Ryan Ruskin ’90, whose updates included the kick off of the 200th anniversary of the Alumni Association celebration, followed by “Tiger Trivia” with Chair of the Princetoniana Committee Patrice Jean *99 and University Archivist and Deputy Head of Special Collections Dan Linke.
Service of Remembrance 2026
Held during Alumni Day, this year’s Service of Remembrance honored the alumni, students and members of the Princeton University faculty and staff whose deaths were recorded by the University during 2025. Watch the service to hear the memorial address from Rev. Dr. Theresa S. Thames.
Virtual Carnation
In memory and honor of beloved Princetonians, you can post a “virtual carnation” — a memorial message — honoring a departed loved one.
2026 Jacobus Fellowship Recipients
The Porter Ogden Jacobus Fellowship, Princeton’s top honor for graduate students, supports the final year of study and is awarded to students whose work has exhibited the highest scholarly excellence. Watch recipients Philip Decker, Eliana Rozinov, Victor Geadah and Sayash Kapoor discuss their research.
History of Alumni Day
First observed on Lincoln’s birthday in 1915, the day drew 100 alumni to what the PAW called “an intellectual pilgrimage” to Princeton. From 1916 to 1955, it was on Washington’s birthday; thereafter, it has been on the Saturday nearest February 22.
Nominations for Alumni Day’s Highest Honors
The Woodrow Wilson Award and James Madison Medal
Take a look back at the past recipients of the most prestigious awards presented at Alumni Day.
