What is Alumni College?
Alumni College is a year-long conference where Reed alumni and faculty experts share their knowledge at a variety of virtual and in-person events to engage Reed community members worldwide. Engage with a global alumni network and reconnect with the Reed experience through structured learning and spontaneous conversation.
Alumni College 2026–2027: Shadows of the Truth
From Plato's Cave to deepfakes—join us for a year-long exploration of the philosophy and nature of perception, reality, and knowledge.
Program Highlights
Faculty lectures, alumni panels, and live discussions. Access to all sessions, recordings, and optional readings and follow-up materials through a secure webpage.
Four Virtual Events
Registration is free and open to everyone in the Reed community anywhere in the world. You’re welcome to attend all of the events or just a handful of the ones that work for your schedule.
- October 25, 2026 - Professor Troy Cross, philosophy and humanities—"The Tragedy of the Cognitive Commons," a discussion about how AI presents challenges to human intellectual achievement, the academy, and ascertaining truth.
- December 13, 2026 - Laura Zientek, associate dean of graduate and special programs, will present about Greek and Roman ways of thinking about the individual, community, and living a meaningful life.
- February 2027 TBD - Truth in Media and Journalism panel with Norman Solomon ’71, founder of Fairness & Accuracy in Reporting, Daniel Boguslaw ’18, investigative journalist at The Intercept, and more panelists TBA.
- April 4, 2027 - Professor Michael Pitts, psychology department chair, will discuss competing theories and research of human consciousness as demonstrated by visual illusions and attentional blindness.
Keep an eye on your email inbox for more information about individual classes and their Zoom registration links. Email alumni@reed.edu with any questions.
Paideia Session (January 2027)
A virtual brainstorming workshop where alumni and students discuss possible future Alumni College topics.
Panel Discussion at Reunions (June 2027)
Faculty Lecture at Reunions (June 2027)
Stay Connected
Contact the Alumni Relations team at alumni@reed.edu.