We can’t wait to welcome Swans back to South Royalton from far and wide this upcoming weekend, Friday, June 26, to Sunday, June 28!
This year’s Alumni Weekend is especially significant, as we are also celebrating the school’s 50th anniversary, recognizing VLGS and its community.
Alumni from every class are invited to come together for a weekend of special events—including celebrations for milestone classes ending in 1s and 6s, a tribute to our charter Class of 1976, a reflection on our environmental law and policy legacy, and a Taste of Vermont event highlighting the best of the region. See below for a preview of key events and view the full schedule by clicking here!
Friday, June 26
Immigration Defense in a Changing Landscape | Continuing Legal Education (CLE)
Oakes Hall – Room 110
2:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Join Brett Stokes, director of the Center for Justice Reform Clinic, for a CLE exploring immigration law, practice, and community impact in Vermont. Drawing on his immigration practice experience and clinical work, Professor Stokes will discuss how legal advocacy supports Vermonters navigating complex systems.
Woody Jackson & Juris Moodence: A Toast to VLGS
Chase Community Center
3:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Gather in the Shirley Jefferson Gallery to hear from Vermont artist Woody Jackson, creator of Juris Moodence, a special-edition piece honoring VLGS’s 50th anniversary.
Taste of Vermont Welcome Back Party
Debevoise Hall – Back Lawn
4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Kick off Alumni Weekend with a festive gathering on the Debevoise Back Lawn featuring light hors d’oeuvres, local beer and cider, and a selection of wines. Reconnect with classmates, meet fellow alumni, and enjoy a relaxed start to the weekend in South Royalton.
Milestone Class Dinners
Various Locations
7 to 9 p.m.
Gather with your class at your reserved dinner location. Find the site of your class dinner in your registration materials or at check in!
Saturday, June 27
Memorial Service
Banks of the White River
9 to 10 a.m.
Join us on the banks of the White River for a reflective service honoring VLGS alumni, faculty, and staff who have passed. This shared moment of remembrance offers space for reflection, gratitude, and connection across generations.
State of the School
Chase Community Center
10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Join Dean Beth McCormack and Dean Dan Bromberg for a State of the School presentation and audience Q&A. Coffee and a light breakfast will be provided.
Alumni Awards Ceremony and Order of the Swan Induction
Chase Community Center
11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Celebrate the achievements, service, and impact of distinguished VLGS alumni and community members. This year’s ceremony will recognize Mario Gallucci JD’90, recipient of the 2026 VLGS Alumni Association (VLGSAA) Distinguished Alumni Award; Ed Callaway JD’93, recipient of the 2026 Alumni Service Award; and Professor Emeritus Pat Parenteau, recipient of the 2026 Dean Shirley Jefferson Distinguished Service Award. The Class of 1976 will also be inducted into the Order of the Swan, a new VLGS tradition recognizing alumni in their 50th reunion year.
Backyard BBQ with the VLGSAA
Debevoise Hall – Back Lawn
12:30 to 2 p.m.
Join us for barbecue, drinks, and lawn games as you catch up with old friends and make new ones. Hosted by the VLGSAA Board of Directors, this event also offers alumni an opportunity to connect with current VLGSAA members and engage in meaningful one-on-one conversations about alumni leadership, service, and the future of the association.
Building on a Legacy: Environmental Law and Policy Roundtable
Chase Community Center
2:30 to 4 p.m.
Hosted by Environmental Law Center Director Christophe Courchesne and David Mears JD’91, this roundtable discussion features Pat Parenteau, Jenny Rushlow, Gus Speth, Tamara Toles O’Laughlin JD/MELP’09, and Lindi von Mutius JD’08, who will offer reflections on VLGS’s legacy in environmental law and policy. The program will explore the school’s impact over five decades and look ahead to the future of environmental advocacy, education, and leadership.
Energy and the Environment Reception
Cornell Library Quad
4 to 5:30 p.m.
Reconnect with alumni, faculty, and friends from across the environmental and energy law and policy fields. Enjoy conversation, networking, and maple treats, including creemees and cotton candy.
50th Anniversary Celebration Dinner
Debevoise Hall – Back Lawn
6:30 to 9 p.m.
Join alumni, faculty, staff, and friends for the signature celebration of VLGS’s 50th anniversary year. This festive evening will feature a three-course dinner with beer, cider, and wine, live music, and a photo booth, as the community comes together–bringing together past and present–to celebrate everything VLS was, what VLGS is today, and the legacy we continue to build together.
Sunday, June 28
Kent’s Ledge Hike
Departs from Cornell Library Quad
9 to 11 a.m.
Start Sunday with a guided hike to Kent’s Ledge, one of the area’s favorite outdoor traditions. Meet at the library quad with a water bottle and any additional layers you may need.
Brunch with Vice President Shirley Jefferson JD’86
Debevoise Hall – Yates Common Room
11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Join Vice President Shirley Jefferson JD’86 for a celebratory Sunday brunch. Enjoy brunch fare and build-your-own mimosas.
Tubing on the White River
Departs from Cornell Library Quad
12:45 to 2:30 p.m.
Weather permitting, conclude Alumni Weekend with a tubing adventure down the White River! Meet outside Cornell Library to catch the shuttle to the starting point, and finish the float at the South Royalton Bridge.