Reunion Schedule 2018

Pick up a hardcopy program at the Alumni Center upon checking in.

  • 2 - 3PM
    New Light on Old Williams: West, Griffin and the Hopkins Observatory: Faculty Lecture with EJ Johnson, Amos Lawrence Professor of Art
    MAINSTAGE, ’62 CENTER FOR THEATRE AND DANCE

    3:30 – 4:30PM 
    Waste and the Good Life: Faculty Lecture Eiko Siniawer '97, Professor of History
    What do our decisions about the stuff we throw away and the stuff we keep say about the hopes, values, and expectations of our time?
    MAINSTAGE, ’62 CENTER FOR THEATRE AND DANCE

  • 6:00AM
    Sunrise Hike Up Pine Cobble with Director of the Williams Outing Club, Scott Lewis
    Dress for the weather, bring a water bottle and a cup for hot drinks. Return to campus by 8:30AM
    PARESKY STEPS

    8:00 –  9:30AM
    Ephraim Williams Society Breakfast
    Join us as we honor alumni, parents, and friends who have established legacy gifts for Williams. RSVP to: Cheryl Brigley, 877-374-7526 [email protected]?
    WILLIAMS INN, 1090 Main Street

    10:00 – 11:00AM 
    50th Reunion Alumni Seminar
    MAINSTAGE, ’62 CENTER FOR THEATRE AND DANCE

    11:30 – 1:30PM 
    FestEPHal - Lunch & Day Party
    Members of the Williams Black Alumni Network (WBAN), Williams Latino Alumni Network (WLAN), Williams Asian and Asian-American Alumni Network (WAAAN) and BiGLATA are welcome to enjoy a festive party lunch with the family while enjoying the ambiance of the newly renovated Log. This event will be hosted by the Director for Alumni Diversity & Inclusion, Sharifa Wright '03.
    THE LOG

    1:30 – 2:30PM 
    25th Alumni Seminar
    MAINSTAGE, ’62 CENTER FOR THEATRE AND DANCE

    2:45-3:45PM
    A Conversation with Williams Interim President  Protik "Tiku" Majumder, Barclay Jermain Professor of Natural Philosophy
    Society of Alumni President, Jordan Hampton '87, will engage in conversation with President Majumder and take your questions for Tiku, too.
    MAINSTAGE, ’62 CENTER FOR THEATRE AND DANCE

    4:00 – 5:00PM
    Seminar Topic TBD with Lizzie O'Leary '98, host of Marketplace Weekend.
    MAINSTAGE, ’62 CENTER FOR THEATRE AND DANCE

    5:30PM
    Shabbat Service followed by Kiddush
    JEWISH RELIGIOUS CENTER

    6:00PM
    Class Dinners and Festivities
    Refer to class specific schedules for locations and details.

  • 7AM
    Bird Walk with Hopkins Forest Manager Drew Jones
    Some binoculars provided. Coffee available!
    HOPKINS FOREST

    7AM
    Hike Through Hopkins Forest
    Join other reunion attendees for an early morning hike through Hopkins Forest. This 4.5 mile hike, traversing a large stretch of the Forest, begins with some stunning views from atop the crest, then descends the Birch Brook trail to the Loop trails, before finishing at the Rosenburg Center. Sturdy shoes recommended for the rolling terrain. If you'd like a ride to the trailhead, meet behind Chapin Hall in the parking lot for a van ride to Petersburg Pass on Rt2 at 7am. Vans will shuttle hikers back to campus from the Rosenburg Center at about 10AM.

