Best of CASE District VII Award
 

Institution: University of California, Santa Cruz

Title of entry: Return to the Redwoods: Bringing Alumni Home

About this entry: When UC Santa Cruz surveyed its alumni, one insight was overwhelmingly clear: alumni connect most deeply to place. For Banana Slugs, that place is the redwood forest — the bridges above the canopy, the East Field overlooking Monterey Bay, and the lawns where friendships were formed. But Santa Cruz is intentionally off the beaten path. Alumni needed a compelling reason to return.

Return to the Redwoods is a multi-day, residential alumni experience designed to bring graduates of all generations — along with their partners, children, and friends — back to campus. More than a reunion, it functions as a “time machine,” inviting alumni to revisit their student selves while sharing that formative place with loved ones.

Across three days, hundreds of attendees lived in campus dorms and apartments, engaged with academic and student life partners, participated in family-friendly and affinity programming, and celebrated the intertwined African, Black, and Caribbean Alumni Reunion. The weekend brought together more than 20 campus units, student staff, alumni performers, and local businesses.

Designed intentionally to remain affordable ($85 adult weekend pass), the program broadens access and welcomes new participants — 34% of surveyed attendees reported this was their first UCSC alumni event. With over 100 post-event surveys completed, 82% rated the experience a 9 or 10, reflecting a powerful emotional and community impact.

Return to the Redwoods is building a new tradition — one rooted in place, belonging, and intergenerational connection.