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The Holmes Scholars Program Celebrates 35 Years

Celebrate Together in New Orleans

Celebrate 35 years of Holmes Scholars Thursday, February 19 – Sunday, February 22 in New Orleans — a community grounded in impact, legacy, and belonging. This special reunion unites alumni, current Scholars, and supporters to honor the program’s history and help shape its future.

Your participation helps fund current Scholars’ involvement in AACTE’s 2026 national programs, ensuring they experience the same inspiration and community that Holmes has offered for decades.

  • Celebrate Together: Reconnect with Holmes alumni from across the country.
  • Share the Legacy: Stories, photos, and artifacts will highlight “Once a Scholar, Always a Scholar.”
  • Stay Engaged: Explore new ways to connect, mentor, and support today’s Scholars.

 

Attend the Designated Holmes Alumni Preconference
Thursday, February 19 | 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. | $149

Interested in Attending the Holmes Alumni Preconference? Here’s what to included: 

  • Ticket to the 35th Reunion Celebration: The Holmes 35th Reunion is a milestone celebration for all Holmes alumni and scholars, marking 35 years of impact, legacy, and community.
  • Diversified Teacher Workforce (DTW) Preconference, led by AACTE’s Topical Action Group (TAG) on DTW and co-chaired by experienced Holmes alumni. This full-day experience is designed to advance strategies for diversifying the P–20 educator workforce while providing hands-on skill-building and powerful networking opportunities.
  • Mentor Match-Up: This activity, designed by the Holmes Advisory Committee and Holmes Scholar Council with support from the National Association of Holmes Scholars Alumni (NAHSA), will take place after the Preconference concludes and before the Alumni Reunion begins. All DTW Preconference and Reunion attendees will be invited to serve as mentors, with expectations and benefits shared at that time. All scholars attending the Preconference will automatically participate in this activity.

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Attend the Holmes 35th Reunion
Thursday, February 19 | 6:00 –  7:30 p.m. | $49

Interested in attending only the Holmes 35th Reunion?

This milestone celebration honors 35 years of Holmes impact, legacy, and community. The reunion will bring together alumni from all cohorts, states, and institutions—alongside current Holmes Scholars and program partners—to reflect on the past and help shape the future.

Event proceeds directly support Scholars’ participation in AACTE’s 2026 national programming, ensuring today’s students experience the same inspiration and belonging that have defined Holmes for decades.

Note: The 35th Reunion is for active Holmes Scholars and Holmes Alumni. Reunion attendees will also be contacted in advance to share their interest in mentoring current Holmes Scholars.

Raffle tickets, beverages, and opportunities to make donations will be available at the event.

Share a Tribute and Sponsor a Scholar

Record a short video reflecting on how the Holmes Program has shaped your journey as a scholar and beyond. Also, sponsor a scholar — give today to support the next generation of leaders.

The Impact

Jaminque L. Adams of the University of Georgia reflects on how the Holmes Scholars community has strengthened her development as both a researcher and a leader, highlighting the meaningful support, mentorship, and opportunities that have shaped her academic and professional growth.

Keep in Touch

Update your contact info, tell us how you’d like to stay involved, and help us connect with other alumni to keep the Holmes community thriving.

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Share Your Legacy

Highlight your impact in the field by sharing your research, projects, photos, and more. Contribute as much or as little as you’d like.

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