    7AM
    Fun Run
    Join other reunion attendees for an early morning run in the Purple Valley (Gale Road loop).
    CHAPIN STEPS

    7AM
    Yoga
    GREYLOCK DANCE STUDIO, 2nd FLOOR, GREYLOCK HALL

    8:30AM*
    Create a Spectacle
    Dress up for the parade by making your own festive sunglasses, hats, and signs to carry and wear! Rain or shine.
    PARESKY FRONT STEPS

    9:30AM*
    Parade of Classes
    The Class of 1968 will lead the way to Chandler Gym for the Society’s 196th Annual Meeting. Pre-parade music provided by the Eagles Band of Pittsfield. Find your classmates near class signs on Sawyer Quad. The Greylocks (post-50th Reunion classes) should gather outside of the Dodd House for the parade. ATTENTION: This year, the parade will be held on Sawyer Quad. See animation by Alexandra Scarangella '18 to preview the new route.
    SAWYER QUAD

    10:30AM - 12PM
    Annual Meeting, Society of Alumni
    The 196th annual meeting, led by Society of Alumni President Jordan Hampton '87: trophies, cups, and medals recognizing alumni volunteers; election results; major gift announcements; and traditional Williams songs.
    CHANDLER GYM

    10:30AM - 12PM*
    Wheels! (Ages 2-4)
    After the parade, join other young families to explore a fire engine, police cruiser, ambulance, backhoe, front loader, mowers, and street sweeper! Rain or shine.
    WESTON GATE

    10:00AM - 2PM*
    Toddler and Preschool Playdate (Ages 2-4)
    Toddlers/preschoolers and their parents/caregivers are welcome at the Williams Children's Center to play with purple Play-Doh, run around the outdoor play spaces, and enjoy other activities.
    CHILDREN'S CENTER, WHITMAN STREET

    10:30AM - 12PM*
    Soccer Clinic (Ages 5-12)
    Join a soccer session for all levels. We'll work on development and refinement, and end with small-sided games. Rain or shine.
    LOWER COLE FIELD

    10:30AM - 12PM*
    Ultimate Frisbee Clinic (Ages 10+)
    Come and learn this team sport, led by members of the Williams Ultimate Frisbee Organization. Rain or shine.
    UPPER COLE FIELD

    NOON*
    All Campus Lunch!
    Rain or shine! Enjoy a meal sourced locally and sustainably, highlighting the great food and farms within the Berkshire community.
    CHAPIN LAWN/PARESKY

    NOON
    Joseph’s Coat Luncheon
    Alumni in classes ’40-’67
    LASELL GYM

    1 - 5PM*
    Visit the Treetops of the Canopy Walkway (Ages 12+)
    The walkway is a pair of tree platforms set 70 ft. above the ground and originally used for research. Participants are harnessed to safety cables, and aided by guides. No children under 12. (Shuttles leave from the intersection of Chapin and Mission Park Drive at 1:00, 2:00, 3:00, and 4:00. Shuttles return from the Forest at 2:15, 3:15, 4:15, and 5:15.)
    HOPKINS FOREST

    1 – 5PM*
    The Williams Bead Store (Ages 5+)
    Williams English Professor and avid beader, Alison Case, will provide the opportunity for you to create your own beautiful necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and more. No experience necessary! Everyone welcome!
    CLASS OF 1958 LOUNGE, PARESKY SECOND LEVEL

    1 - 5PM*
    Plenty of Purple Projects (All Ages)
    Get your creative juices flowing and make decoupage frames, boxes, jewelry, stationery, painted cow bells, and more. Materials in Williams' colors, of course!
    SCHOW ATRIUM, SCIENCE QUAD

    1 - 5PM*
    Paint the Purple Cow (Ages 5+)
    Paint your own version of the college's beloved mascot, the Purple Cow. Each session will consist of a 1 hour instructed painting, where each child (age 5 and up) will be able to leave with a completed version of their very own acrylic painting on stretched canvas. Progressive Palette will provide all the supplies needed to create and complete the painting.Their qualified staff will be instructing, inspiring and helping each and every child as needed. Cost: $10 (accept cash, check or credit)
    READING ROOM, PARESKY SECOND LEVEL

