Alumnx Reunion Weekend
Friday–Sunday, October 18–20
Naropa University Arapahoe & Nalanda Campuses in Boulder, Colorado
President Charles Lief and the entire Naropa University community cordially invite you to the Alumnx Reunion Weekend! All alumnx, all programs, and all graduation years welcome. Please join us for a weekend of events offering connection, contemplation, and celebration in community.
See the hotel blocks below for out of town attendees.
Reunion Reception
Saturday, October 19 // 7:00–10:00 PM
Location: Nalanda Events Center, Naropa University Nalanda Campus, 6287 Arapahoe Avenue, Boulder, Colorado 80301
Join us at this festive event and party like it’s 1974! The reception will include hors d’oeuvres, drinks, live music, an open dance floor, and a special performance by the Tibetan Cultural School. Tickets for the reception are $50 per person; if the ticket price is prohibitive, please reach out to Kelly Watt.
Schedule of Events
The Alumnx Reunion weekend kicks off with SparkTalks on Friday night, program & affinity mini reunions on Saturday, followed by an Alumnx Reception on Saturday night. The reunion weekend ends with contemplative practices offerings.
- 1:00–4:00 PM // Welcome Concert on the Naropa Green // Free & Open to All
Welcome Concert on the Green
Arrive for the weekend, grab your welcome bag, and enjoy a free open air concert under the sycamores featuring alums representing Naropa throughout the ages. Browse a curated selection of books by alums and capture memories in a VW Bus-turned-photo booth. Tours of the Arapahoe campus will leave from Wulsin Hall on the hour.
Featuring Joe Richey (BA, ’83) & Special Guests; Ryan Judd (MA Transpersonal Counseling Psychology, ’00); Rachael Gula (BA Interdisciplinary Studies, ’23) & Friends
- 7:00 PM // SparkTalks, Performing Arts Center, Arapahoe Campus
SparkTalks
SparkTalks, dynamic presentations that share the wisdom of Naropa University’s alumnx, will open your heart, broaden your perspective, and enliven your spirit.
Naropa alumnx will share their experiences, stories, ideas, inquiries, research, poetry & artwork around the theme of “Roots & Branches.” Featuring:
- Denise Barnes (MA Dance Therapy, ’89)
- Tree Bernstein (MFA Writing & Poetics, ’91)
- Ellen Boeder (MA Transpersonal Counseling Psychology, ’03)
- Sami Chhapra (MA Contemplative Psychotherapy, ’10)
- Jayson Gaddis (MA Transpersonal Counseling Psychology, ’04)
- Tim Hernandez (BA Writing & Literature, ’07)
- Dennis Kerr (BA Traditional Eastern Arts, ’16)
- David Priebe (MFA Theater: Contemporary Performance, ’20)
- Lodi Siefer (MA Contemplative Psychotherapy, ’09)
- Nava Starling (MA Clinical Mental Health Counseling: Contemplative Psychotherapy & Buddhist Psychology, ’21)
- Soltahr Tiv-Amanda (MA Transpersonal Counseling Psychology, ’99)
SparkTalks will be hosted by Beck Sydow (MA Contemplative Psychotherapy, ’06; presenter at SparkTalks 2017). Among their many accomplishments since their time at Naropa, Beck most recently founded HumanKind Business Leaders.
- 9:00–10:30 AM // LOCATION: ARAPAHOE CAMPUS, PAMELA KRASNEY PAVILION/STUDENT LOUNGE
Graduates of programs not represented in the program reunions below! Please join us for a special offering…
Brunch with President Chuck Lief
Join President Chuck Lief for engaging conversation paired with a complimentary brunch prepared by the man himself. Open to alumnx + friends/family, staff, faculty, and students.
- 9:00 AM–12:00 PM // LOCATION: ARAPAHOE & NALANDA CAMPUSES
Program Reunions // Open to alumnx, faculty, and staff
- MA Contemplative Psychotherapy Reunion // Arapahoe Campus, Shambhala Hall
- Led by alums Nate Paer (‘22), Dr. Kevin Mays (‘94), and Lisa Wallace (’17)
- MA Somatic Counseling: Dance/Movement Therapy & Body Psychotherapy Reunion // Nalanda Campus, Room 9176
- Led by Dr. Christine Caldwell (program founder), alum Kerry Maiorca (’24), and Heather Sutton (Chair, Somatic Counseling concentration)
- MA Transpersonal Counseling Psychology & Mindfulness-Based Transpersonal Counseling Reunion // Nalanda Campus, Room 9235
- Led by alum Ashley Cooper ( ‘07), Dr. Jhan Doughty (Chair, Mindfulness-Based Transpersonal Counseling program), and David Chernikoff, former faculty
- MA Transpersonal Art Therapy Therapy Reunion // Across the street from Nalanda Campus, Naropa Community Art Studio 1630 63rd Street, Suite 2.
