Celebrating Alumni at Cardinal Weekend 2026

By Audrey Hill

On October 16-18, Cardinal Weekend, the annual homecoming and reunion of The Catholic University of America alumni, kicked off with a celebratory vibe. The three-day festivities showcased the Cardinal spirit, convening alumni from across the country. The dynamic weekend offered attendees choose-your-own-adventure programming, ranging from school open houses to a tent party to class reunions.

“Cardinal Weekend is an opportunity to celebrate our shared formation at The Catholic University of America. Throughout the weekend, our alumni community strengthens our bonds, and forms new connections,” said Brian Kohler, B.A. 2001, assistant vice president of alumni engagement and annual giving. “It is a joy to welcome our alumni home.”

Kicking-off with a Class Trophy

On Friday, alumni gathered in Heritage Hall, where President Peter Kilpatrick welcomed Cardinals and their families back to campus. He shared highlights of Catholic University today, including rising rankings, new buildings, and innovative partnerships.

“Even beyond rankings and new buildings, people are what matter most to our community,” President Kilpatrick said. “I love being the president of this fantastic community. So many of us here share a story of how The Catholic University of America has transformed your life and has given you friends for life. You know that the Catholic University experience is different from all the other experiences out there at other universities. It's truly transformational.”

President Kilpatrick awarded the Class of 1976 a trophy for winning the Reunion Class Giving challenge, which was met with great applause.

Alumni then dispersed to explore school open houses, choosing from programming opportunities that ranged from a behind-the-scenes tour of Hartke Theater to exploring cutting-edge research labs. In addition, members of the 1887 Society, donors who provide leadership in annual giving, received a tour of a perennial favorite – the University’s vast and varied archives.

The evening was capped by an alumni-wide gathering called Meet Me at Murphys, giving Cardinals an opportunity to reminisce and reconnect.

Alumni Leadership Recognition

Saturday started bright and early at a Leadership Breakfast with President Kilpatrick, held in Heritage Hall, which recognized four alumni award winners.

The young alumni achievement award winners, Black Alumni Network Board Member Schola Chioma Eburuoh, B.S.Arch. 2021, and Busch Board of Visitors Member Patrick Narus, B.A. 2016, were recognized by Student Philanthropy Council President Catherine Lund, Class of 2027. Lund lauded Eburuoh and Narus for their contributions to the Catholic University community, which ranged from mentorship to giving, as well as impressive early career strides.

Eburuoh is a real estate and affordable housing professional, entrepreneur, and designer committed to creating places and systems that strengthen communities, as well as bringing Catholic values into the wider world. Narus is the director of DoD/IC Programs at CMA Technology with expertise in federal technology and national security; he is active in several parish and charitable efforts in addition to his engagement with Catholic University.

Distinguished alumni achievement award winners, Friar Matthew J. Foley, O.F.M. Conv., B.A. 2001, and Joan Halpern, B.S.N. 1991, were recognized for their leadership in their fields by Student Philanthropy Council Member Angelina Dragone, Class of 2027.

Friar Matt is a dedicated Catholic education leader, serving as president of St. Francis High School in Hamburg, New York. He is committed to forming young men in the Franciscan tradition, emphasizing faith, character, and service. Halpern is vice president and chief nursing officer for NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center, the Alexandra Cohen Hospital for Women and Newborns, and the Ambulatory Care Network East. She is a longtime advocate for nurse mentorship and is a national speaker on nursing leadership.

Football and Celebrations

A pre-game tent party brought Cardinal Weekend attendees across campus to the DuFour Athletic Center. Hot dogs, face painting, and swag greeted alumni, many of whom stayed to watch the football team win against Western Connecticut State University.

At the Aubry-LeBuffe Black Alumni Celebration, the competitive spirit continued with games. Before the games were broken out, however, the Black Alumni Network honored Partnership Program alumni, which was a seminal program launched in 1969 to bring promising minority students from the Washington, D.C., area to the University. Andi Cullins, B.A. 1974, recognized Charles Eze, Class of 2027, who shared how receiving the Thaddeus Aubry and Leon LeBuffe Endowed Scholarship impacted his life.

Later, the Class of 1976, in recognition of their 50th reunion, were officially welcomed into the Golden Cardinals community. During the dinner ceremony, which also included members of previous graduation years, alumni received medallions from Student Philanthropy Council members. More recent reunion year classes ended the day at the Dirty Habit, located at Penn Quarter in Washington, D.C.

Closing out Cardinal Weekend

The final day of Cardinal Weekend brought alumni and their families together for Mass at the Basilica of the National Shrine of Immaculate Conception. The weekend closed out with farewell coffee and pastries at the Edward J. Pryzbyla University Center, itself named after a Catholic University alumnus.

Calling All Cardinals

We invite our alumni to update your contact information and follow us on our social media channels, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube. We hope to see you at an upcoming event to celebrate the success and the impact our University has on our Church, our nation, and our world!