Last fall, Sacred Heart University began offering monthly alumni tours. The tours were created to give graduates consistent opportunities to return to campus throughout the year, instead of limiting visits to homecoming weekend.
The tours are led by the alumni office, allowing staff to speak directly with graduates as they walk through both long-standing and newly renovated spaces.
Source: Daniel Passapera, Sacred Heart University
Robert Gilmore, the Executive Director of Alumni Engagement and Events, stated that the tours focus on construction, renovation, and the evolving purposes of each building. They aim to reconnect returning alumni with their college years while showcasing the changes made to their former stomping grounds.
“Our tours highlight many of the areas of campus while showcasing what that space was used for previously while highlighting all new facilities as well,” said Gilmore.
The format is especially useful for alumni whose experiences span different eras. Gilmore said graduates who have been away for more than 20 years often see buildings that did not exist during their time on campus.
“Alumni, especially those who have not been back to campus in ten plus years, are overwhelmed by all the changes to campus in a very positive way,” said Gilmore.
He said many of them finish their tours saying they would enjoy experiencing student life again.
Even recent alumni are surprised by the pace of development. Sydney Trowbridge, who graduated in 2023, took an alumni tour shortly after the program launched and said the changes were clear immediately.
“They completely redid the football field, which looks amazing,” said Trowbridge. “In general, I am amazed at how quickly they updated almost everything around campus, besides the main academic building.”
The tours include academic buildings, residence halls, athletic facilities and outdoor gathering spaces. Gilmore said these new additions reflect the university’s broader growth over the last 15 years.
Current students are already imagining what their own experiences will look like on future alumni tours.
“I plan on coming back for an alumni tour,” said senior McLean Signora.
Signora said she plans to return and take a tour after she graduates, and she can’t wait to see how the university continues to grow in the years ahead.
She also mentioned parking, housing availability and updates to the main academic building as changes she will look for on her future tour.
“I would really love to see the main academic building revamped into a more modern center to match the rest of this beautiful school,” said Signora.
She said she hopes future students will have newer classrooms and improved study spaces.
Registration for the tours is available through the alumni events page on the university’s website. Private or customized tours can also be arranged for alumni who cannot attend scheduled dates.
