Alumni on Parade

From Kenyon News - May 22, 2017

Less than a week after celebrating the Commencement of the Class of 2017, Kenyon welcomed back generations of previous graduates for Reunion Weekend, May 26-28. More than 1,100 people traveled to Gambier from 42 states and six countries, according to the Office of Alumni and Parent Engagement.

This year’s event hosted class years ending in two and seven, from 1967 to 2012 (older alumni were able to gather for a Post-50th Reunion in late April). This Reunion also saw the Chasers, Kenyon’s oldest a cappella group, gather in celebration of its 50th anniversary. Chasers alumni performed a concert Saturday, May 27, at 9 p.m. in Rosse Hall.

“Reunion Weekend 2017 surely will be one to remember,” said Scott R. Baker ’94, associate vice president for alumni and parent engagement. “We’ll enjoy a panel discussion in tribute to retiring Professor of Political Science John Elliott, a fond remembrance of Professor of Drama Harlene Marley, and peeks into newer Kenyon spaces including the Wright Center and the Kokosing Nature Preserve.”

“I was excited for Kenyon reunions before I even graduated,” said Ellen Blanchard ’12. “There has been lots of change in the last five years of my life, but I look forward to the continuity of seeing my favorite people in my favorite place.”

Other notable activities for the weekend included:

• Town hall meeting with President Sean Decatur and members of the Senior Staff on Saturday at 10 a.m. in Higley Hall Auditorium (video is available here)
• Luncheon for the Gregg Cup Award, Kenyon’s highest alumni honor, and other alumni awards on Saturday at noon in Peirce Hall’s Great Hall
• Reception celebrating Kenyon authors on Saturday at 2 p.m. in front of Ransom Hall
• Family concert with Justin Roberts ’92 and the Not Ready for Naptime Players (Liam Davis ’90 and Gerald Dowd) on Saturday at 4 p.m. in the hospitality tent on Ransom lawn.

Viewdownloadable Facebook banners. Alumni are encouraged to share their favorite Reunion moments on Twitter and Instagram using #KenyonReunion.