8:00am - 8:00pm |
Alumni House Reception Center Open Stop by for registration, schedules of class activities, messages, information on the Amherst area and light refreshments. Telephone: (413) 542–2065. Alumni House, 75 Churchill Street |
9:00 - 10:00am |
Rugby Touch Game Gather at the rugby pitch for a casual game of rugby touch. Open to all classes and guests, especially alumni of the men’s and women’s rugby teams. Wear athletic clothes and shoes; balls and cones will be provided. Longtime Amherst Rugby Coach Bob Hopley is expected to be in attendance. No need to sign up in advance, but organizer Evan Wollen ’94, Head Rugby Coach at The Claremont Colleges, would appreciate an email to get a sense of who is coming: ehwollen@yahoo.com. Presented by the Class of 1994. Hitchcock Field |
9:00am - 5:00pm |
Making Art at the Mead! (All Ages Welcome) Get inspired by the current exhibitions and collections in the Mead! Family-friendly activities will be available throughout Reunion to tap into visitors’ creativity. Decorate a postcard to send to friends or family, or add some color to objects from the Mead’s permanent collection with coloring sheets created by Charissa Doer ’20 and Samuel Nkengla ’26. Finally, feel free to show off your photography skills and share your masterpiece by tagging the Mead (@MeadArtMuseum) on social media. All materials provided; children must be accompanied by a caregiver. Museum visitation hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Rotherwas Room, Mead Art Museum |
9:00 - 10:00am |
Talking OutLOUD: Teens & Suicide Loss, A Conversation Join us for a screening and talk-back of Talking OutLOUD: Teens & Suicide Loss, A Conversation, from award-winning director Geoffrey Cantor ’84 and executive producer Joanne Lelewer Harpel ’85, P’20, C.T., M.Phil., J.D., one of the world’s leading experts on suicide bereavement. Addressing a subject historically burdened by stigma, misinformation and lack of understanding, the landmark film features five remarkable teens who open up and share things that even their parents had never heard. Until now, there has been nothing for teens who’ve lost a parent or sibling to suicide that spoke to them in the voices of their peers. Talking OutLOUD has changed that. The honesty, vulnerability and resilience of these teens will take your breath away. Talking OutLOUD was created by the nonprofit organization Rethink The Conversation in collaboration with Coping After Suicide. Geoffrey and Joanne will be joined in conversation by pediatrician Douglas Barlow ’84, M.D., and neuropsychologist Joseph Struckus ’83, Ph.D. Presented by the Class of 1984. Stirn Auditorium |
9:00 - 10:00am |
Explore the Beauty of the Valley Take in the surroundings as Lia Raz ’09, who works as an agriculture conservationist in the Valley, leads a nature walk down the Norwottuck Rail Trail. She’ll bring some dichotomous keys for plant identification and throw in some natural history facts as we make our leisurely way. The valley around us has an incredibly rich history (volcanoes! dinosaurs! glaciers!) that has resulted in a fascinating and unique landscape. We’ll touch on all of it. Please bring appropriate footwear and water! We will be walking about 1.5 miles. Presented by the Class of 2009. Meet in the South Parking Lot (Behind the Tennis Courts) |
9:00 - 10:00am |
Fifty Years Later: A Campus Tragedy and Its Legacy Gerald Penny ’77, a young Black man from New Orleans, newly arrived at Amherst, drowned in Pratt Pool in September 1973 during the course of a swimming test. The Black Cultural Center, in the Octagon, is named for him. Penny’s death was a profound shock to his classmates and to the entire community—a searing moment for people as individuals and also an event of institutional importance. It led to changes in specific policies, and it held longstanding assumptions and realities up to light. Panelists include Penny’s classmate Robert Bellinger ’77; Allen Hart ’82, the Manwell Family Professor of Life Sciences (Psychology) and Special Assistant to the President; and Mark London ’74, P’10, former Amherst Student reporter. Moderated by Richard Ammons ’74, dorm advisor to the Class of 1977. Footage from oral-history reminiscences may be shown. Presented by the Class of 1974. Johnson Chapel |
9:00 - 11:00am |
Joe Rachiele ’05E Inaugural Basketball Game Joe Rachiele ’05E, beloved to many in the Class of ’04, passed away last year. As many of you know, Joe loved to spend his free time at Amherst (and, in fact, his whole Watson year!) on the basketball court. In Joe’s honor, join us for some friendly pickup basketball, where we will reminisce about our friend and try to emulate his sweet, sweet jump shot. All levels welcome! Presented by the Class of 2004. LeFrak Gymnasium |
