These Annual Alumni Week sessions are open to any registered attendees. You will need your badge and wristband for admission to each session.
These sessions are subject to change.
Campus Orientation Walks
Sunday, Monday Tours depart on the hour and half hour; see program for times
Get ready for a smooth and stress-free week! These focused orientation walks are designed to help you navigate the specific University of Limerick buildings and areas we’ll be calling home during our stay. Unlike a traditional historical tour, our goal is purely practical: We’ll show you exactly where our sessions, meals, and events will take place so you can feel like a local from day one.
When: Sunday and Monday afternoons
Schedule: Tours depart on the hour and half hour; see program for times
Departure Location: In front of the Main University Building (13 on the campus map)
Duration: Approximately 45 minutes
Alumni Week Opening Session: Harmonizing Our Future
Tuesday 9:15
Welcome to Ireland! We’re kicking off Tuesday morning with the spirit and energy that brings us all together. Join us as we open with some of our favorite Up with People classics to get the music flowing and the memories sparking.
Following our musical welcome, we will share what the UWPIAA Board has been working on this past year, what’s on the horizon, and share some highlights from our recent alumni survey. We will also meet and hear briefly from representatives from ROAAN, the Alumni Hub, and EES (European Event Support).
The heart of this session is you. We will break into small groups in order to hear your voice. This is your opportunity to share your ideas, dreams, and feedback for the future of our association. Whether you’re a recent traveler or a “vintage” cast member, your perspective is what will shape the path forward. Let’s start the week by connecting, singing, and building our future together!
The Language of Peace: Lessons from the Irish Peace Process
Tuesday 11:30
How do you bridge a divide that has spanned centuries? Join local expert Paul Smyth alongside a panel of alumni from both Ireland and Northern Ireland for a profound discussion on the “Troubles” — the 30-year conflict (late ’60s – 1998) that gripped the region — and the intricate mechanics of the historic Peace Process.
This session goes far beyond a history lesson. By examining how peace was painstakingly negotiated and maintained, our panel will explore how these hard-won lessons can be applied to today’s polarized world. Come discover practical frameworks for conflict resolution that you can use to foster understanding internationally, within your professions, and inside your own communities.
Pilates: Strength & Stability with Lesley-Anne & Mary Rose
Tuesday 11:00, Friday 11:00
Start your day by finding your center with local Irish alumnae Lesley-Anne Ross (’94D) and Mary Rose McMahon (’86C). This session focuses on the core principles of Pilates—balancing controlled movement with breath to build functional strength and flexibility.
Whether you are looking to improve your posture, increase your core stability, or simply wake up your body after a long flight, Leslie Anne and Mary Rose will guide you through a series of exercises designed to leave you feeling long, lean, and energized. This low-impact workout is suitable for all fitness levels, making it the perfect way to prep your body for a busy day of sessions and dancing.
Pro-Tip: Wear comfortable workout attire and bring a water bottle. We’ll provide the motivation to get your Alumni Week off to a strong start!
Black & Irish: A Conversation with Leon Diop
Tuesday 13:30
In the spirit of the cultural education sessions we shared on the road, join us for a powerful presentation by Leon Diop, founder of the advocacy organization Black & Irish. Leon will share his unique perspective on growing up mixed-race in Ireland and his journey toward building a more inclusive society. Through personal stories of “Legends, Trailblazers, and Everyday Heroes,” he explores what it means to belong in modern Ireland today. Come sharpen your global perspective and engage in a dialogue about identity, heritage, and the evolving face of the Irish community.
If you’d like to see Leon in action before the session, this video provides a great overview of his mission and the impact of the Black & Irish project:
Leon Diop: Celebrating Black Irish Identity
The People and Culture of Ireland: Insights with Dr. Anca Minescu
Tuesday 15:15
Back by popular demand! Following last year’s rave reviews, we are thrilled to welcome back Dr. Anca Minescu, Associate Professor of Psychology at the University of Limerick.
Drawing from her extensive life’s work in social psychology, ethnic relations, and social inclusion, Dr. Minescu offers a fascinating look at the heart of Irish identity. This session goes beyond the surface to explore how Irish culture is shifting in an increasingly globalized world and what “belonging” looks like in Ireland today. Whether you missed it last year or want to dive deeper into the social dynamics of our host country, this is a must-attend session for anyone looking to truly understand the people and culture of modern Ireland.
