'00 Celebrates 25

Please join us in Williamstown
June 12-15, 2025!!

Each June the 25th Reunion Class gathers in the Purple Valley to celebrate, renew acquaintances, and make new friends. Get involved in the planning and connect with classmates throughout the year leading up to reunion!  See below for the many ways you can get involved.  Contact the 25th Reunion program for more information or to volunteer.

  • This team will be planning the big weekend at Williams. In partnership with the 25th Reunion staff, this committee is responsible for activities, menus, special beverages, entertainment/music, tent decorations and speakers. This group also includes a Golf Chair to organize golf rounds at the beautiful Taconic Golf Club.

    Reunion registration will open in late March 2025. When you register for reunion in spring 2025, you will also be able to reserve dorm rooms for the weekend.  If you prefer to stay off-campus, please take a look at this list of hotel options in the area.

    Reunion Weekend Co-Chairs: Kristy Grippi Litman, Albert Naclerio, and Heather May Eckert

    Reunion Weekend Committee:

     

  • Friday evening is a casual BBQ for the whole family under the tent on Poker Flats with games and activities available on the lawn, weather permitting.

    On Saturday, there is a separate 25th kids dinner and activities (for kids ages 6+)** supervised by counselors at the Williamstown Youth Center (WYC), 66 School Street. This is included in your child's registration fees but it does require advance registration. To sign up, please complete the sign-up sheet and submit to the 25th Reunion Office when you register for reunion in the spring of 2025. Parents should plan to check-in their children at WYC 5:30-6:00pm (as well as sign waivers and permission slips). Dinner starts at 5:30pm (until 7:30pm). Following dinner, kids will be divided into groups by age and interest. Several choices will be available:
    • Arts & crafts
    • Outdoor (weather permitting) playground and games like basketball, tetherball, Capture the Flag, etc.
    • Movies on large screen TV
    • Games like dodgeball in the indoor gym
    • Foosball, pool or ping pong
    • Quiet time in the Learning Center or the Computer Lab
    • Trip to Ramblewild for kids 10 and older (see below for more info)
    WYC counselors will be in charge of each of the groups and a 25th staff person will be on hand at WYC. Parents are expected to pick up their child(ren) by 11:30pm.

    On Saturday evening after dinner, a group of kids (ages 10+) who have pre-registered will go to Ramblewild ropes course, 5:00-10:00pm. Parents of kids going to Ramblewild need to check-in their child(ren) at 4:30pm, so kids can leave on the 5:00pm bus. The bus will not wait! To sign up for Ramblewild, when you register for reunion in April 2025, please complete the waiver and submit both the waiver and payment ($45) to the 25th Reunion Office.

    Teens who stay at WYC will be able to enjoy their own space in WYC. Following dinner, teens can choose from the range of activities above or play Xbox (for teens 12 and older) in the Teen room.

    ** For kids five and younger, the college is not able to offer care so you may want to bring a babysitter with you (babysitters attend reunion at no charge and also receive a free dorm room). Kids five and younger are welcome to join the 25th Reunion Kids Dinner (along with their caregivers) at WYC but due to child care licensing at WYC, they cannot stay for the activities and programming after dinner.

     

  • REGISTRATION INFO:

    What is the registration deadline?
    Online registration for reunion will open in early April 2025. If you miss the online registration, you are still welcome and encouraged to attend reunion, but please register in person when you arrive to campus at the 25th Reunion Headquarters.

    Where do I check in when I arrive to campus?
    25th Reunion alums should check in at 25th Reunion Headquarters in Mission to pick up a schedule, class mementos, and dorm room keys.

    What are 25th Reunion check-in hours?
    Thursday    : noon-11 p.m.
    Friday: 9 a.m.- 11 p.m.
    Saturday: 7 a.m.- 7 p.m.

    If you registered for College housing but arrive after check-in closes for the night, visit Security (Hopkins Hall, lower level) for access to your dorm room.

