To celebrate the 40th anniversary of College-in-the-Woods, Binghamton University welcomed back alumni to reunite with each other in the dorms they used to call home.

The weekend’s events featured building tours led by resident assistants and a “Farewell Bagel Stop” brunch on Sunday morning.

Roughly a dozen alumni attended the brunch to catch up on things since they last lived in CIW.

“Coming back here is a rush of emotions, it’s a rush of thoughts,” said Jack Luponti, class of ‘78. “CIW is really the first year you’re out from your parents’ house and you let loose, and you make really great friends that are with you for life.”

Luponti said he was glad to reunite with old friends.

“The brick and mortar might be the same everywhere, but it’s the people that make the difference,” Luponti said.

The ResLife staff and hall government of Seneca Hall in CIW hosted the Sen-Oktoberfest Saturday, an opportunity for all CIW residents and alumni to enjoy free food, fall-themed activities and a chance to socialize with one another.

“Sen-Oktoberfest really got the students in a festive mood,” said Robert Bozza, an undeclared freshman. “It was an awesome way to usher in the fall season at College-in-the-Woods.”

Seneca Hall resident director Carrie Burke said the autumn-themed event was inspired by the changing seasons.

“With all the trees and leaves, and being at College-in-the-Woods, we wanted to pay homage to the changing leaves,” Burke said. “So we had caramel apples with different toppings, we had doughnut holes, cider, small pumpkin paintings, picture frame making, leaf printing, a pumpkin carving competition that was sponsored by hall government and fall origami and music as well.”

Returning alumni got a chance to see that CIW has continued annual traditions that were started years ago, including CIW’s Casino-in-the-Woods, Woods Olympics and CIW Woodstock.

“As much as things change, they stay the same,” said Phil Daniel, class of ‘84. “That’s the take-away for this weekend of the reunion. The students are the students; their experiences are going to be similar to ours.”

Current CIW resident Coby Yudkowsky, an undeclared sophomore, said the community’s traditions help to unite its residents.

“The family atmosphere allows the student body to feel united in a community with rich history and a sense of pride,” Yudkowsky said. “It’s 40 years of a relaxed, laid-back student body who know how to have a great time in close quarters with one another.”

Daniel, who was president of CIW in 1983, said he was proud of the growth BU has shown.

“What is nice about Binghamton University is that it’s the Harvard of the SUNY system,” Daniel said. “The education has gotten better, the sport programs have gotten better and the student life has gotten better over time. That’s just a tribute to the dedication of the staff that works here at the University.”

Luponti advised current students to make the most out of their time at BU.

“Enjoy your life, work hard, have goals, dream, have aspirations,” Luponti said. “Go out and do something, make friends, drink wine.”