Thousands of alumni and friends of the university are expected for CSUN’s 60th Anniversary Grand Reunion on Saturday, Oct. 13. Thousands turnout 10 years ago for the 50th reunion, above. Photo by John Dubois.

California State University, Northridge is marking its 60^th anniversary by inviting alumni from across the decades to take part in a Grand Reunion celebration, taking place over the course of two days in October.

The festivities include a picnic for thousands on the lawn of CSUN’s iconic Delmar T. Oviatt Library, a 5K run, men’s and women’s soccer matches, and a special performance of the music of Henry Mancini at The Soraya. All that and more are taking place at CSUN Oct. 13-14.

“It’s been a decade since we’ve held an alumni event of this magnitude,” said Shellie Hadvina, assistant vice president for alumni relations and annual giving.

“All Matadors across all class years and all members of the community are invited to CSUN to reconnect with old friends and professors, explore the campus today and see firsthand how CSUN has grown into a leading university in the region and beyond,” Hadvina continued. “If you were at the last Grand Reunion, you’ll remember what a celebration it was. Bring your family, call your CSUN friends and come spend a few hours walking down memory lane. You’ll be amazed where that road has led CSUN today.”

The celebration begins Saturday, Oct. 13 and is packed full of reunion activities.  The 5K Matador Fun Run around the campus perimeter starts things off at 9 a.m. From 1 to 3 p.m., the campus will host an invitation-only Founders’ Lunch and 50-Year Club Induction Ceremony for members of the Class of ’68 and faculty and staff who began their service to CSUN in 1968.

“The campus changes every year,” said Cindy Chernow, president of the CSUN Alumni Association. “When people come back and see how far the university has come, they will be amazed by its outstanding progress.”

The Grand Reunion Picnic is scheduled to take place from 2 to 6 p.m. on the lawn in front of the Delmar T. Oviatt Library. The event — which includes food trucks, a beer and wine garden, reunion gatherings for specific communities, tours, open houses and a kids’ zone — offers an opportunity for alumni to reconnect with classmates and faculty. The picnic also features the Matador Motorway, where attendees can compete in a pinewood derby car race.

The festivities will continue with CSUN men’s soccer taking on Cal Poly at 7 p.m. at Matador Soccer Field.

Saturday’s activities end with an 8 p.m. with “Moon River and the Music of Henry Mancini” at CSUN’s Younes and Soraya Nazarian Center for the Performing Arts. The evening is scheduled to be hosted by Monica Mancini and feature music director Gregg Field and the New West Symphony.

The Grand Reunion celebration culminates on Sunday, Oct. 14, when CSUN’s women’s soccer takes on UC Riverside at 1 p.m. on Matador Soccer Field.

For a complete list of the scheduled events and activities for the Grand Reunion, visit csun.edu/60.

50-Year Club, 5K Matador Fun Run, Alumni, Alumni Association, Featured, Grand Reunion