    1 – 5PM
    Community Service Project
    Process Donations from Give It Up! Collection Drive
    Help volunteers at the First Congregational Church sort through massive quantities of clothing and housewares, donated by Williams students and community members, to prepare for September sales to benefit local charitable organizations.
    FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH

    1 - 5PM
    Davis Center & MINCO Open House
    Staff Members from Davis Center (formerly The Multi-Cultural Center), including the Center's new Director, Shawna Patterson-Stephens, will be on hand from 1-3PM to share information about their work from this past academic year.
    RICE HOUSE, MORLEY CIRCLE

    1 - 5PM
    Library Special Collections Open House
    Staff of the Chapin Library and the College Archives will be on hand to introduce exhibits and collections featuring rare books, manuscripts, yearbooks and other artifacts of college history.

    1 – 2PM
    Concussions and Contact Sports. Research by Bill Reeves '98 in discussion with Director of Sports Medicine Rodd Lanoue.
    BROOKS ROGERS AUDITORIUM

    1 – 2PM
    The History of Women Scientists of Color at NASA from 1941-1969 with Dr. Marty Williams '78
    SCHAPIRO 129

    1 – 2PM
    Student-Led Admission Tour
    Families with children beginning to think about college are encouraged to participate.
    PARESKY FRONT STEPS

    1 – 2PM*
    Puppet Show (All Ages)
    The Puppet Brigade presents "The Storybook" with giant puppets. Fun for the whole family!
    PARESKY AUDITORIUM

    2:15 - 3:15PM
    Dwelling of the Gallant: Women of Williams
    June 2015 marked the 40th anniversary of the graduation of the first fully coed class of Williams College. We take this time to acknowledge the women in the class of 1978, the women who came before them as transfer students and partners, as well as the faculty and staff who supported them. This is also the time for the college to recognize and celebrate the over 13,000 Williams Alumnae (including the class of 2018) who have and continue to have an impact on Williams and the world. Join us for a short ceremony of celebration that includes four Eph women, one per decade, telling their stories as a Woman of Williams.
    MAINSTAGE, '62 CENTER

    2:15 - 3:15PM
    Alumni Exhibition Tour

    Presenting a group of works generously donated by alumni celebrating their class reunions, Paragons: Embodying Ideals explores how cultural and societal ideals are written onto the mutable surface of the body. Walk through the exhibition with curator Tom Price, MA '17.
    WCMA

    2:15 - 3:15PM
    Campus Tour
    If you haven’t been to campus in a while, this tour is for you. A reunion ranger will show you the Paresky Center, ’62 Center for Theatre and Dance, Hollander and Schapiro Halls, Sawyer Library, Weston Field, and The Class of 1966 Environmental Center.
    PARESKY FRONT PORCH

    2:15 - 3:15PM
    Adventures in the Land of Nod: Sleep and its disorders with John Winkelman, M.D., Ph.D. '78
    The science of sleep, and the recognition and treatment of people with sleep disorders has advanced dramatically in the last 30 years, but there is still much to learn about this mysterious state that occupies one-third of our life.
    SCHAPIRO 129

    2:15 – 3:15PM*
    The Williams Admission Picture

    Families with children beginning to think about college are encouraged to attend this informal, interactive session with Williams admission officers.
    WESTON HALL

    2:15 – 3:15PM* 
    Community Drum Circle (All Ages)

    In this musical environment, learn rhythms, playful games, and songs from Africa, South America, and Asia. All instruments provided!
    PARESKY FRONT STEPS

    2:15 – 3:15PM*
    Lee F. Jackson '79 Memorial Track Meet and Family Games (Ages 5-12)

    Participate in races, water games, and more. Ribbons for all participants.
    LEE TRACK, WESTON ATHLETIC COMPLEX (Rain Location: Towne Field House)

    2:15 – 3:15PM*
    Stream Critter Search (Ages 5-12)