- Led by Janis Wille
- Led by Janis Wille
- MA Transpersonal Wilderness Therapy Reunion // Nalanda Campus, Room 9189
- Led by alum Selina Giacinto (’14)
- MA Ecopsychology Reunion // Arapahoe Campus, Lincoln Building
- Led by alums Cat Pantelo (‘20) and Renee “Wren” Wahlen (‘11)
- MA Environmental Leadership & Resilient Leadership Reunion // Arapahoe Campus, Lincoln Building
- Led by alums Mark Wilding (‘04), Arron Mansika (‘04), Kendra Sandoval (‘06), and Mara Ferris (‘06)
- Jack Kerouac School Reunion Mixer // Arapahoe Campus, Performing Arts Center
- Led by alums Jona Fine (‘14), Eric Fischman (‘13), and Caroline “Swanee” Swanson (‘16)
- Psychedelic-Assisted Therapies Certificate Reunion // Nalanda Campus, Room 9246
- Led by alum Bianca Aaron
- Wisdom Traditions Department Reunion (BA, MA & MDiv) // Arapahoe Campus, Lincoln Building
- 9:00–9:45 am | Meditation | Lincoln Shrine Room
- 10:00–10:30 am | Living the Seasons: Archetypal Patterns of Change and Resilience with Ji Hyang Padma | 4140
- 10:30 am–12:00 pm | Grief & Gratitude Ritual for the Arapahoe Campus with Stephanie Yuhas | 4140 or outdoors
- 10:30 AM–12:00 PM // LOCATION: ARAPAHOE CAMPUS GREEN
Listening Circle Reunion for BA & BFA Alumnx // Arapahoe Campus Green
Led by Dr. Candace Walworth and Dr. Cynthia Drake
Join us for a listening circle to explore connections between the present moment and your experience as Naropa student—whether you graduated last year or decades ago. This session will include guided contemplative and experiential activities along with questions to explore: How did your experience at Naropa shape your approach to work, to play, to love and friendship, or to service? What are you working on now that was encouraged by your education at Naropa?
- 12:00–1:30 PM // LOCATION: DOJO ROOM, NALANDA CAMPUS
Naropa’s Infancy and the Origins of Graduate Psychology // Open to alumnx, faculty, and staff
Six alumnx who enrolled in Naropa’s fledgling MA Buddhist and Western Psychology Program in 1976 (Dan Montgomery, Jeff Fortuna, David Rasch, Regan Foiles Urbanick, Randy Kaplan and Ven Walter) will gather for a wide-ranging conversation about the early days of the innovative masters program they participated in and how they experienced the inspiring, challenging, and confusing path they had chosen. Hear tales of the spiritual, intellectual, and artistic explosion that characterized Naropa’s origins, and about the brilliant, provocative, compelling, and flawed teachers, students, and characters who influenced the school and created the psychology program. These six graduates forged life-long friendships within the crucible of Naropa’s psychology program, and after their conversation attendees will be invited to share memories or ask questions about these extraordinary times. Enjoy a complimentary lunch from the Little Lama Café and settle in for an unforgettable conversation.
- 1:00–4:00 PM // LOCATION: PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
Jack Kerouac School Reunion Reading
- Led by alums Jona Fine (‘14), Eric Fischman (‘13), and Caroline “Swanee” Swanson (‘16)
- 1:00–4:00 PM // LOCATION: ARAPAHOE CAMPUS
Affinity & Program Reunions // Open to alumnx, faculty, and staff
- Bhutan Study Abroad // Lincoln Building, Arapahoe Campus
- Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, the King of Bhutan, beautifully captures the essence of human strength and resilience with his quote: “Love and compassion are the truest sources of strength and resilience.” We will gather with you in sharing your stories, your emergent learning and insights, as well as having a lot of fun together eating momos and remembering your exceptional life-changing time in Bhutan.
- Led by Jane Carpenter-Cohn, Dr. Anne Parker, and Tashi Browder
BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ reunion // Culture Center, Arapahoe Campus: BIPOC and/or LGBTQIA+ folks are welcome to join a Despacho Ceremony. Led by Daniel Castro (MA Mindfulness-Based Transpersonal Counseling, ’20) and Sorin Thomas (MA Somatic Counseling Psychology, ’14)
- 7:00–10:00 PM // LOCATION: NALANDA EVENTS CENTER
Alumnx Celebration Reception // Open to alumnx, faculty, staff, and friends of Naropa
Join us at this festive event and party like it’s 1974! The reception will include hors d’oeuvres, open bar, dance music by The Goonies, and a special performance by the Tibetan Cultural School.
7:00–8:00 PM // Cocktail hour, hors d’oeuvres, and mingling
8:00–8:30 PM // Main program and performance by the Tibetan Cultural School
8:30–10:00 PM // Music and dancing featuring Boulder’s best 80s cover band, The Goonies, led by Ashley Eyre (MA Transpersonal Art Therapy, ’16)
Tickets are $50 per person. If the ticket price is prohibitive, please reach out to Kelly Watt.
