Alumni are invited to revisit familiar campus gems, explore things they never got the chance to before and continue to make MSU a part of their history. Spartans participate in activities like climbing Beaumont Tower, attending history classes, renewing marital vows on campus and exploring art and science showcases.

"I think everybody has a special tie to where they went to school. And this helps in doing that,” 1984 alumnus Steve Aldrich said. “I think it brings back good memories and that’s the biggest part for me."

At Beaumont Tower on Thursday, alumni explored the interior with a guided tour by the University Carillonist, Jon Lehrer. This was the first year MSU offered tours of the historic building as part of the Spartan Reunion program.

1985 alumnus, Duane Paturalski, listed the tour as his favorite activity from the reunion so far. He especially enjoyed it because he never had the opportunity to see the tower's interior as a student.

"It is awesome," Paturalski said. "The tour here at Beaumont Tower has been pretty spectacular. To actually hear the person that composed the music — he [Lehrer] just played us a selection of his that he wrote which is really neat."

For many MSU graduates, it is impossible to make new memories on campus without old memories coming back at every turn.

In Paturalski's case, it was interesting to tour the dairy farm and see the new building and amenities that MSU has added since he was a student who visited the building often.

"The smells brought me back," Paturalski said.

Steve and Anne Aldrich, who graduated in 1984 and 1986, got married at MSU in 1984 and had the opportunity to renew their vows in a special ceremony during reunion activities, which drew them to this year’s celebration.

After arriving on campus Thursday morning, the couple also participated in a class about MSU history and traditions, had lunch at Brody dining hall, explored campus and toured Beaumont Tower.

"It's funny because when we're walking around here, we're going, 'boy, we didn't spend a lot of time in this part of campus,'" Steve said. "I go to basketball games and football games, but it's nice to walk the campus because when you do that, you tailgate or you park your car, you go to Breslin, you walk back to your car, and you leave. But this — we’re exploring every part."

The couple has passed down their love of MSU to their two daughters, who are also MSU alumnae.

"I think it brings back good memories, and it makes you excited about the future and the future for the school — now it's our grandkids," Anne said. "We're hoping they'll come here."

The 2026 Spartan Reunion will continue through May 29.