Celebrating Curiosity, Community, and What Comes Next
November 6-8, 2026 | Tysons, VA (just outside D.C.)
Save the Date!
Join fellow alumni, students, faculty, staff, and friends of the SSPI community for the 2026 Annual Gathering Weekend in Virginia.
This year’s theme, Shared Horizons, celebrates the connections that unite the SSPI community across generations, disciplines, and life paths. While alumni have pursued careers, research, and opportunities around the world, they remain connected through a shared experience rooted in curiosity, collaboration, and discovery.
Throughout the weekend, attendees will have opportunities to reconnect with old friends, meet alumni from across generations, engage with new ideas, and celebrate the impact of the SSPI community.
This full weekend will include:
- Alumni Networking and Research Presentations
- Interactive community activities and storytelling experiences
- The Gala and Awards at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
- Sunday Breakfast
More information, registration details, and hotel accommodations will be announced soon.
Gala
The highlight of the weekend is our classic Dinner and Awards beneath the space shuttle Discovery at the iconic Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, bringing together alumni, students, faculty, staff, sponsors, and friends to celebrate achievement, community, and the future of SSPI.
Awards
SSP International will present the following awards at the dinner:
The Beacon Award, selected by SSPI, celebrates sustained and outstanding service to SSP International and is open to alumni and honorary community members, including faculty, staff, trustees, parents, and guardians.
2025 Beacon Award Honoree: Harland Epps TA ‘59, ‘61; AAD ’64, ‘65, ’67; AD ‘66
The Legacy Award, selected by SSPI, honors an alum or friend whose lifetime dedication has deeply supported and enriched the SSPI community.
2025 Legacy Award Honoree: Steve Cotler ’60 (accepted posthumously by Emily Cotler)
The Young Alumni Achievement Award is selected through nominations by the SSPI community. This award celebrates a Summer Science Program alum up to 15 years out of the program who has made notable early-career accomplishments or created a meaningful impact in their field and/or community. Nominees should embody elements of some of SSPI’s core values: Challenge, Collaboration, Curiosity, and Community.
2025 Young Alumni Achievement Award Honoree: Emma Louden ‘15, TA ‘19