- 9:00 AM–12:00 PM // LOCATION: ARAPAHOE CAMPUS
Contemplative Offerings & Program Reunions // Open to current and former Naropa community members
- 9:00–9:45 AM // Sitting Meditation // Shambhala Hall, Lincoln Building
- 9:45–10:00 AM // Break
- 10:00–11:00 AM // Taiji with Lawrence Welsh // Arapahoe Green: Come practice some Taijiquan movements to flow like the long river, recenter yourselves, and join Heaven and Earth.
- 10:00 AM–11:30/ 12:00 PM //
- Tea Ceremony Demonstration & Contemplative Sit // Sycamore Building + Tea House Tour. Led by alums Sarah Richards Graba (MFA Writing & Poetics, ’14) and Andrea Becker (BFA Creative Writing and Literature, ’18
- Contemplative Dance Practice with Darlene Lorraine (Dance/Movement Therapy, ‘87)// Performing Arts Center
- Connecting with Ancestors Through Dreams and Active Imagination with Marta Aarli (Transpersonal Counseling Psychology, ‘95 ) // Lincoln Building
- Contemplative Embodiment Practice with Nicole Reavy (Mindfulness-Based Transpersonal Counseling, ‘19) // Lincoln Building
- Neurosculpting and Breathwork for Integration with Anthony Sosa (Mindfulness-Based Transpersonal Counseling, ’22) // Lincoln Building
- Special Gathering for Naropa Mindfulness Instructors, with Dale Asrael & Giovannina Jobson // Shambhala Hall // Open to alumnx, faculty, and staff
- 11:00–11:45 AM // Neurosculpting and Breathwork for Integration with Anthony Sosa (Mindfulness-Based Transpersonal Counseling, ’22) // Lincoln Building
- 12:00–1:00 PM // LOCATION: ARAPAHOE GREEN
Closing Circle // Free & open to all
Join Alumnx Reunion Weekend organizers Kelly Watt and Jenna Noah (MA Contemplative Psychotherapy & Buddhist Psychology, ’13) for a closing circle of gratitude and a final bow.
Reunion Weekend Frequently Asked Questions
How do I register?
How much does it cost to attend the Reunion Weekend?
The entire weekend is free, with the exception of the Reunion Reception on Saturday night which is $50 per person.
Are spouses/partners/significant others/children invited?
Yes, they are welcome to attend most events throughout the weekend, including the Welcome Concert on the Green, SparkTalks, the Reunion Reception (must be 21 years or older to attend), and the Contemplative Offerings. Program and affinity reunions may be open to alumnx, faculty, and staff only, depending on the content.
Are faculty and staff invited to attend?
Yes, we welcome anyone connected with Naropa to return for the Reunion Weekend, including current and former faculty and staff.
What if I didn’t graduate from Naropa, can I still attend?
Yes, we welcome anyone connected with Naropa to return for the Reunion Weekend, including former students that did not complete their degrees here.
Can I attend even if I didn’t register?
Yes, we will accept walk ins throughout the weekend. However, for planning purposes, we encourage you to register in advance.
Can I attend part of the weekend?
Yes, you may participate in some or all of the weekend, it’s up to you. We have crafted a weekend of events to encourage connection, contemplation, and community; we welcome you to attend whatever sparks your mind and ignites your heart.
Is there a dress code?
Dress is casual all weekend, with the exception of the Reunion Reception on Saturday night – we encourage “Naropa fabulous” attire for that event.
What if I have need accessibility accommodations?
Please contact Kelly Watt with a description of your needs.
Is there housing available in the residence halls?
No, but we have hotel rooms available at a special discounted rate to fit a variety of budgets and needs.
Other questions?
Reach out to Kelly Watt, Senior Director of Alumnx Relations and Co-Chair of Naropa’s 50th Anniversary Celebration.
Preferred Hotel Accommodations
Below are our hotel accommodations with availability for the Alumnx Reunion Weekend (Friday, October 18 through Sunday, October 20) within a short drive of the Naropa University. Whatever accommodations you choose, we recommend booking early.
Hilton Garden Inn, 2701 Canyon Blvd, Boulder, CO 80302 // Special Naropa nightly rate: $229
Located in Central Boulder at 28th & Canyon, the Hilton Garden Inn offers an onsite restaurant and room service, a fitness center, luxury spa, free EV charging, free Wi-Fi. Self and valet parking are available for an additional fee. Pets welcome for an additional fee.
RESERVE YOUR ROOM AT THE HILTON GARDEN INN
Fairfield Inn & Suites, 5397 South Boulder Rd, Boulder, CO 80303 // Special Naropa nightly rate: $174
RESERVE YOUR ROOM AT THE FAIRFIELD INN & SUITES
Courtyard Boulder/Broomfield, 948 West Dillon Road. Louisville, CO 80027 // Special Naropa nightly rate: $167
RESERVE YOUR ROOM AT THE COURTYARD BOULDER/BROOMFIELD