    May I receive a registration refund if I have to cancel my plans to attend reunion?
    If you need to cancel your registration and would like to receive a refund, email Conny Isby in the 25th Reunion Program at [email protected] with your information, and depending on timing, status of '00 class account, and number of total cancellations, we'll determine whether or not a refund (full or partial) may be granted.

    LOGISTICS:

    Where can I park on campus?
    Parking on campus can be a challenge during reunion, so we suggest you park in the lot behind Thompson (the old Infirmary), in front of Poker Flats. If you are staying in the dorm, unload in the spaces along the north side of Mission and then move your car to the Thompson lot. If you do park elsewhere on campus, please pay attention to posted signs and time restrictions. Williamstown police will ticket violators.

    I’m interested in sharing a ride. Where do I find fellow carpoolers?
    If you’re looking for a ride to town, or willing to offer one, you can connect with classmates via the '00 Facebook page, or use the Williams Switchboard to connect with other reunion attendees.

    What’s the dress code?
    Bring comfortable, casual clothes for the weekend. The Saturday evening reception and dinner are a bit dressier - think smart casual - but ties are not required. Remember that Williamstown in June could be boiling hot or cold and windy – there is even the occasional downpour. It would be wise to check the forecast before you come! Our dinners will be on grass under a tent, so keep that in mind when selecting footwear.

    How do I sign up for golf at Taconic?
    All tee times for play at Taconic must be reserved through the '00 golf chair, starting in March 2025. Tee times are limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. Please contact your golf chair (tbd) by May 1st, 2025 if you would like to play during the weekend (Taconic’s Pro Shop will refer calls to the golf chair, so save a step and contact him directly). We're trying to set up some friendly competition, so tee it up.

    COLLEGE HOUSING:

    What is the cost to stay in on campus housing?
    The cost is $80 per bed for the entire weekend.     You can reserve a room through the online reunion registration or on the reunion registration form in your packet. Dorm rooms are first come, first served. If you plan to stay in the dorms, please register as early as possible. Rooms contain one single bed, but you may bring sleeping bags and an air mattress for a child or children to share your room at no additional cost. Babysitters attending reunion with your family are housed in the dorm at no cost. If you prefer to stay in a nearby hotel, here is a list of local hotels.

    Can I be housed with my friends?
    We automatically house families together. If you’d like to be housed near friends, when you register for housing, please list the friends you’d like to be near and we will do our best to room you together in a suite or on the same floor.

    Will sheets and towels be provided in the college rooms?
    Yes. No need to bring your own linens if you are staying in college housing, although some classmates bring their own linens and towels for comfort. You will be provided basic sheets, 1 blanket, 1 pillow and 1 towel per bed registration.

    Can I find out where I am housed on campus before I come to town for Reunion?
    Housing is finalized just before reunion so unfortunately we cannot let people know in advance of Reunion weekend where they are housed. However, if you know you will be arriving on campus after 25th Reunion Check-in has closed, please let the 25th Reunion Program know and we can get you your room information just before you arrive to campus.

    Can my pet stay with me in on-campus housing?
    No, pets are not allowed in college housing. Pets are allowed on the campus grounds, but not in campus buildings unless you have a medical need. Please look for local kennels, or speak to local hotels/rentals about pet accommodations.

    Are the rooms air conditioned? Do they have private bathrooms?
    The rooms are not air conditioned. Dorm rooms do NOT have private bathrooms. They are the same dormitories that you remember from your years as students, communal bathrooms and all!

    AMENITIES:

    What childcare is available during reunion?
    Friday night: The 25th Reunion Program will have Reunion Rangers organizing games and activities for '00 kids during the family dinner at Poker Flats.

    Saturday: There is an extensive Family Activities Program on Saturday. Details will be shared as we get closer to reunion and they become available. In the meantime, you may want to check out a past reunion schedule to get an idea of what is typically offered.

