Class of 1976 returns to campus for Golden Reunion
On Monday, May 11, nearly 70 Golden Graduates paraded down the field at ASU's 2026 Undergraduate Commencement. Photo courtesy of Marion Rhoades
Fifty years ago, Arizona State University’s Class of 1976 celebrated a milestone that, for many, marked their first graduation as Sun Devils.
Now, five decades later, many have returned to campus to celebrate another exceptional moment — once again donning caps and gowns while carrying the same giddy anticipation they felt as graduating students.
It’s all part of the ASU Alumni Association’s longstanding Golden Reunion tradition.
Each year, the association welcomes 50-year graduates back to Tempe to participate in undergraduate commencement, take behind-the-scenes tours of familiar and brand-new campus locations, and be part of the reflective Golden Circle ceremony that dates back to the 1960s.
This year was particularly special for mother-daughter duo Jean and Susan Brady, who both received bachelor’s degrees in education. The pair graduated together in 1976 after Jean Brady was inspired by her daughter’s pursuit of higher education and decided to accomplish a lifelong dream of earning her own degree. Now 101 years old, Jean stood proudly beside Susan throughout the celebration.
“Fifty years ago, my mother and I graduated side by side,” Susan said during the event’s kickoff breakfast on Monday. “I am so proud to be walking with her once again in the ceremony tonight.”
Later that evening, nearly 70 Golden Graduates paraded onto the field, flashing pitchforks and beaming smiles.
“I didn’t get to go to my ceremony, so walking with our golden robes into commencement and seeing the excitement — the fireworks, walking through the center — it was just so fun. The graduating students were so happy for us. It’s 100 times better than I anticipated,” said Janalee Sneva, who earned a master's degree in English.
Tuesday brought a day centered on exploration and rediscovery. Golden Graduates visited and toured locations on the Tempe campus, including Dreamscape Learn, Tooker House and Mirabella at ASU.
“My favorite part was touring Hayden Library and seeing how it’s been remodeled since I worked there,” said education alumna Linda Cravens, reflecting on the full-circle moment that the employee leading the tour had once been her coworker.
The reunion culminated Tuesday evening during the Golden Circle ceremony, when graduates from previous Golden Reunion classes welcomed the Class of 1976 into the distinguished cohort beneath the golden light of sunset at Old Main. Candles were lit to represent the knowledge gained at ASU and the legacy passed on to future generations.
“As we learned from your shared stories, you became educators, engineers, architects, coaches, business owners and philanthropists,” said Christine K. Wilkinson, president and CEO of the ASU Alumni Association, as she addressed the Golden Graduates.
“Your participation in this Golden Reunion symbolizes the enduring bond with ASU. Thank you for exemplifying what it means to be Sun Devils. Congratulations once again to the Class of 1976 — may your journey ahead be filled with continued success, happiness and fulfillment.”
During the ceremony, each graduate had the opportunity to walk across the lawn as a short biography highlighting their life, accomplishments and time at ASU was read aloud. This perfectly encapsulated the wise words of undergraduate commencement speaker Harrison Ford, who told the Class of 2026:
“Passion brings you joy. Purpose brings you meaning.”
And that sentiment couldn’t be more true for these 50-year graduates who returned to campus to celebrate the many ways ASU helped shape their lives — guiding their careers, building lifelong connections and inspiring them to chase their dreams long after graduation day.
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