25th Reunion Program
The 25th Reunion program is a strong tradition at Williams College. Each year, the
current 25th Reunion Class gathers in Williamstown in June to celebrate this
milestone event. Along with the 50th Reunion Class, the 25th Reunion Class is
the specially honored class at the Society of Alumni Annual Meeting, held on
Saturday morning of reunion weekend. In celebration of the event, the 25th
Reunion Class presents to the President of the College a 25th Reunion Gift.
The four main components of the 25th Reunion Program are:
- THE 25TH REUNION FUND CLASS GIFT - 25th Reunion Fund Committee
To
celebrate the 25th Reunion, the Class will present to the College at reunion a
special commemorative gift. Class leaders decide on one or more class gift
objectives in consultation with the College and set a dollar goal. Over the past
five years the direction of such gifts has ranged from faculty endowment to
scholarship support, new construction to building renovations. The 25th reunion
gift totals have ranged from $2 million to over $10 million. In addition, the
class will seek continued support for the Alumni Fund. Gifts and pledges to both
the special class gift and to the Alumni Fund will count toward the 25th Reunion
Fund total. The magnitude of individual gifts varies, based on each donor's
financial capacity and his/her inclination to give to Williams. Nonetheless,
most class members who participate in the 25th Reunion Fund stretch to make the
largest commitment they have ever considered to Williams.
- THE 25TH REUNION CLASS BOOK - Book Committee
Each 25th Reunion
Class produces a book which features autobiographical essays from the members of
the Class. The book is conceived and edited by the Class Book Committee and
often includes historic photos, comments from the President, and/or essays
written by former professors or members of the Class. This is a keepsake that is
sent in the spring prior to Reunion to all members of the Class, regardless of
whether or not they plan to attend Reunion. The College has appointed a designer
to oversee and guide this project to completion.
- THE REUNION WEEKEND - Weekend Committee
The Reunion Weekend
activities are planned and coordinated by the Reunion Weekend Committee and are
staffed by the College. Generally, the Reunion Chair is assisted by a committee
of class members who plan the schedule and specific activities of the weekend.
Reunion is a family event and a variety of special activities are scheduled for
spouses, partners and children of all ages. Alumni also are encouraged to attend
by themselves if they do not have a family or if travel plans or scheduling make
it impossible to bring everyone.
- COMMUNICATIONS - Communications Committee and "Reconnect" Team
The
Communications Committee serves as the focal point for communications and
publicity for the 25th Reunion. Key responsibilities include: development and
maintenance of a class web site; development of an e-mail network; development
of a telephone chain; and assistance to other reunion planning committees for
which the Reconnect Team can act as the recipient of information submitted by
classmates or a clearinghouse of information for the dissemination of
information to the Class.
The 25th Reunion is a fun and exciting time both for the Class and for the
College. The College is deeply grateful for the generosity of Williams' alumni
and for the tremendous spirit that inspires a class 25 years out to organize a
reunion that brings friends back to campus and provides a generous gift to
support Williams.
25th Reunion Staff:
Jim Trapp: Director, Alumni Fund - (413-597-4779)
Alice Wilson: Director, 25th Reunion Program - (413-597-4652)
Barbara Cirone: Assistant to the Director, 25th Reunion Program - (413-597-4208)
Kim Hogue: Assistant to the Director, Alumni Fund - (413-597-4356)
Brooks Foehl: Assistant Director, Alumni Relations - (413-597-4408)
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