    Saturday night: The 25th Reunion Program provides a separate kids dinner and activities (for kids 6+)** supervised by counselors at the Williamstown Youth Center from 5:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. This is included in your kids' reunion fees but does require advance registration. Parents should plan to drop their kids off between 5:30 and 6:00 p.m. (as well as sign waivers and permission slips). Dinner starts at 5:30 p.m (until 7:30 p.m.). Following dinner, kids will be divided into groups by age and interest. Many choices will be available including but not limited to: arts & crafts, outdoor games (basketball, tetherball, Capture the Flag), dodgeball, foosball, ping pong, quiet time in the Learning Center or Computer Lab, and video games. Teens (10+) will also have the opportunity to go to the local high ropes course Ramblewild. Pre-registration for Ramblewild is required (cost $45). You will have the opportunity to sign up for both programs when reunion registration opens in spring 2025. Please contact the 25th Reunion Program if you have any questions.

    ** For kids five and younger, the college is not able to offer care for kids five and younger so you may want to bring a babysitter with you (babysitters attend reunion at no charge). Kids five and younger are welcome to join the 25th Reunion Kids Dinner (along with their caregivers) at WYC but due to child care licensing at WYC they cannot stay for the activities and programming after dinner.

    Will I have cell-phone service in Williamstown?
    Yes

    How can I access the campus wireless network?
    We’ll provide you with directions on how to connect to our network upon arrival to campus.

    Will the pool be open?
    To be determined

    Where can I find driving directions, travel information, hotel information, etc.?
    Check out the Visitor’s Guide: http://www.williams.edu/home/visitors/

    STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?
    Contact the 25th Reunion Program at 25th[email protected] or 413-597-4208.

  • Each 25th reunion class produces a reunion book featuring autobiographical essays from its members. The book is conceived and edited by the Class Book Committee (in partnership with the 25th Reunion Office) and often includes historical photos, comments from the president, and essays written by members of the class. We do two versions of the reunion book, a digital online version and a printed version with additional materials (distributed to all members of the class in the spring of 2025 regardless of whether you attend reunion or not).

    The richness of the resulting book is directly related to what you contribute. As you’ll see in these samples from previous books, alumni have used this opportunity to share a broad variety of life experiences and to pay tribute to enduring Ephriendships.

    We will mail everyone examples of submissions from previous class books in fall of 2024 and will also give you access to the Williams Class of 1998 25th reunion online book for some inspiration. Personalized links to the Class of '00 online book will go out to everyone in the class who has an email registered with the college in early fall 2024. There will also be a photo gallery for nostalgia photos in the online book, so get those vintage photos ready!

    The printed book will also include a special In Memory section of tributes to classmates who have passed away – Meghan Cavanaugh Raveis, Nora Cuddy, Shaun Duggins, Paul Green, Beth Hoyt Bartlett, Lindsay Morehouse,  and Pepper Whitbeck. To give you some ideas of what you might want to include in the In Memory tributes, you can see examples from prior 25th Reunion classes here.

    If you did not receive an email invite to participate in the Class of '00 book or have questions about the book, please contact the 25th Reunion Program at 25th[email protected].

     

  • Classes mark their 25th Reunion by creating a special Endowed Fund that is designated to support a particular purpose chosen by the class.  This Fund becomes the class's enduring legacy at Williams, supporting this special purpose at Williams in perpetuity. Recent 25th classes have raised from $1 million to $2 million in gifts and pledges for their Endowed Funds. These funds have helped to support faculty, provide scholarships, fund tutorials, and finance new construction and building renovations.

    Gifts and pledges to the Endowed Fund and to the Alumni Fund will count toward the 25th Reunion Class Gift total. The magnitude of individual gifts varies greatly based on capacity and inclination, but many class members stretch to make the largest commitment they have ever considered to Williams. The 25th Reunion Class Gift is presented to the college at the Alumni Meeting at reunion in June 2025. Recent 25th Reunion Class Gifts have ranged from $2 million to $7.5 million.

