Alumni from across the decades are warmly invited to return to Boston for NECO Reunion Weekend 2025, taking place October 10–11 in conjunction with the American Academy of Optometry Annual Meeting.

This two-day celebration offers a unique opportunity to reconnect, celebrate, and reignite yourconnection to the New England College of Optometry. Designed to make it easier than ever to revisit your alma mater, the weekend brings together graduates from all generations to honor NECO’s legacy and exciting future. Whether you’re one or fifty years out, the event is a chance to reflect on shared memories, renew friendships, and engage with the College’s bold mission for the years ahead.

The festivities begin Friday evening, October 10, with a General Alumni Reception at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center. From 7:00–9:00PM, alumni will enjoy an elegant gathering complete with hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, and remarks from Dr. Howard Purcell, NECO’s President and CEO. This is an opportunity to reconnect with former classmates and meet fellow alumni in a celebratory and welcoming setting.

On Saturday, October 11, NECO will host Reunion Day at its historic Beacon Street campus, with special recognition for all alumni whose class years end in a 0 or 5 and the Class of 2024.

The day begins with a 10:30AM shuttle from the Convention Center to campus. Once there, guests will enjoy a Morning Mix & Mingle at 11:00AM, a chance to relax with refreshments in the NECO atrium. At noon, a “Lunch & Learn” session will offer a buffet lunch (including wine and beer), while Dr. Purcell and NECO’s leadership share the 2025–2030 Strategic Plan and insights into the future of optometric education. The afternoon continues with guided campus tours and a special guest speaker, giving alumni the chance to see recent updates to NECO’s facilities through the eyes of current students and faculty. A return shuttle will depart for the Convention Center at 4:15PM.

More than just a reunion, this weekend is a celebration of the NECO community—its shared values, its commitment to innovation, and the vital role alumni play in the College’s future. Attendees will have the chance to learn more about how they can support NECO’s forward-looking initiatives, and rekindle their pride in an institution that continues to shape the future of optometry.

Special recognition will be given to alumni from milestone classes—those ending in 0 and 5—including the Classes of 1965 through 2020. Additionally, NECO is proud to welcome back and honor the Class of 2024 for their first official reunion celebration.

To be a part of this meaningful and memorable weekend, we encourage you to register (use buttons below) and mark your calendar.

We can’t wait to welcome you back to Boston and celebrate all that makes NECO exceptional!