Welcome reception for early arrivals

Kick off the weekend with a casual gathering in the Thompson Suite, located on the top floor of the hotel with breathtaking views of the San Jacinto Mountains and Palm Canyon. Enjoy a drink and reconnect with brothers and friends from across the country in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. After the reception, explore Palm Springs at your leisure. Grab dinner on your own, or wander just steps away to the Palm Springs Village Fest on Palm Canyon Drive, a lively street fair featuring arts, crafts, food, and entertainment in the heart of the city.

Sponsored by Aaron Lavine, California-Santa Barbara '05 and the California Gamma AVC

Optional excursion: Palm Springs walking food tour 

(additional fee) 

This isn't just a food tour, it's a taste of the Coachella Valley. Enjoy amazing local eats and drinks while learning about Hollywood history, standout architecture, major events, and what makes thes desert resort destination so unforgettable. 

$175/person 

Event check-in 

Welcome to Palm Springs and Board of Governors Weekend! Swing by the registration desk to check in, pick up your gift bag, and settle into an unforgettable weekend in the desert. 

Welcome to Palm Springs: Cocktails and Dinner hosted by Garry Kief 

Friday night is iconic Palm Springs, hosted at the historic home of Garry Kief, Southern California ’70. Think cocktails on the lawn, a few surprises, and some special guests. Drinks, dinner, and time with the people who make SigEp great take center stage as the evening unfolds. It’s all about fun, plenty of laughs, old friends and new — the kind of night that fills up your SigEp heart.

Suggested attire: Bring your best “backyard soirée” energy, Palm Springs style. Think elevated casual: linen, florals, bright hues, and effortless tailoring. Sundresses or polished jumpsuits for women; lightweight trousers or tailored shorts with a crisp shirt for men. The evening will take place outdoors, so stylish yet comfortable footwear is encouraged, and know temperatures may cool after sunset.

Brunch Bites and Bright Skies 

Ease into the morning at this poolside, come-and-go reception featuring a selection of elevated, brunch-inspired small bites as you graze, mingle, and soak up the sunshine.

Sponsored by Scott Carr, California-Santa Barbara '86 and Heather McLeod

Optional excursion: Indian Canyon jeep tour 

(additional fee) 

Set out with fellow SigEps and guests on an adventurous desert jeep experience featuring breathtaking rock formations and wide-open views. The journey continues with an easy, guided one-mile hike along tranquil Andreas Creek, offering a rare look at one of North America’s largest palm oases and a tucked-away water cave.

$245 per person

Optional excursion: Palm Springs aerial tramway and lunch

(additional fee)

Soar from desert floor to alpine forest on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, the world’s largest rotating tram car. This unforgettable 10-minute ride climbs over 2½ miles along the sheer cliffs of Chino Canyon, delivering you to the cool, pristine wilderness of Mt. San Jacinto State Park. Upon arrival, explore the state park at your leisure, then enjoy a group lunch with fellow SigEps and guests with sweeping canyon views!

$175 per person

Poolside at the Thompson

Settle in and soak up the Palm Springs sun with brothers and friends at our reserved pool deck and VIP cabanas, your exclusive home base for relaxing, reconnecting, and enjoying the effortless style of the Thompson Palm Springs.

Sundrenched Spirits: Poolside Cocktails

Unwind poolside in the afternoon sun with refreshing sips alongside brothers and friends. Enjoy a curated selection of cocktails crafted by the resort's expert mixologists, offering something to suit every taste and preference in a relaxed, resort-style setting. 

Sponsored by Tom Mays, Lamar '76

Celebration Under the Stars

Step into an unforgettable evening with brothers and friends at Copley’s on Palm Canyon, a Palm Springs staple and one of the area’s premier dining destinations, located just two blocks from the Thompson Hotel. Gather for a night of delicious cuisine, flowing drinks, live music, and celebration in the desert’s glow. Together, we’ll toast the memories made and the meaningful impact we share in supporting the next generation of SigEp men.

Cocktail hour sponsored by Wendell Rakosky, Baldwin Wallace '78.                              Entertainment sponsored by Jeff Prouty, Iowa State '79. 

Suggested attire: A refined desert evening look. Women may opt for cocktail dresses or elegant resort-inspired silhouettes, while men are encouraged to wear tailored trousers and a collared shirt (shorts are not recommended). The evening will take place outdoors, so comfortable shoes are encouraged for the short walk to the venue and cooler temperatures after sunset.