    Hike to find salamanders, frogs, crayfish, and hellgrammites. Your shoes may get wet!
    HOPKINS FOREST

    2:15 - 3:15PM
    Physics and Astronomy Reception
    The Department of Physics and the Department of Astronomy invite alumni and friends for iced tea and cookies in the David Park Teaching Laboratory.
    PHYSICS 215

    3:30PM
    Eph Meet-Up @ Reunion
    This casual networking reception features industry-specific chat areas where you can meet other Ephs who do what you do - or would like to do someday! Career shifters and other Ephs in professional transition are welcome, as are non-Eph spouses and guests. Come as you are, business cards optional!
    BAXTER HALL, PARESKY CENTER

    3:30PM
    Charlie vs. Goliath
    Screening of the documentary film Charlie vs. Goliath followed by Q&A with filmmaker Reed Lindsay '98.
    PARESKY AUDITORIUM

    3:30PM
    Take Me to the River
    A guided hike on Hopkins Forest's Hoosic River Trail.
    HOPKINS FOREST

    3:30PM
    Williams Rocks
    A walking tour of campus, from bedrock to building stones, and the stories they tell with Bud Wobus, Edna McConnell Clark Professor of Geology.
    CLARK HALL, ROOM 105

    3:30PM*
    Drawing Class (Ages 5-12)
    Enjoy an outdoor drawing session. No experience necessary; come to learn or practice what you already know. Supplies provided.
    PARK STREET ENTRANCE TO ALUMNI CENTER

    3:30PM*
    Ultimate Frisbee Games (Ages 10+)
    Practice the skills you learned in the morning clinic! Led by WUFO members. Rain or shine.
    UPPER COLE FIELD

    3:30PM 
    Math-Stats Faculty, Students, Alumni Get-Together
    Say hi to the old profs, meet some new ones, see some students, and enjoy one of our famous “Teas.”
    BRONFMAN MATH-STATS LIBRARY (SECOND FLOOR)

    6PM
    Class Dinners and Festivities
    Refer to class specific schedules for locations and details.

    6:30PM*
    Movie at Images: Coco,  Rated PG
    IMAGES CINEMA, SPRING STREET

    7:30PM*
    Capture the Flag (Ages 10+)
    You're never too old for this one. Join Reunion Rangers for this classic summer game.
    FARLEY-LAMB FIELD, WESTON ATHLETIC COMPLEX

    7:30PM*
    Drawing Class (Ages 5-12)
    Explore your creative side with pastels and paper. No experience necessary; supplies provided.
    PARK STREET ENTRANCE TO ALUMNI CENTER

    8:30PM*
    Movie at Images: The Greatest Showman, Rated PG
    IMAGES CINEMA, SPRING STREET

    8:30PM*
    The Zeiss Planetarium Sky
    Experience the wonders of our universe at the Milham Planetarium, located inside the Old Hopkins Observatory. Indoor show. Rain or shine. Enter from the south side, facing the Berkshire Quad.
    MILHAM PLANETARIUM, HOPKINS OBSERVATORY, BERKSHIRE QUAD

    9:30 – 10:30PM
    "WATCHING THE RIVER RUN….
    Celebrate the 70’s with a delightful performance of music, memories, and laughter featuring the 70’s & 80’s Ephlats and The Williams Cabaret. All classes invited. THE LOG, SPRING STREET
    THE LOG, SPRING STREET

  • 9:30AM
    Reunion Service of Gratitude and Remembrance
    A multi-faith service to honor the passing of beloved classmates and celebrate the blessings of relationship to the Williams community. Led by Williams chaplains and alumni clergy.
    THOMPSON CHAPEL

    NOON
    Dorm Checkout Deadline for Post-50th & 50th Reunion Alumni
    Leave your dorm key on the dresser in your room

    1PM
    Dorm Checkout Deadline for All Other Classes
    Leave your dorm key on the dresser in your room

*Family Activities Programming