The weather in Tiffin may not be very predictable this time of year, but there’s one thing that is: the spirit and joy among the 500-plus alumni who returned to Heidelberg’s campus to celebrate Alumni Weekend 2025.
This year’s festivities embraced the theme of Heidelberg’s 175th Anniversary, marking one of the many celebratory events in the ongoing 16-month observance. From start to finish, the weekend was packed with events that encouraged alumni to reconnect with one another and their alma mater.
Here’s a recap of some of the highlights:
On Thursday night, about 160 ‘Berg donors and friends gathered in Wickham Great Hall for the second annual Givers Gala. The gala recognizes those alumni and friends whose generosity sustains Heidelberg through major donations in various forms.
Officially kicking off Alumni Weekend was the Medallion Luncheon on Friday, a special recognition of the members of the 50th reunion class and other alumni who have celebrated their golden anniversary.
The weather held out for a pair of new events to explore downtown Tiffin – pedal bike rides and Around the Downtown, hosted by ’92 alumna Donna Gross. The fun really started to kick up during Happy Hour and Dinner on the Lawn Friday evening, featuring a pig roast and delicious sides prepped by the Parkhurst Dining Team.
On Saturday, alumni filled the University Commons to enjoy coffee and conversations with President Rob Huntington and members of Heidelberg’s Strategic Leadership Team. A Reunion Sing-along reunited former performers with School of Music & Theatre choral ensembles and set the stage for the Alumni Choir’s 30th anniversary performance at the luncheon.
Shortly afterward, the rain prompted a move indoors for the annual Remembrance Tree Planting ceremony. Fittingly, this year’s tree was planted just west of the Saurwein Health & Wellness Center, allowing alumni to gather inside the Saurwein and look out over the planting site. Revs. Beth and David Long-Higgins, both ’84, led the ceremony, with Rob joining Board Chair Kathy Geier ’78 in the reading of names of alumni and friends who passed away in the past year.
Undeterred by the rain, alumni had to pivot from the traditional Parade of Classes. Instead of marching along Greenfield and Rebecca streets, they made the best of a soggy situation outdoors, turning the parade, complete with class banners, into a spirited celebration indoors instead.
During the luncheon that followed, President Huntington shared remarks highlighting the impact and momentum created by Heidelberg’s new Opportunity Makers branding platform. He also provided updates on enrollment projections for the 2025-26 academic year and the progress of the Student Athletics, Academic, and Recreation Center, also known as the Fieldhouse, which is on track to open this fall. Additionally, he reported on the status of The Heidelberg Fund, with a goal of $1 million by June 30, and previewed the upcoming celebration of Heidelberg’s official birthday on November 11.
The luncheon concluded with the Alumni Choir performance of The Lord Bless You and Keep You and Sweet Alma Home, directed by Randy Mann ’85 and Ed Ayers ’71, respectively, with accompaniment by Vicki Ohl ’72.
Highlighting the luncheon was the presentation of this year’s Alumni Awards to Dr. Keith Huston ’85, John Kratz ’63, and the Shearer Legacy Family. Liz L. and Don J. Plummer, both ’75, representing the golden anniversary class of 1975, presented Rob with a check for $2,350,611 – the collective total in gifts and pledges to Heidelberg from the landmark reunion classes of 1965, 1975, 1980, 1985, 2000, and 2005.
A new addition to Alumni Weekend quickly became a favorite: a heartfelt vow renewal ceremony for alumni couples who met during their time at Heidelberg or found each other after graduation. A total of 33 couples took part in the celebration, receiving Heidelberg heart pins and joining in the tradition of (cup)cakes and champagne.
Other highlights included campus tours, Greek Hall visits, receptions for Greek alumni and Speech & Theatre Arts alumni, and a reception for School of Music & Theatre and Berg Bravo! Reunion classes enjoyed dinner and fellowship Saturday night and a Sunday morning worship service to conclude the weekend.