Dear Kenyon Community,
Since the College announced changes to the Summer Sendoff date and format last week, we have heard concerns expressed by students and community members about the impact of a May 6 event on other activities planned on campus. We want you to know that we listened. This week, a group of students and administrators representing Student Council, Social Board, Campus Safety, Maintenance, Student Activities, Housing and Residential Life and Student Affairs have spent several hours discussing alternatives to the date. After evaluating the options and speaking with many individuals from other campus offices, we have found a new date for Sendoff: Friday, April 29.
The event will begin at 4 p.m., feature a variety of food and entertainment options and take place inside a fenced area on Ransom Lawn. Alcohol will be available for purchase by those age 21 and over, with a five-drink limit, in the fenced area. The rain site will be Thomas Hall in Peirce Hall, thanks to the flexibility of the Office of the President in relocating several meetings and a dinner associated with the Kenyon College Board of Trustees, who will be on campus that day. Should a rain location become necessary, we want to acknowledge the hard work that will be required on the part of the Maintenance staff and AVI and ask in advance that students be patient and understanding with dining options over a three-day period when set-up and breakdown for the event will occur.
Some details for Summer Sendoff are still being discussed, and we welcome student input. The Office of Student Activities will meet with members of Social Board and Student Council in the coming weeks to explore specific vendors and other activities associated with the event.
We look forward to a safe and festive community gathering to celebrate the end of the academic year, and we are grateful to everyone who offered their good ideas and problem-solving skills as we sought ways to improve Summer Sendoff.
Best wishes,
Meredith Harper Bonham '92, Vice President for Student Affairs
Phoebe Roe '16, President of Student Council