Campaign Launch Weekend in Pictures | Amherst in Pictures

The weekend events began with the dedication of Ford Hall (formerly Greenway A) in honor of William E. Ford ’83, P’13.

In spite of the lingering wintery weather, a crowd gathered for the naming ceremony of Ford Hall.

To honor the occasion, a cake modeled after Ford Hall took center stage.

Left to right: Kelly Close ’90, Lauri Fridovich Leeand, Anabela Perozek ’90 and Catherine Newman ’90.

A luncheon on Saturday provided an opportunity for alumni to interact with current students.

Cullen Murphy and President Biddy Martin

Board of Trustees Chair Cullen Murphy ’74 interviewed President Biddy Martin in Johnson Chapel.

Led by Associate Professor of Music Jeffers Engelhart and Visiting Lecturer Greg Brown ’98, some alumni singers (seen here) joined with current Choral Society member.

Associate Dean of the Faculty Austin Sarat with a panel of students, discussing the value of extracurricular activities to their Amherst experience.

Emily Griffen from the Loeb Center talking about career planning

Emily Griffen, director of the Loeb Center for Career Exploration and Planning, discussed the proactive role of today's career centers in higher education.

Students who worked on a massive library archive project discuss their work

Five students discussed their experience participating in a year-long project that resulted in writing an original scholarly article.

Promise: The Campaign for Amherst's Third Century

The campaign kick-off weekend concluded with a dinner, held in the completely transformed Coolidge Cage, that highlighted the achievements of our faculty and students.

Various slideshows and videos played during the evening's events

The slideshow seen here on the large monitor featured portraits of students, faculty and alumni.

Campaign co-chairs Ted Beneski ’78, Doug Grissom ’89 and Chris Noyer Seaver ’81 P’11, ’14 led a toast.

Members of the men's soccer team were recognized for their accomplishments this year.

Head Coach Justin Serpone with members of the men's soccer team.

The women's basketball team was honored during the dinner.

Head Coach G.P. Gromacki with members of the women's basketball team.

The women's basketball team was recognized for their outstanding achievements this year.

Bill Taubman, Bertrand Snell Professor of Political Science, Emeritus, at the campaign launch dinner

Bill Taubman, Bertrand Snell Professor of Political Science, Emeritus, speaks with other dinner guests.

Biddy Martin addressing the audience at the campaign dinner

Amherst students who participated in the Belong Campaign, were displayed during the campaign kick-off dinner.

The Zumbeyes take the stage at the campaign launch dinner

The Zumbyes (an all male a cappella group) took the stage.

The Zumbyes getting ready to perform.

The Zumbyes performing at the campaign launch dinner

The Zumbyes performed two songs before an appreciative crowd.

DASAC dance members performing at the campaign launch dinner

The DASAC dance team performed several spirited, student-choreographed routines.

Faculty members shares their thoughts about being part of the Amherst community

Catherine Epstein, dean of faculty; Bill Taubman, Bertrand Snell Professor of Political Science, emeritus; Tekla Harms, Massachusetts Professor in Chemistry and Natural History; Leah Schmalzbauer, professor of American studies and sociology; Javier Corrales, professor of political science; and Rhonda Cobham-Sander, professor of English and black studies.

Faculty members speaking at the campaign launch dinner

Catherine Epstein, dean of faculty; Bill Taubman, Bertrand Snell Professor of Political Science, Emeritus; Tekla Harms, Massachusetts Professor in Chemistry and Natural History (geology); Leah Schmalzbauer, professor of American studies and sociology; Javier Corrales, professor of political science; Rhonda Cobham-Sander, professor of English and black studies; and Lisa Brooks, associate professor of English and American studies.

A video plays during the campaign launch dinner

Student-athlete Mary Grace Cronin ’18, a field hockey and lacrosse player, was featured in one of the many videos that played throughout the event.

Campaign chairs, past and current, take the stage

Campaign co-chairs, past and present, came together on the stage.

The Choral Society performs at the end of the program.

As visiting lecturer Greg Brown ’98 led the Choral Society, moving images of Amherst students filled the screen.

The Choral Society performs at the campaign launch dinner

As the final song drew to a close, the portraits of Amherst students on the screen assembled into a mosaic, forming the words "Amherst Promise."