Purple & Gold Weekend
Join us for Purple & Gold Weekend — April 16-18, 2026, as we celebrate the ideas, achievements, and relationships that define our community.
Through the Elkin R. Isaac Student Research Symposium, panels highlighting our signature programs and initiatives, and the Alumni Awards Ceremony, you will see the Albion spirit at its very best.
The weekend offers meaningful moments, including opportunities to connect with students, cheer on Briton athletics, and enjoy a theatre performance. We hope you will join us as we lift up the people and programs that continue to shape Albion’s future.
Registration will open in mid-February. With questions, contact Alumni Engagement at [email protected] or 517-629-1835.
Thursday, April 16
Elkin R. Isaac Student Research Symposium
8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Norris Hall and Goodrich Chapel
For more than three decades, the Elkin R. Isaac Research Symposium has showcased outstanding student research, scholarship, and creative expression. Nominated by faculty mentors, more than 100 students share their original work throughout the day through 15-minute platform talks and afternoon poster sessions. Join us for any session that sparks your interest—come for one presentation, stay for a few, or explore all day!
Campus Events & Activities
Student Leadership Awards
7 p.m. | KC Stack
Wind Ensemble Concert
7:30 p.m. | Goodrich Chapel
Theatre production: The Tempest
7:30 p.m. | Herrick Theatre
Friday, April 17
Purple & Gold Insider's Summit
9 a.m. – 2:45 p.m. | Mudd Library and Lower Baldwin
Join us for a series of engaging panels with Albion College administrators, faculty, and staff on topics ranging from academics and student life to recruitment, finances, fundraising, and our priority initiative, Experiential Learning for All. Take a break for lunch in Lower Baldwin to enjoy casual conversations with students. In the afternoon, catch an “Elkin Isaac Encore,” where student researchers display their remarkable work!
Celebration of Philanthropy Reception
3:30 – 5 p.m. | Kellogg Center
Enjoy refreshments, hear brief remarks, and engage with students whose achievements and experiences are made possible through philanthropic support. This special gathering is a chance to see philanthropy in action and celebrate the difference our supporters make in the Albion community.
Alumni Awards Ceremony
5:30 – 8:30 p.m. | Upper Baldwin
Join us as we honor the 2026 recipients of the Distinguished Alumni Award, Young Alumni Award, James L. Curtis Alumni Leadership Award, and the new Purple & Gold Service Award. This inspiring ceremony recognizes alumni whose achievements and service exemplify the values and traditions of Albion College.
Registration required
Campus Events & Activities
Men’s Baseball vs. Olivet
4 p.m. | Champions Stadium
Theatre production and post-show discussion: The Tempest
7:30 p.m. | Herrick Theatre
Kaos in the KC
8 p.m. | Kellogg Center
Saturday, April 18
Campus Events & Activities
Theatre production: The Tempest
2 p.m. | Herrick Theatre
Men’s Tennis vs. Olivet
11 a.m. | Outdoor Tennis Courts
Women’s Tennis vs. Olivet
2 p.m. | Outdoor Tennis Courts
Theatre production: The Tempest
7:30 p.m. | Herrick Theatre
Past Weekends
Established in 2024, Purple & Gold Weekend builds on two longstanding Albion College traditions held each April: the Elkin R. Isaac Student Research Symposium and the annual Alumni Awards Ceremony. The weekend brings the Briton community together to celebrate the remarkable accomplishments of our students and alumni, while deepening our shared pride in—and connections to—Albion College.
View recaps from past years: