Get ready for a first-of-its-kind experience at UC Santa Cruz.
All UCSC alumni, friends and family are invited back to campus for a three day, two night immersive Banana Slug experience, Return to the Redwoods. Alumni have the opportunity to relive their UCSC days in an on-campus apartment or residential unit with friends and family, or opt for hotel accommodations around Santa Cruz County. Scheduled celebrations, events, and exploration opportunities will take place all across campus from August 18-20, 2023.
Alumni Engagement has partnered with organizations across campus to create curated celebrations for everyone to enjoy. Athletics and Recreations will offer exclusive exploration opportunities including hikes, sailing, and more.
Friday, August 18, join us for a kick-off celebration at the Cowell Courtyard, explore campus and Santa Cruz County, and wind-down with s’mores under the stars in the East Field.
Saturday, August 19, wake up to sunrise yoga on the East Field, have breakfast in the dining halls, take a guided tour through UCSC, or opt-in to a sailing excursion. Wind down with sunset yoga, and a movie feature in the Quarry Amphitheatre.
All scheduled events are optional, and more events will be added as Return to the Redwoods approaches.
Come back to where it all began. Registration for Return to the Redwoods is now live.
A reimagined alumni experience
According to an Alumni Survey taken in 2021, an overwhelming number of alumni identify with the extraordinary landscape of UC Santa Cruz over any other factor—a statistic unique to UCSC compared with other universities nationwide.
With an experience like Return to the Redwoods, alumni have the opportunity to reconnect with a campus unlike any other.
Lauren Taylor, Associate Director of Signature Programs & Local Alumni Outreach, has spearheaded Return to the Redwoods from the beginning.
“We’ve heard from alumni about what ties them to this campus, and what they want to see in terms of engagement opportunities,” Taylor said. “Return to the Redwoods is a culmination of that feedback and offers an experience unlike any other at UC Santa Cruz.”
“This is the first time UCSC is offering an event of this magnitude,” Taylor added. “We’re hopeful that Return to the Redwoods will become an annual celebration, and something that is ingrained into the Banana Slug Alumni experience.”
If you have any questions about Return to the Redwoods email alumni@ucsc.edu.
