Introduction
Reconnect, reminisce and celebrate with fellow alumni of the University of Illinois College of Medicine. Each year, our reunion brings graduates together to share memories, honor milestones and celebrate the enduring COM community. Reunions are a chance to reconnect with classmates, meet alumni across generations and see how the College of Medicine continues to grow.
2026 UI COM Alumni Reunion
Thursday–Saturday, September 17–19, 2026
We can’t wait to welcome you back for the 2026 UI COM Alumni Reunion — a time to reconnect, reminisce and celebrate our shared legacy of advancing medicine and patient care.
Celebrating:
- Milestone Classes: 1976, 2001 and 2016
- Anniversary Classes: 1961, 1966, 1971, 1981, 1986, 1991, 1996, 2006, 2011 and 2021
Congratulations —2026 is your year!
Join us September 17–19 for a memorable weekend of events on campus and in downtown Chicago. Reconnect with classmates, hear the latest College of Medicine updates, celebrate alumni achievements and honor the legacy that continues to shape the future of medicine.
Registration is now open! We encourage you to register early and begin planning your Reunion celebration.
Register for the 2026 UI COM Alumni Reunion
Event Schedule
Golden Alumni Society Reunion Dinner for Classes of 1976, 1971, 1966 and 1961
Golden Alumni Society Reunion Dinner for Classes of 1976, 1971, 1966 and 1961
5:00 p.m.
College of Medicine West Tower (CMWT)
1853 West Polk Street (Enter at Polk St. and Wolcott Ave.)
Faculty Alumni Lounge, Room 119
Complimentary parking is available in Wolcott Parking Lot B2 (900 S. Wolcott Ave.)
The event will welcome the Class of 1976 and present their 50th Reunion Medallions. Alumni will share reflections on their medical school years and perspectives on the profession. Members of the Golden Alumni Society from the Classes of 1961, 1966, and 1971 will reconnect with classmates, colleagues, and friends. Class photos will be taken.
Friday, September 18
Reunion Welcome Center
8:30 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
College of Medicine West Tower (CMWT)
1853 West Polk Street (Enter at Polk St. and Wolcott Ave.)
Faculty Alumni Lounge, Room 119
Make this your first stop to pick up a schedule of events, greet your colleagues and enjoy UI COM hospitality throughout the day.
College of Medicine Tour
9:00–11:00 a.m.
Departing from Faculty Alumni Lounge, Room 119
Our engaging students, faculty and staff will take you on an immersive journey through the Gross Anatomy Lab, Team-Based Learning (TBL) classrooms, the Research Building and the Surgical Innovation and Training Laboratory (SITL), our future-focused, robotic simulation center. Learn how we are enhancing medical education and advancing research to improve patient care today.
Alumni and Student Networking Lunch
11:00 a.m.–12:15 p.m.
College of Medicine West (CMW), 1853 West Polk Street
Faculty Alumni Lounge, Room 119
Enjoy a relaxed lunch with our students, share your insights and hear others’ perspectives on the healthcare profession and various career paths during this structured yet casual session. Hosted by the Chicago Medical Student Council (CMSC).
State of the College Address with Interim Executive Dean Enrico Benedetti, MD, R ’93, FACS
12:30–1:30 p.m.
Kathleen M. and G. Stephen Irwin, MD ’77, R ’82
Learning Center Auditorium, Room 227
Meet Dean Benedetti and senior faculty to learn more about the University of Illinois College of Medicine’s innovative vision for the future.
Medical Colloquia
2:00–3:50 p.m.
CMWT, Various Venues
Experience our Medical Colloquia alongside M1 and M2 students and deepen your understanding of medical topics and major trends in healthcare in faculty-led interactive sessions. Topics are drawn from Health, Illness & Society, Health Care Systems and Professional Development themes.
UI Health Clinical Tour
4:00–5:30 p.m.
Depart from CMWT Lobby
Embark on a tour to see our Simulation And Integrative Learning Institute (SAIL), which integrates a range of healthcare environments, modern technology and simulation-based training models to create highly realistic learning and assessment experiences. Take in the Specialty Care Building (SCB), our state-of-the-art facility for expert care and same-day surgery, featuring innovative technology at every touch point. Bus to both sites.
Alumni Reunion and Awards Reception
6:00–8:00 p.m.
Faculty Alumni Lounge, Room 119
Embark on a tour to see our Simulation And Integrative Learning Institute (SAIL), which integrates a range of healthcare environments, modern technology and simulation-based training models to create highly realistic learning and assessment experiences. Take in the Specialty Care Building (SCB), our state-of-the-art facility for expert care and same-day surgery, featuring innovative technology at every touch point. Bus to both sites.
Saturday, September 19
The Art Institute of Chicago Highlights Tour
10:15 a.m.–Noon
111 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago
As faculty infuse the humanities across the curriculum, the College of Medicine seeks to go beyond reductive treatment by developing well-rounded physicians who observe with empathy and think creatively. Enjoy early admission and a guided tour exploring renowned works of art in one of Chicago’s world-class museums.
Lunch, Chicago-style
12:15–2:00 p.m.
On Your Own
From deep-dish pizza to iconic hot dogs, enjoy some of Chicago’s diverse and delicious food offerings.
Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise
3:00 p.m. (Arrive at 2:30 p.m. prior to departure.)
112 E. Wacker Drive (Northeast corner of Michigan Ave. and Wacker Dr.)
Take a beautiful 90-minute Chicago River tour aboard Chicago’s First Lady and learn about the city’s fascinating architecture and history.
Class-led Reunion Dinners
6:00-7:00pm
Various Locations, Chicago
Reconnect with your classmates in a more intimate setting during these special class dinners. Each dinner is organized and hosted by volunteer class leadership, providing the perfect opportunity to reminisce, share updates and celebrate your unique class legacy.
Reunion dinners will be held for classes with at least 10 attendees and dedicated volunteer leadership.
Accommodations
Make your travel plans for Alumni Reunion 2026. Alumni and their guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements, and hotels can fill up fast. The following are nearby hotels with phone numbers for reservations. UI COM does not specifically endorse any of these hotels.
Hyatt House Chicago-Medical / University District
Hyatt House Chicago-Medical / University District
1835 W. Harrison Street
Chicago, IL 60612
(312) 341-1234
Chicago Marriott at Medical District
Chicago Marriott at Medical District
625 S. Ashland Ave.
Chicago, IL 60607
(312) 491-1234
Get ready to join the celebration!
Register for the 2026 UI COM Alumni Reunion