Yoga with Christine
Wednesday 9:30
After receiving glowing reviews last year, our morning wellness sessions with Christine Desmond (’87E) are back to help you start your day with clarity and intention.
Yoga Nidra with Christine
Wednesday 10:30
This session offers a perfect blend of movement and stillness to support your busy Alumni Week schedule.
We begin with Gentle Yoga, focusing on mindful stretches and fluid movements to wake up the body and release tension. Following the physical practice, we transition into Yoga Nidra, often called “yogic sleep.” Unlike traditional meditation, Yoga Nidra is a guided relaxation that leads you into a state of deep, conscious rest. It is the ultimate way to recharge your nervous system and find peace amidst the excitement of the reunion.
Whether you are a lifelong practitioner or a total beginner, join us to breathe, stretch, and reset your mind, body, and spirit for the day(s) ahead.
Kick Up Your Heels: Line Dancing with Pati Schmid
Wednesday 13:30
Get ready to find your rhythm and join the fun! We are thrilled to have alumna Pati Schmid (’92D) joining us from Germany to lead this high-energy Line Dancing session.
Whether you have two left feet or you’re a seasoned pro, Pati’s infectious energy will have you moving and grooving in no time. No partner? No problem! Line dancing is the ultimate “UWP style” way to connect—it’s all about the collective energy of the group. Come learn a few classic routines, a few new steps, and share plenty of laughs as we kick up our heels together. Best of all, you’ll have the chance to show off your new moves on Wednesday evening at the Stables pub. Just bring your comfortable shoes and your biggest smile for this fun class!
Program Note: This is a great way to shake off any “sitting” fatigue and get your blood pumping for the evening festivities!
Fast Friends: The Ultimate Alumni Mixer
Wednesday 15:15
Want to expand your circle without the pressure of forced small talk? If you’re traveling solo, attending outside of a milestone reunion year, or simply want to meet Uppies from different eras, join us for Fast Friends!
This session is designed to be completely low-stress and high-connection. There’s no need to “work the room” or prepare a pitch; instead, we’ll use a series of fun, lighthearted questions where you simply move to the area of the room that matches your answer. You’ll instantly see who shares your quirks, travel stories, and perspectives—highlighting common bonds without requiring a single word unless you choose to share! It’s the easiest way to find your people and ensure you have a “cast” of friendly faces to join for the rest of the week.
The Art of Flow: Chi Gong with Mecky Krahmer
Thursday 9:15
Experience the ancient Chinese art of Chi Gong with German alumna Mecky Krahmer (’87E). This session offers a gentle yet powerful way to harmonize your body, mind, and spirit through mindful movement and breathwork.
Designed to cultivate your “internal energy,” Mecky will guide you through flowing postures and meditative techniques that help reduce stress, improve flexibility, and boost your overall vitality. Whether you’re looking to find a moment of peace amidst the reunion excitement or want to learn a practice that promotes long-term wellness, this session is open to all experience levels. Come find your center and leave feeling grounded, refreshed, and energized!
A Note for Attendees: No special equipment is needed—just wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely!
UWP Music Bingo: The Ultimate Soundtrack Challenge
Thursday 9:30, Friday 15:30
Think you know your Up with People discography? Put your ears to the test in the most high-energy Bingo game you’ve ever played!
Forget the numbers—we’re playing with the iconic hits that defined our eras. From the legendary anthems of the 1960s to the fresh beats of the 2000s, our resident DJ will spin the tracks while you scramble to mark your card. It’s part trivia, part sing-along, and 100% fun. Come for the nostalgia, stay for the friendly competition, and see if you can be the first to shout “BINGO!” for a chance to win some fantastic prizes.
Warning: Spontaneous dancing and 4-part harmony breakouts are highly encouraged!
Resilience: Building this Muscle to Weather Life’s Challenges
Thursday 11:15, Friday 11:15
Whether it’s been a few years or a few decades since you finished your UWP tour, you’ve inevitably faced some of life’s many challenges. In this session, JD Schramm (’86D) will walk through strategies to build the muscle of resilience. Blending his writing from his UWP tour with his current work as a speaker and coach, JD created this session specifically for UWP Alumni and family. In this highly interactive, yet also reflective workshop, participants will gain tools they can immediately use to cultivate and access the gift of resilience. JD is a sought-after speaker on a wide range of communication topics. His TED Talk, “Breaking Silence for Suicide Attempt Survivors,” has been viewed over 2 million times. He’s the author of Communicate with Mastery: Speak with conviction and write for impact. His memoir, The Bridge Back to Life, will be published in 2027.
