After a two-year hiatus caused by the pandemic, Reunions returned in a big way, living up to their billing as One Hill of a Party. Classes marking their reunions in 2022 were joined by those who missed out in 2020 and 2021. In all, more than 2,500 attendees made their way to Hamilton to celebrate from June 9 to 12.
From Alumni Colleges, to live music, to dedications and beloved traditions, the weekend was packed with events and opportunities for alumni to reconnect with faculty, current students, and, especially, each other. Even Mother Nature was eager to accommodate, providing much-better-than-predicted weather of mild temperatures under sunny skies.
Weekend Highlights
Alumni Colleges featured such diverse topics as the rising global epidemic of food allergies with Hugh Sampson ’71; building a career in an online-first society featuring a panel of 2005, 2006, and 2007 alumni; and “Kirkland Conversations” with members of the charter Class of 1972, who gathered to celebrate their 50th reunion.- Reading of the traditional half-century class annalist letter was a bit less traditional, with four letters presented throughout the weekend. John Pitarresi ’70 shared reflections on behalf of the Class of 1970; Rory Radding ’71 presented memories of the Class of ’71; J.K. Hage III ’72, P ’02,’12, Jon Hysell ’72, P’04 (with contributions from Steve Wulf ’72, P’12) spoke on behalf of the Hamilton Class of ’72; and Betty Marmon K’72 and Donna Kerner K’72 read the inaugural Kirkland Class of ’72 half-century letter.
- Recognized for service to the College were Kirkland President Sam Babbitt, who received the Bell Ringer Award; Gordon Kaye ’74, who was honored with the Jeff Little Volunteer of the Year Award; and Phyllis Breland ’80, who received the Distinguished Service Award. In addition to numerous College Key Awards recognizing alumni for special initiatives, outgoing Alumni Association President Josie Collier ’97, P’14 was saluted for her service.
- Kirkland’s charter class dedicated its class gift, the Kirkland Green, an outdoor amphitheater located near List Center and the McEwen Courtyard, and honored Susan Skerritt K’77, P’11 for her years of leadership.
- There was no shortage of first-class entertainment. Rock-n-blues band Ghost Hounds, with Thomas Tull ’92, P’13, along with a DJ set by David Solomon ’84, P’16, rocked the quad (video) on Friday night.
- It wouldn’t be Reunions without the all-alumni parade, tours of the College Cemetery, the Service of Remembrance, and class dinners. Other highlights this year included a ribbon-cutting of the newly renovated Chapel and glasses raised to the 25th anniversary of The Little Pub.