10:15 - 11:15am |
Everything You Wanted to Know about the Birds and the Bees Join Allan Keith ’59, author and renowned bird-watcher, and Gary Shilling ’59, P’89,’93, G’21, economist and avid beekeeper, as they share what they have learned from watching our friends, the birds and the bees. Presented by the Class of 1959. Pruyne Lecture Hall, Fayerweather Hall |
10:15 - 11:15am |
Reunion Soccer Game The Amherst men’s and women’s soccer teams will sponsor a game between odd- and even-class soccer alumni. Bring your black shorts, cleats and shin guards; we’ll supply shirts and socks. RSVP to Coach Alex Ortega (aortega@amherst.edu) so we have a headcount and spread the word to your classmates and teammates! Plan to go right to Gooding Field to get your shirt and socks prior to the match! Gooding Turf Field |
10:15 - 11:15am |
What Is the Fate of Education? Colleges may no longer factor race into admissions. In the wake of COVID, an emphasis on social-emotional learning over skills creates heated debate about student needs. States are divided about how Black history ought to be taught. There is a widening gap between high- and low-income students, with challenges to race-based scholarships, foundations and nonprofits becoming routine. Join panelists for discussion and engagement around the continually evolving landscape of education. Panelists include Paula Castner ’94, Campus Director for the Art of Problem Solving Academy Lexington; Jean-Luc Charles ’94, Community Pastor and parent of two school-aged girls; Brian Harrigan ’94, Head of School at Francis W. Parker Charter Essential School; Doug Norry ’94, P’25, Head of School for Triangle Day School; and Seth Reynolds ’94, Managing Director with EY-Parthenon. Presented by the Class of 1994. Stirn Auditorium |
10:15 - 11:15am |
What Can I Do? Setting Personal Priorities for Promoting Environmental Sustainability Individuals can act in many roles and venues to advance sustainability objectives: in households, communities, private and nonprofit organizations, governments at all levels, educational and scientific contexts and more. Given limited time and resources, well-intentioned people often make their choices without careful thought. This program will suggest a framework for prioritizing personal actions, considering the venues for action, the theoretical potential of possible actions, the capability to actually take those actions and design them for effectiveness, and the plasticity or resistance of the entities one hopes to change. Panelists will present the framework and report on how they set their priorities in several of these venues. Featuring Lee Bluemel ’89, Bobby Shogren ’19, Paul Stern ’64 and Joseph Wilson ’64. Presented by the Classes of 1964, 1989 and 2019. Buckley Recital Hall, Arms Music Center |
10:15 - 11:15am |
Raising Readers in Perilous Times: The Challenges and the Opportunities This panel will feature Pam Allyn ’84, P’12, award-winning literacy advocate for parents and children; Pamela Rotner Sakamoto ’84, dedicated civics advocate/teacher on the ground; and Phoebe Yeh ’84, renowned publisher of children’s books. This will be a lively and informative presentation on how to raise children and teens as readers during this historic moment when library funds are being cut, books are being banned, and children are spending hours on social media and other screens. Panelists will share thought-provoking remarks and provide a hopeful way forward. Whether you are a parent, grandparent, board member, community member or just a person interested in the future of the written word, this session will leave you inspired! Presented by the Class of 1984. Lipton Lecture Hall (E110), Science Center |
10:15 - 11:15am |
Ed Popielarczyk: Comedy and Magic Join us for an entertaining and fun magic show with the amazing Ed Popielarczyk, a professional magician, balloon sculptor, flea circus ringmaster and storyteller. Ed will keep kids enthralled and adults smiling during this comedy magic show with lots of audience participation. Main Quad |
10:15 - 11:15am |
