Williams College Class of 1974

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Class of 1974 50th Reunion
Thursday, June 6 - Sunday, June 9, 2024
Wednesday, June 5 - "Early Arrivals" Dinner

June 2024 will be a special time for our class as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of our graduation. We’ll gather from Thursday, June 6 to Sunday, June 9, 2024. It'll be a great opportunity to reconnect with each other and the college, enjoy class-specific and campus-wide activities, and just hang out with long-standing (not “old”) friends! For those who arrive early, we'll have a get-together on Wednesday, June 5.

We'll use this simple website (with appreciation to the 50th Reunion Office for its design, implementation and maintenance) to communicate reunion related activities. Please check back periodically for updates.

Reunion Weekend 2024

Reunion 2024 Registration is open! The cost for the weekend is $495 per person for Class of 1974 events, swag and meals. Additional cost for accommodations and additional activities. See Who's Coming

We understand that many attendees may not have been back to the College for many years. To see what's class planners have arranged for our milestone celebration, take a look at the Class of 1974 50th Reunion Weekend Schedule, Seminars & Special Programming, Lodging & Accommodations information, and 50th Reunion FAQs.

Our 50^th Reunion Headquarters will be Horn Hall, a new College dormitory centrally located at 64 Stetson Court. Most of our reunion meals and several other activities will be held just up the street under a tent in front of the ’62 Center for Theatre and Dance.

UPDATE ON LODGING (as of March 25, 2024):

CAMPUS ACCOMMODATIONS:
Our 50th Reunion Headquarters will be Horn Hall. There will be 60 twin beds available to class members and spouses for the weekend (Thursday, June 6 through Sunday morning, June 9). Altogether there are 40 single rooms and 10 doubles, with six communal bathrooms on each floor. While the rate has not yet been finalized, in recent years the fee has been in the range of $80/bed for the three-night stay. In the case of overflow, the additional dorm building will be decided a few weeks prior to Reunion Weekend and based upon what's still available with regards to where other reunion classes still have open space. If you have questions about on-campus housing, please contact [email protected].

50th REUNION WILLIAMS INN ROOM BLOCK:
The College has reserved 40 available rooms in the Williams Inn, now located at the base of Spring Street for the 50th Reunion Class of 1974. Rooms in the block are available from Wednesday, June 5 – Sunday, June 9 at the rate of $499/night for standard rooms for a minimum two-night stay. To reserve a room by phone, you must call the
Inn at 413-458-9371 and mention the code “Williams 1974 50th Reunion” when prompted. Alternatively, to make a reservation online, please use THIS CUSTOM LINK to ensure the room block rate. Reservations are on a first come, first served basis and must be made directly with the hotel. The release date for unreserved rooms in the block is April 8, 2024.

In addition to the two College administered venues, we have reserved a block of rooms at three local hotels:

Tourists 915 State Road, North Adams, MA 01247
Available rooms are Gallery ($369) and Ramble ($429). There is a three-night minimum (Thursday, Friday and Saturday). The cutoff date for the block rate is April 1, 2024, after which the rooms will be released to the public at prevailing rates. When making your reservation you must call the hotel directly at 413-347-4995 and use our group code “1974 Williams Alumni Room Block.” The discount is not available for online reservations.

Hotel Downstreet 40 Main Street, North Adams, MA 01247 (recommended by our friends in the Class of 1973).
Group rate of $150 for Thursday (June 6) and $200 for both Friday (June 7) and Saturday (June 8), plus taxes. The cutoff date for the block rate is April 1, 2024, after which the rooms will be released to the public at prevailing rates. When making your reservation, you must call the hotel directly at 413-663-6500 and use our group code “Williams Class of 1974 Reunion.” The discount is not available for online reservations.

1896 House Route 7, 910 Cold Spring Road, Williamstown, MA 01267.
Group rate of $249 for three-night stay (June 6, 7 8), plus taxes. The cutoff date for the block rate is April 1, 2024, after which the rooms will be released to the public at prevailing rates. When making your reservation, you must call the hotel directly at 413-458-1896 or 888-999-1896 and use our group code “Williams Class of 1974 reunion.” The discount is not available for online reservations.

