Alumni Weekend Nets Record Turnout

Roughly 600 alumni--a dramatic increase over last year's number--attended Alumni Weekend, October 14 to 16. Organizers attribute the rise to the hard work of volunteer committees, who e-mailed and phoned classmates throughout the summer and early fall.

"It was really the personal contact that made the difference," says Jim Stell '60. "The highlights for me were attending faculty lectures, the tailgate event, and the class reunion dinner. This [Alumni Weekend] was very successful--one of the best."

Milestone reunions, held on campus, included the classes of 1960, 1965, 1970, 1975, 1980, 1985, 1990, 1995, and 2000. Affinity reunions were also held for the France 1980, Israel 1980, and Romania 1970 overseas study programs.

"It's a terrific way to reconnect with friends and with the College," says Amelia Wilcox '81, who organized the affinity reunion for those who attended the overseas program to Israel in 1980. "All but four people from our study program came to the event!"

Three alumni received awards during the Alumni Honors Banquet:

• Paul Barker '71, M.A.T. '81, distinguished alumnus, is country director for CARE in Afghanistan (see related story).

• James Forman '81, Donald G. Balmer Citation for service to the College, is a past president of the Board of Alumni, a regional alumni organizer, a practicing attorney, and a tireless advocate for children.

• Aaron Meyer '95, outstanding young alumnus, blends classical roots with rock influences to create a style he calls "concert rock violin."

Alumni Honors Banquet VIPs--Tom Hochstettler, president; Paul Barker '71, M.A.T. '81, distinguished alumnus; Aaron Meyer '95, outstanding young alumnus; James Forman '81, Balmer citation for service to the College; Don Balmer, U.G. Dubach Professor Emeritus of Political Science; and David LaFrance '86, alumni board chair.

Over the course of the weekend, participants enjoyed Alumni College lectures presented by Bob Mandel, professor of international affairs; Cyrus Partovi '67, senior lecturer in social sciences; and Richard Rohrbaugh, Wright Professor Emeritus of Christian Studies.

Other highlights included a concert by Mates of State, the husband-and-wife indie-pop duo of Jason Hammel and Kori Gardner, and a complimentary brunch with the Board of Alumni in Albany Quadrangle.

Be sure to mark your calendar for Alumni Weekend 2006, which will be held October 5 through 8.

Nine honor years celebrated their class reunions during Alumni Weekend 2005, including the classes of 1965 and 1990.