Understanding Lebanon and Hezbollah How do the Middle East’s smallest country and its most powerful non-state militia factor into U.S. interests and prospects for regional stability, particularly in the context of the Israel-Hamas conflict? Join us for an examination of the dimensions that drive and constrain the postures of a uniquely diverse country’s competing constituencies, including Hezbollah as a dominant Lebanese political party and as Iran’s most effective regional proxy. Discussion will touch on regional dynamics and a consideration of perils and opportunities ahead. Featuring Win Dayton ’79, a retired career member of the Senior Foreign Service. Among other assignments during a 32-year diplomatic career, he served as Deputy Chief of Mission and Chargé d’Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Lebanon; Principal Officer at the U.S. Consulate General in Basra, Iraq; and Director of the State Department’s Office for the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS. Presented by the Class of 1979. Cole Assembly Room, Converse Hall |
11:30am - 1:30pm |
Balloon Sculpting with Ed Popielarczyk Hats, animals, airplanes, cartoon characters, flowers, motorcycles—Ed can sculpt hundreds of things with balloons! Stop by until 1:30 p.m. and make a request! Main Quad |
11:30am - 12:30pm |
A Conversation with President Michael A. Elliott '92 and the Annual Meeting of the Society of the Alumni and the Alumni Council Join President Michael A. Elliott ’92 in conversation with Amherst College Trustee Chantal Kordula ’94. The program will be preceded by a brief annual meeting of the Society of the Alumni and the Alumni Council. Johnson Chapel |
12:00 - 1:30pm |
Annual Reunion Luncheon Join us for a complimentary luncheon under the tent on the Valentine Quad. Look for your classmates under the decade signs! Valentine Quad |
1:45 - 2:45pm |
Amherst Music Interlude with Mel Springer ’59 Please join the Class of 1959 for a piano interlude with Mr. Mel Springer ’59. Presented by the Class of 1959. Room 3, Arms Music Center |
1:45 - 2:45pm |
White Elephant Technology: An Entertaining Look at Unusual Inventions That Failed in the Marketplace and What We Can Learn From Them From Jeeps that flew to tanks that shouldn’t; from a wave-powered boat that took forever to reach its destination to a jet-powered train that shook itself apart, look at inventions that showcased an inventor’s talent for building something nobody asked for. Importantly, none of these inventions is speculative; each one was built and worked more or less as planned—except when it killed its inventor. This fun 60-minute talk will be lavishly illustrated with photographs and film clips demonstrating that failure is not just entertaining but has something important to teach us. Featuring John Geoghegan ’79. Presented by the Class of 1979. Cole Assembly Room, Converse Hall |
1:45 - 2:45pm |
Amherst and the Veteran Experience The College in recent years has seen an increase in the number of students who are military veterans. These individuals, older than most undergraduates, bring their own special perspectives to campus and have a unique vantage point on an Amherst education. Hear from Zabrina Adorno ’26, U.S. Navy, current American studies major at Amherst; David Anasky ’21, U.S. Army, Columbia Law School ’24, history major at Amherst; Jeremy Anderson ’26, U.S. Navy, current sociology and art major at Amherst; Frederick T. Griffiths, Class of 1880 Professor in Greek (Classics) and longtime participant in the Warrior-Scholar Project, hosted by Amherst College; and Stephen D. Wrage ’74, Professor of Political Science at the U.S. Naval Academy. Moderated by Cullen Murphy ’74, H’19, Editor at Large for The Atlantic and former trustee at Amherst College. Presented by the Class of 1974. Johnson Chapel |
1:45 - 2:45pm |
What Is the Role of Humanities in a World of Technology and STEM? Universities across the U.S. are cutting funding to humanities and arts courses. There has been a surge in the number of STEM graduates from U.S. colleges and universities at all degree levels, according to a Pew Research Center. Further research indicates that STEM majors have a smoother transition to careers. In a world increasingly driven by AI, online content and other manifestations of “big tech,” how can we ensure the continued vitality of free inquiry, critical thinking, human dignity and other values which are at the heart of the humanities and the arts? Panelists include Brian Bean ’94, P’26, Senior Director of Intellectual Property at E Ink Corp.; Vaughn Cooper ’94, Professor of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics and Computational and Systems Biology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine; Russell Hanser ’94, Deputy Chief Legal Officer at NCTA—The Internet and Television Association; Linda J. Lee ’94, Technical Director of Instructional Design at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania; and Ramya Swaminathan ’94, CEO for Malta Inc. Presented by the Class of 1994. Buckley Recital Hall, Arms Music Center |