    Class of 2000 Endowed Fund
    After several meetings with senior staff at the college during the summer and fall, the Fund Purpose Committee selected two possible options for the ’00 endowed fund, financial aid and summer internships. In a class survey (18% of the class participated) the class voted to support financial aid with the creation of the Class of 2000 Scholarship Fund.

    Financial aid has been a priority for the college over many years and is a critical component of the strategic plan as an ongoing priority with additional focus on adding new measures that support students through all aspects of their time at Williams. Just over 50% of students at Williams receive some kind of financial aid with 25% receiving full funding for their education and related expenses. Williams leads the nation with the first all-grant financial aid program, and with this gift, the Class of 2000 steps forward as an ongoing key supporter of Williams’ work toward true affordability. This special 25th Reunion Fund will be the class’s legacy, impacting generations of future students and their access to Williams in perpetuity.

    Additionally the College has a special matching opportunity in place through which all gifts and pledges made by June 30, 2025 to unrestricted scholarship funds will be matched one-for-one. To participate the class must raise at least $500,000 for the Class of 2000 Scholarship Fund, and to be eligible for the match, the gift or pledge must be split 50/50 between the Alumni Fund and the Class of 2000 Scholarship. This is an extraordinary opportunity to have a meaningful impact on students, doubling the class's support for current and future students (ex. if the class raises $500,000 for a scholarship, Williams will contribute $500,000 in matching funds)!

    Click the links below for more information:
    True Affordability 
    True Affordability 25th Reunion Matching Program 
    Class of 2000 25th Reunion Giving brochure 

    To help the class reach the reunion goals and take full advantage of the match, please consider making a 25th reunion five-year pledge, supporting both the Alumni Fund and the Class of 2000 Scholarship Fund, which allows you to make a bigger gift while spreading your contribution over the next five years.

    What counts and how does crediting work?

    View a history of 25th Reunion Class Gifts.

  • The Reconnect Committee reconnects and networks with classmates, uses social media tools to reconnect with classmates. We will be looking for creative ways to engage with each other throughout the coming year. We need more classmates to help reach all our scattered geographies and affiliations (frosh entries, teams and clubs, etc.), so please contact the 25th Reunion Program if you are interested in helping.

    Classmates are hosting a series of regional events, and anyone in the class is welcome to attend - the more the merrier at all of these events! If you find yourself traveling to one of these regions during the class event, please email the host so you can join in the fun with classmates!! 💜🐮💛

    Here’s the list of upcoming events from earliest to latest:

    1) Boston area alums are gathering at classmate Yng-Ru Chen’s art gallery, Praise Shadows Art Gallery in Brookline, MA on Thursday, 10/17, 6:00pm-8:00pm. Contact Cara Shortsleeve for more info.

    2) NYC area alums are gathering at Captain Lawrence Brewing Co. in Westchester on Saturday, 10/19, 4:00pm-6:00pm. Contact Albert Naclerio for more info.

    3) DC area alums (and their families) are attending a nature hike at Woodend Sanctuary in Chevy Chase, MD on Sunday, 10/27, 9:45am-11:00am. Contact Molly Cummins Scott for more info.

    4) NYC area alums are gathering for a fun night of trivia (general and some Williams trivia too!) at Clinton Hall on 51st St. in NYC on Saturday, 11/19, 6:00pm-9:00pm. $25/person. Contact Kristy Grippi Litman for more info.

     

    Find the class on Facebook


  • We need a cool and uniquely-Eph '00 logo for our 25th reunion, and we want your help. Anyone in the class is welcome to submit design ideas for our 25th logo. From printed materials to 2000 swag, the '00 class logo will be featured on many reunion items. See the link below for examples of past logos and instructions. The winning artist will receive one free reunion attendance for an alum as well as a swag bag, so start working on your ideas now! The deadline for submitting your logo suggestion(s) is Wednesday, September 4, 2024.

    Download Class of 2000 Logo Contest Instructions with Sample Logos