For other lodging options, please refer to Area Accommodations.

For an update on Class Book information, please see tab “Class Book.”

Want to help? If you would like to assist in planning the weekend, or have any ideas for events/activities, please let us know. We’ll happily take any talents you bring to the process. Lots of things to do, but all manageable tasks that can be done from anywhere, and plenty of lead time to get it all in place.

There will be several opportunities in the next year to participate in various class wide activities leading up to our 50th in June 2024. Please check out the tab: “Other Pre-50th Events.”

Jeff Elliott '74
jmelliott194@gmail.com

Honorary Member Registration

As an Honorary Member of the class, we invite you to join the Class of 1974 as our guest as we celebrate this milestone reunion on June 6 – 9, 2024. There is no better way for us to remember your loved one, our classmate, than to have you on campus with us to enjoy the celebration, add to our conversations and be there to participate in our class events along with all other weekend events. We have planned a Remembrance Service on Friday evening after dinner to remember all 44 of our classmates who are no longer with us; so even if you are unable to join us, please know that we will take a special moment to remember our passed colleagues friends.

As our guest, there will be no charge for attending, though you will need to cover the cost of travel and accommodations. Please feel free to bring a guest if you would like, but please note and understand that our budget allows us to accommodate only your registration fees, not those of a guest.

To register, please click here.

The detailed 50th Reunion Schedule includes events and activities that are exclusive to our class, as well as those open to all reunion classes. There are lots of interesting and fun things to do, plus plenty of time to do nothing but catch up with old friends. Plan to arrive Thursday, June 6 to take full advantage of the whole weekend.

Click here to see those 1974 classmates who have already registered our 50th Reunion.

Please refer to the Lodgings & Accommodations sheet to find out further details on the room blocks and dorm accommodations, as well as a list of alternative lodging options in the area.

For additional details and answers to the most commonly asked questions regarding Reunion Weekend, visit the 50th Reunion FAQs page. If you need further assistance, please reach out to the 50th Reunion office by emailing 50th.Reunion@williams.edu or call 413-597-4284.

50th Reunion FAQs

This information is intended to give you an early look at what reunion weekend will look like. It is based on prior reunions (most recently June 2023) and is subject to change as we get closer to our reunion weekend in June 2024.

REGISTRATION INFO:

What is the registration deadline?
Online registration for reunion opened March 25, 2024.
Some of our 1974 Class activities will be limited by number of attendees, so you are encouraged to register early.

Where do I check in when I arrive to campus?
50th Reunion alums should check in at 50th Reunion Headquarters in Horn Hall to pick up a nametag, schedule, class mementos, and dorm room keys.

What are 50th Reunion check-in hours?
Thursday, June 6: Noon - 6:30 p.m.
Friday, June 7: 8:00 a.m. - 5:30 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 the 50th Reunion Program at [email protected] with your information, and we will work with your class leaders to 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 the '62 Center for Theatre and Dance. If you are staying in the dorm, there are a limited number of parking spots in the lot behind Horn Hall. 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 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 Dick Nesbitt, our '74 golf chair, once reunion registration opens in April 2024. Tee times are limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. Please contact Dick at [email protected] by May 1, 2024 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 fee is $80/bed for the three-night stay (Thursday afternoon to Sunday morning). 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. If you prefer to stay in a nearby hotel, here is a list of local hotels.

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 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:

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?
If the Samuelson and Muir swimming pool is open, hours will be posted in May 2024.

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

STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?
Contact the 50th Reunion Program at 50th.reunion@williams.edu or 413-597-4284.

Pre-Reunion Events

PAST EVENTS

February 22, 2024
New World Disorder? Insights and Reflections (and Even an Odd Glimmer of Hope) with Ned Temko.