1:45 - 2:45pm |
The Good Life: Lessons From the Longest Scientific Study of Happiness Please join a conversation on the “good life” with Dr. Marc Schulz ’84, P’19,’22, award-winning Professor of Psychology at Bryn Mawr College, co-author of the New York Times bestselling book The Good Life: Lessons from the Longest Scientific Study of Happiness and Associate Director of the Harvard Study of Adult Development. Marc will highlight research findings from the 86-year-old Harvard study, which has closely followed individuals from over 700 families from adolescence all the way to the end of their lives and now follows more than 1,300 children of the original participants. Building on his book, Marc will talk about why relationships are a key foundation of the “good life,” emphasizing steps that individuals can take throughout their lives to improve their relationship health and happiness. Presented by the Class of 1984. Lipton Lecture Hall (E110), Science Center |
1:45 - 2:45pm |
Sustainability: Stories from the Field From the local, to the regional, to the global, climate change is the major throughline of our times. It begins with the science, but its effects are exacerbated through disparities in financing, food systems, energy systems and our responses to ever more intense storms. And as those problems amplify each other, climate change also impacts our spirituality, as each of us wrestles with our relationship to a world in flux. Hear a collection of stories from alumni who have been grappling with the interconnected influences of climate change in disparate fields of work. Panelists include Juli Berwald ’89, ocean scientist and science writer; Abbey Gardner ’89, Co-Director of the Science of Implementation Initiative; Amy Klippenstein ’89 and Paul Lacinski ’89 from Sidehill Farm; Deb Pasternak ’89, former Chief Field Officer at Sierra Club; and Emery Sorvino ’19, Senior Manager for Strategy a Sustainability at Indigo Ag. Presented by the Classes of 1989 and 2019. Stirn Auditorium |
2:00 - 4:00pm |
Amherst Reunion Crew Row If you peered between the trees along the riverbank and were startled to see a rowing shell gliding across the face of the water, the urge to jump into the boat would be difficult to extinguish. How satisfying would it be to lean on the rudder again and holler at individuals who are not your children, or press your weight against the foot stretcher to leverage the shell forward? The experience would fill the hollowness that has ensued since the last time you sat in a boat. Please join us for an afternoon on the river at our annual Reunion gathering at the boathouse. Coach Bill Stekl will also give an update on the progress and success of the students on the Amherst College rowing team, who move boats faster than any of us. Amherst College Boathouse (Sportsman’s Marina, Route 9 at Coolidge Bridge) |
3:00 - 4:00pm |
Amherst Christian Fellowship Reunion Come visit old friends and hear about what is going on in ACF. Drop by anytime between 3 and 4 p.m. Light refreshments will be provided. Hosted by Anthony Spina ’17, ACF Advisor and InterVarsity Affiliate. Pemberton Lounge (formerly Chapin Lounge), Chapin Hall |
3:00 - 4:00pm |
A Nationwide Program to Break the Illiteracy Cycle Already proven in Charlotte, N.C., and now being implemented in Oakland, Calif., the effort is spearheaded by the highly respected Oakland rapper Mistah F.A.B., who is known for selflessly giving back to the community and is supported by, among others, the Golden State Warriors NBA team and Jesse Brill ’64, P’02,’04. The NBA has said that once it is proven in Oakland, they will bring the campaign to every NBA city. Head Start is now launching the program in their Dallas locations. At this Reunion event, get simple tools you can bring back to implement the program in your community. The program will be introduced by Robert Siudzinski, Director of the Careers in Education Professions Program at the Loeb Center for Career Exploration and Planning. In-person and remote participants include Jesse Brill ’64, P’02,’04; Mistah F.A.B.; Joe Moran ’64; Spencer C. Russell ’12 and other special guests. Presented by the Class of 1964. Johnson Chapel |
3:00 - 4:00pm |
Why Not? Enjoy a screening of Why Not?, a short film documenting the genesis and production of David Hollister ’84’s musical album, The Wolf Is Always at the Door. David took up singing in 2023, a full year after his ALS diagnosis. Jeff Thompson ’84 encouraged David to cut the album, assembled the musicians and accompanied on the drums. Presented by the Class of 1984. Lipton Lecture Hall (E110), Science Center |