Diversity & Inclusion: The Road to Integration with Dr. Anca Minescu
Thursday 13:30, Friday 14:00
Join Dr. Anca Minescu for a deep dive into one of Ireland’s most complex social challenges: the integration and understanding of the Roma Irish Traveler communities.
Building on her highly acclaimed session from last year, Dr. Minescu will share insights from her frontline work in social psychology and education. She’ll explore the efforts being made to bridge the gap between Roma Traveler communities and native Irish populations, highlighting the strategies that foster empathy, reduce prejudice, and build a more inclusive society. This session is a unique opportunity to see how the values of understanding and advocacy we learned in Up with People are being applied to solve modern-day social issues right here in our host country.
The Soundtrack of a Movement: An Afternoon with Paul Colwell
Thursday 14:30, Friday 13:30
Step into the heart of Up with People’s musical heritage with founding songwriter Paul Colwell (’68A). In this rare and intimate session, Paul shares the stories behind the songs that have moved millions and defined the spirit of a global movement.
Moderated by longtime UWP staff member and songwriter Eric Lentz (’86E), this session explores Paul’s extraordinary career — from the early days of performing with The Colwell Brothers and collaborating with the legendary Herbie Allen (’65A), to the creation of anthems that still resonate across borders today. Eric shared, “The greatest honor of my UWP career was being inducted into the UWP Songwriters Hall of Fame by Paul Colwell!” He is thrilled to host this intimate look back as Paul reflects on a lifetime of using music as a tool for peace, the inspiration behind his most iconic lyrics, and the “behind-the-music” moments that shaped the UWP stage. Whether you’re a musician or simply a fan of the songs that became the soundtrack of your youth, don’t miss this chance to hear from a true pioneer of the “UWP Sound.”
Enhancing your Storytelling Ability: Successfully Conveying your Up with People Experience to Others
Thursday 15:00, Friday 10:00
International public speaker McKell Neilson’s (’95E) presentation helps alumni become better storytellers. Recognizing that everyone has stories, this presentation will aid in becoming a better speaker and leveraging one’s Up with People experiences to become a more impactful storyteller and keep one’s adventures alive.
Stories from the Road: Spilling the Tea
Thursday 15:00
Remember that one host family? The time the bus broke down in the middle of nowhere? Or that “gourmet” meal that was anything but?
Back by popular demand following its success at the ‘65-70s Rendezvous reunion in Chicago, join moderator and legendary storyteller Willie Cone (’71A) for a fast-paced, high-energy session of “Road War Stories.” We’re giving you 3–4 minutes at the mic to spill the tea on your funniest, most poignant, or just plain weird experiences.
Whether it was meeting a world leader, navigating a language barrier at the dinner table, or a show-day mishap that only another Uppie could understand, we want the “behind-the-scenes” scoop. Come ready to laugh, shake your head in disbelief, and celebrate the wild, wonderful adventures that never made it into the official tour program!
Open Mic Night with Alex
Thursday Immediately following Thursday’s Show & Awards
Dust off your vocal cords and get your fingers ready! Join us for an unforgettable evening of performance moderated by the legendary Survival Band leader and ’91A alumnus, Alex Flohr.
This is your chance to step into the spotlight at The Stables Pub and share your talent with the most supportive audience in the world. Whether you’re a singer, a keyboardist, a guitarist, or you’ve brought along a unique instrument from home, the stage is yours!
Want to perform? We’ll be taking sign-ups online leading up to the event, so start practicing your favorite numbers now. Whether it’s a UWP classic, an original piece, or a cover that always gets the crowd moving, come help us fill the night with the music that connects us all.
Note to Performers: Since space on the sign-up sheet can fill up fast, keep an eye on your email and the AAW WhatsApp for the registration link!
The Global Ripple Effect
Friday 15:30
How does a year on the road change the trajectory of a lifetime? Join moderator and UWPIAA Board member McKell Neilson (‘95E) for an inspiring panel discussion featuring five distinguished alumni from across the globe.
Representing a diverse array of countries, backgrounds, and professions, our panelists will share candid stories of how the lessons learned in the cast – adaptability, cultural empathy, and leadership – have directly fueled their personal lives and professional careers. This isn’t just a look back at the past; it’s an exploration of how the UWP spirit continues to act as a powerful catalyst for change in the world today. Come hear how the “UWP advantage” has shaped these leaders and discover how it continues to resonate in your own journey.