'99 Celebrates 25


Please join us in Williamstown
June 6-9, 2024!!

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.

Reunion registration has closed – However, if your plans have changed, and you make a last minute decision to attend reunion, please come directly to Mission to register as a walk-in. The registration desk hours are below:
Thursday: noon-11 p.m.
Friday: 9 a.m.- 11 p.m.
Saturday: 7 a.m.- 7 p.m.

Please contact the 25th Reunion program if you have any reunion-related questions.

’99 Alums Registered for Reunion

Class of ’99 Reunion Schedule (Google doc) or Class of ’99 Reunion Schedule (PDF)

Overall Reunion 2024 Schedule

 

  • This team, led by '99 Weekend Committee chairs Josh Lewis and Rebecca Missonis, 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. If you are interested in joining this committee, please do not hesitate to reach out to Josh or Rebecca, or contact the 25th Reunion Program.

    Reunion Registration is open. When you register for reunion, 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.

     

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

    On Saturday, an extensive Family Activities Program is offered.

    On Saturday evening 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 when you register for reunion in the spring. Parents should plan to check-in their children at WYC 5:30-6:00pm (as well as sign waivers and permission slips). Dinner will be served 5:30-7:00 pm. 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, a group of kids (ages 10+) who have pre-registered will go to Ramblewild ropes course, 5:00-10:00pm. Pizza will be provided for dinner at Ramblewild. Parents of kids going to Ramblewild need to check-in their child(ren) by 4:30pm, so kids can be ready to leave on the 5:00pm bus. The bus will not wait! To sign up for Ramblewild, please check the relevant box during online registration and complete the electronic waiver. The fee of $40 will be automatically added to your reunion registration total. Space is limited to the first 50 kids. (Once all spots are taken, there will be a waitlist.)

    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.

    ** 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 Adult Dinner on Saturday evening.

     

  • REGISTRATION INFO:

    What is the registration deadline?
    Online registration for reunion will open in late March 2024 and close on Thursday, May 30. 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 '99 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 '99 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 '99 golf chair, Tony McCutcheon, starting in March 2024. Tee times are limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. Please contact Tony at [email protected] or (917) 447-0876 by May 1st if you would like to play during the weekend (Taconic’s Pro Shop will refer calls to Tony, 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 '99 kids during the family dinner at Poker Flats.

    Saturday: There is an extensive Family Activities Program offered on Saturday.

    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 5:30-6:00 p.m. (as well as sign waivers and permission slips). Dinner is served 5:30-7:00 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 $40). You will have the opportunity to sign up for both programs when reunion registration opens in spring 2024. 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 Adult Dinner on Saturday evening.

    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 (given to all members of the class in June 2024 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 2023 and will also give you access to the Williams Class of 1997 25th reunion online book for some inspiration. Personalized links to the Class of '99 online book will go out to everyone in the class who has an email registered with the college in early fall 2023. 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 – Duncan Kirkpatrick and Henry Wang. To give you some ideas for what you might want to include in the In Memory tributes, you can see examples from prior 25th Reunion classes here.

     

  • Leadership Giving Committee and '99 25th Reunion Class Gift

    The Leadership Giving Committee partners with and builds on the great work of the Alumni Fund agent team to lead the class towards making its largest gift to Williams to date. The 25th Reunion is the first of two times (the second is the 50th Reunion) when a class has the opportunity to come together to fund an endowed class gift designated to a particular purpose at Williams. Recent 25th class gifts have ranged from $2 million to $10 million. These gifts have helped support faculty, provide scholarships, fund tutorials, and finance new construction and building renovations. The magnitude of individual gifts varies, based on each donor’s financial capacity and their 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.

    In September 2023, we conducted a class-wide poll about the Class of 1999 25th Reunion gift purpose, and financial aid in support of True Affordability was selected by over 60% of classmates who responded to the survey. We are thrilled to announce the creation of the Class of 1999 Scholarship Fund, which will support non-traditional students (student veterans and students transferring from community college) for many years to come. You can learn more about the '99 Scholarship Fund in the class gift brochure. All gifts and pledges to the Class of 1999 Scholarship Fund will count towards the total 25th Reunion gift.

    Alumni Fund

    In addition to the Class of 1999 Scholarship Fund, the class will also be supporting the Alumni Fund, with the help of the Alumni Fund team led by Jennifer Hurley and Jonathan Pak (and a great group of Class Agents). As you may know, the Alumni Fund provides Williams with unrestricted financial support that is critical in helping cover the college’s most pressing needs. This year the class is aiming for record participation for the 25th Reunion, 60% participation in the Alumni Fund. All gifts and pledges to the Alumni Fund will count toward the total 25th Reunion gift.

    What counts and how does crediting work?

    View a history of 25th Reunion Fund.

  • 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.

    Find the class on Facebook

     




  • Congratulations to Leigh Winter Martin '99 for designing the winning 25th Reunion logo! From printed materials to 1999 swag, the '99 class logo will be featured on many reunion items and on the printed version of the Class of '99 25th reunion book.

    Download Logo Contest Instructions and samples from previous classes