3:00 - 5:00pm |
Casual Kickball! Kick it old-school at the Alumni Reunion Kickball Game! Join us for a fun-filled two hours of kickball, where you can show off your skills, reconnect with old friends and make new ones. Whether you were a kickball champion back in the day or just enjoy a good game, this event is for you! Don’t miss out on this chance to kick back, have fun and create new memories. See you on the field! Presented by the Class of 2019. Hitchcock Field |
3:00 - 4:00pm |
The Art of Pivoting Many people leave college and enter adulthood with a fairly certain idea of how their life will look—what job or postgraduate education they need, what relationships are important to them. However, as they enter their 30s, many realize they need or want to do something else with their lives. We have been taught how to learn and solve problems, but how to pivot is something that may not come naturally, and the question remains: Should we pivot? This panel features speakers who have successfully pivoted in their lives or are in the process of pivoting, and they will share their experiences, what they have learned, and how to decide if one should pivot and pursue something else. Featuring Michael Chernicoff ’09, Merle Smith ’09 and Clay Williams ’99. Moderated by Patrice Peck ’09. Presented by the Classes of 1999 and 2009. Kirby Memorial Theater |
3:00 - 4:30pm |
Who Are We Now?: Finding Meaning and Purpose After the Pandemic The pandemic experience brought us out of our routines and social relationships, making us aware of our inner worlds and their fragility, our need for human connection, and our need for a sense of purpose. In the two years since a return to more normalcy, questions still remain about how to find purpose and meaning in life. Join Yutaka Tamura ’94, Executive Director of nXu, for a workshop to “Cultivate and (Re)Claim Your Purpose.” During this 90-minute interactive workshop, participants will engage in conversation, independent reflection and collaborative activities that promote purpose development. Presented by the Class of 1994. Friedmann Room, Keefe Campus Center |
3:00 - 4:00pm |
Predicting Our Futures, Post-Pandemic It has now been nearly four years since the pandemic disrupted our lives. The health care industry, real estate, data and law were only some of the many industries that were impacted during this time. Join alumni as they look back at how their practices evolved and look forward to the changes yet to come. Participants include Katayun Adhami ’04, Faraz Ahmad ’04, Daniel Altschuler ’04, Daniel Morash ’04, Renata Robinson ’04 and Joe Tringali ’04. Moderated by Dipayan Gupta. Presented by the Class of 2004. Stirn Auditorium |
3:00 - 4:30pm |
Celebrating 50 Years of Neuroscience at Amherst College Join the Neuroscience Program for a special reception honoring its 50th anniversary of becoming one of the first such programs in the country, just five years after the establishment of the Society for Neuroscience in 1969. All are welcome to mark this occasion in community with alumni, their families and friends, students, staff, faculty and administrators. Living Room, Science Center |
3:30 - 5:00pm |
Latine/o/a/x Alumni Reception Latine/o/a/x alumni are invited to a gather for conversation and connection. Refreshments will be provided. All are welcome. Multicultural Resource Center, Keefe Campus Center |
4:00 - 6:00pm |
Physics and Astronomy Alumni Reception All are welcome. Reception ends at 6 p.m. Lower Commons, Science Center (Outside of C025) |
4:15 - 5:45pm |
Amherst Asian Alumni Reception Please join ShoYoung Shin ’19 and the Amherst Asian Alumni Network (AAAN) to celebrate and be in community with Asian alumni across the years. Refreshments will be provided. All are welcome. Eighmy Powerhouse |
7:00 - 9:00pm |
Eternity: The 24th Apocalypse Party Apocalypse is a party for people who don’t like parties, hosted by Planworld. Come and meet a diverse group of interesting people who all read the program and decided to sneak away for a few minutes. The conversation will be fueled by Black Sheep cake, among other delights. We will continue until everyone stops talking. Second-Floor Lounge, Nicholls Biondi Hall, Greenway Residence Halls |
9:00 - 10:00pm |
The Zumbyes' Reunion Show The Zumbyes welcome all Zum-alums, Amherst alums, friends, fans and anyone else to celebrate the 74th year of the group with a free concert of new songs, classic songs and, of course, our beloved College songs. Buckley Recital Hall, Arms Music Center |