GSE Reunion Homecoming 2026

What if the most transformative solutions to our biggest challenges come from designing for those we've traditionally left out? At Stanford, we've discovered that when we intentionally create programs for individuals with learning differences, including intellectual and developmental disabilities, we don't just improve access—we fundamentally reimagine what's possible for everyone. This phenomenon, known as "designing for the edges," reveals a powerful truth: constraints breed creativity, and when we center the needs of people with learning differences, we develop flexible solutions that ultimately serve entire communities. This session will explore Stanford's cutting-edge inclusive programs and provide you with concrete strategies to advance this work in your own organizations. Join us to discover how championing neurodiversity and supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities isn't just the right thing to do—it's the smartest path to building a more creative, innovative, and truly accessible world for all.

Christopher J. Lemons, Ph.D., is a Professor of Education in the Graduate School of Education at Stanford University. His research focuses on improving outcomes for children, adolescents, and young adults with intellectual, developmental, and learning disabilities. His current working focuses on supporting learners with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in using AI, expanding literacy interventions for students with extensive support needs, and fostering inclusive education in the US and international settings. Prior to entering academia, Lemons taught in several special education settings including a preschool autism unit, an elementary resource and inclusion program, and a middle school life skills classroom.

Join us for an open house of the NEW GSE Makery and Tinkery, housed in the Angela Nomellini and Ken Olivier (ANKO) building. The Makery is located on the bottom level, right outside of the elevator; the Tinkery is around the corner. If you need instructions on how to get there, please ask at the GSE registration tent!

The Makery will run a make-your-own tote bag activity for the first 15 arrivals for each session, so make sure to come early!

Join us on a tour of the new GSE's new home! Please meet your tour guide at the registration tent in the GSE courtyard, near the Stanford Clock Tower. Tour the newly renovated Angela Nomellini and Ken Olivier (ANKO) building and the Patricia & Jeffrey Raikes building (Raikes).

Photo by Drew Bird

Join us for the inaugural Stanford Education Leadership Summit, a first-of-its-kind gathering of MA/MBA students and alumni from the Stanford Graduate School of Education and Stanford Graduate School of Business.

Join us for:

• A fireside conversation with Dean Sarah A. Soule from the Graduate School of Business and Dean Dan Schwartz of the Graduate School of Education.
• Dinner and networking with fellow MA/MBA alumni
• Faculty microlectures on breakthrough research
• An inspirational alumni panel discussion featuring MA/MBA alumni

Hear from inspiring alumni and faculty speakers leading change at the intersection of education and business. Connect and network with fellow MA/MBA alumni and take advantage of other Stanford GSE programming during Reunion Homecoming weekend! 

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Secure a front-row seat at the official reunion welcome and immerse yourself in the latest insights from life and academia. Experience engaging microlectures delivered by esteemed faculty scholars, showcasing groundbreaking research and innovative ideas shaping our future.

Speakers include:

• James Landay

• Anna Lembke, MD '95

• Caroline Winterer

Join us on a tour of the new GSE's new home! Please meet your tour guide at the registration tent in the GSE courtyard, near the Stanford Clock Tower. Tour the newly renovated Angela Nomellini and Ken Olivier (ANKO) building and the Patricia & Jeffrey Raikes building (Raikes).

Photo by Drew Bird

Join us for coffee and conversations, and meet/get to know fellow alumni and students attending reunion! Coffee, matcha, and pastries will be provided!

Join us for an open house of the NEW GSE Makery and AI Tinkery, housed in the Angela Nomellini and Ken Olivier (ANKO) building. The Makery is located on the bottom level, right outside of the elevator; the Tinkery is around the corner. If you need instructions on how to get there, please ask at the GSE registration tent!

The Makery will run a make-your-own tote bag activity for the first 15 arrivals for each session, so make sure to come early!

America at 250, can our founding architecture endure today's polarization?

Join Provost Jenny Martinez, Secretary Condoleeza Rice, Professor Jonathan Gienapp, and U.S. Senator Cory Booker, ’91 for a rigorous look at constitutional resilience, historical perspective, institutional trust, and America's global future.