University of Rochester Alumni

"Couldn't have done it without you." 💙💛

Tag the person who got you through your URochester era. 👇

This 🌈 we're proud to spotlight alumnus Andrew Moran '12 and the impact he's making through LGBTQ+ advocacy, community building, and public health leadership. 🌟

Andrew credits his time at the University of Rochester—particularly his involvement with Pride Network and the Safe Zone program—with helping him develop the advocacy and organizing skills that continue to guide his work today.

As President of the Rochester Rainbow Union and a leader with the Rochester Victory Alliance at URochester Medicine, Andrew works to strengthen LGBTQ+ communities while advancing HIV vaccine research and community engagement throughout the Rochester region.

"The greatest lessons I learned from my undergraduate days at the University of Rochester were in community organizing. My time with Pride Network and the Safe Zone program gave me valuable hands-on experience in advocacy, leadership, fundraising, and grassroots organizing."

From building partnerships in public health to helping grow the Rochester Rainbow Union into a thriving community resource, Andrew's work reflects the URochester spirit of creating positive change and supporting others. 💙💛

As we commemorate Juneteenth, join the University of Rochester community for a meaningful conversation on freedom, education, and leadership.

Featuring Melvin Foster ’89E of Morehouse College, this virtual REAL Conversations event will explore how education can open doors, transform lives, and strengthen communities. Registration is free and open to all.

Register today: https://bit.ly/49A86sY

Dandelion Day after graduation looks a little like this 🌼

Thanks to all who came out and celebrated with us across the country 💙

Join fellow URochester alumni and friends at the Rochester International Jazz Festival on Friday, June 26! 🎷

Enjoy an evening of food, drinks, and connection at our special reception featuring remarks from President Sarah Mangelsdorf, G. Robert Witmer, Jr. and Shaun Nelms. Tickets start at $35.

Register today: https://bit.ly/4vkRcqs

The campus calm after commencement 🍃 ⛅

to one of Wilson Commons’ most memorable spaces: the Rathskellar 🍻🍔

While much of Wilson Commons reflected the building’s modern design, the “Rat” stood apart with its wood paneling, oak tables, and classic college pub atmosphere. From 1976–1986, it was a favorite campus gathering spot for students.

After New York State raised the drinking age to 19 in 1982—and then to 21 in 1985—the Rathskellar closed and the space began its next chapter.

Over the years, the location evolved into:
• Common Ground Café (1986–1990)
• Backdoor Pizza (1990)
• Common Ground Café/Coffeehouse (1990–2007)
• The Hive (2007–2014)
• Rocky’s (2014–present)

No matter the name, the space has remained a central part of student life for generations of Yellowjackets. 💙

Spring Rochester Review has arrived 🌸📬

Be sure to check your mailbox for the latest issue! And while you’re reading, don’t forget to submit your Class Note by June 30 for a chance to be featured in the fall issue ➡️ https://bit.ly/4v7Xs4L

Don’t snooze on the latest issue of Rochester Review magazine—now in mailboxes and online! 👀

Floral arranging + afternoon tea = the perfect Sunday 🌸🍵

Thank you to everyone who joined us earlier this month at Ora la Casa de las Flores for such a beautiful afternoon with fellow URochester alumni and friends 💐🐝

🐝🏃‍♂️ URochester T&F/XC alumni Sennett Turner ’24, Katherine Benninger ’23, ’24N, Seth Cutler ’24, Daniel Ford ’24, Zachary Spergel ’24, Christian Voloshen ’24, and Konstantin Dits ’23 recently took on the Seneca7—a 77.7-mile relay race around Seneca Lake.

Competing as “Buzz Sting ‘Em,” the team placed 9th overall out of more than 300 teams and finished 1st in the Mixed Gender division. 🥇👏

From the URochester track to the roads, the teamwork and competitive spirit continues long after graduation. Congratulations to the team on an incredible finish—and thank you to the friends and supporters who cheered them on along the way! 💛🐝