January 30, 2024
Private Zoom discussion with Williams College President Maud S. Mandel, Moderated by Class President Rich Levy.

November 13, 2023
1974 Pre-50th Reunion Events and Luncheon with Maud S. Mandel in NYC

October 20-22, 2023
Mini Reunion/Pass the Baton

September 27-29, 2023
Boston area Regional Event

June 19 -26, 2023
Class of 1974 Oxford Trip

April 25, 2023
The Historic Role of the Class of '74 in Williams' 50+ Years of Coeducation — Plus the Results of Our Class Survey on Early Coeducation (If you are interested in watching a recording of this Zoom, please reach out to one of your class leaders. Email addresses are listed in the Class Leader section of this website).

Class Book

CLASS BOOK UPDATES (as of February 21, 2024):
Our 50th Reunion Class Book is officially off to the printer! It will contain over 224 submissions from our classmates and will be distributed to all classmates in the spring. It will make for inspired reading.

Many thanks to all classmates who contributed, to all those who helped reach out to classmates, gathered information, and assisted in proofreading the final publication.

Grace Paine Terzian [email protected]
Bob Kaus [email protected]
Randall Rives Perkins [email protected]
McKelden Smith [email protected]
Jeff Johnson [email protected]

1974 Class Gift

Announcement of our 50th Reunion Gift Purpose: The Class of 1974 Student Opportunity Fund dated September 20, 2022

Dear ’74 Classmates:

With our 50th Reunion just 21 months away, and on behalf of the Class of 1974 50th Reunion Gift Purpose Committee, I am proud to share the announcement of our 50th Reunion gift purpose: The Class of 1974 Student Opportunity Fund. For nearly 25 years, our Class has provided meaningful financial support to many students across many academic disciplines. The 50th Reunion fund will build upon our very successful 25th Reunion support of Williams College students with significantly expanded, unrestricted funding for internships, fellowships and scholarships, with the intention of emphasizing international learning, community service and multidisciplinary educational opportunities. With this reunion gift, we hope to ensure our Class’s legacy of commitment to enhancing the educational experiences of Williams students.

Please see the attached materials for more information about the gift purpose: (1) the Committee’s announcement letter; (2) the statement of the gift purpose; and (3) a summary of the Committee’s work and the background of the gift purpose.

In the coming months, the Reunion Fundraising Committee, co-chaired by Bob Patterson and Fran Doran, will begin its outreach to the Class. We will also share information from the College about the many current and – importantly - deferred gift options available to support our 50th Reunion Fund.

We hope that everyone will support this meaningful initiative, and continue to support Williams through annual Alumni Fund giving and other individualized giving.

With best wishes,

Rich Levy, President

1- '74 Reunion Gift Purpose Cover Letter (1)

2 -'74 Reunion Gift Purpose Statement (1)

3 -'74 Gift Purpose Background & Committee Process (1)

4 - '74 Statement of Intent

Ways to Give

Outright Gifts

There are many ways to give to Williams, and all types of gifts can credit the 50th Reunion Class Gift total. In addition to cash, outright gifts could include those made with appreciated securities or qualified distributions from an IRA. Gifts influenced by classmates from relatives, foundations, and corporations, including matching gifts, can also count.

Make an Outright Gift

Outright Pledges

Outright gifts toward class gift purposes and/or the Alumni Fund can be pledged and made over periods of up to five years with the full amount of the pledge crediting the class total.

Make a pledge to the Class of 1974

To request a customized statement of intent form for a purpose other than your class gift purpose, please email 50th.Reunion@williams.edu or call 413-597-4284.

Planned Gifts

Contributions can also include planned (deferred) gifts ranging from real estate and other unique assets, irrevocable bequest pledges as part of the Williams Today & Tomorrow Program, and life-income gifts like Charitable Gift Annuities and Charitable Remainder Trusts. In many cases, these gifts provide tax advantages and even an income stream for you and/or loved ones.

Revocable bequest intentions, however, are one category that — while encouraged and deeply appreciated by Williams — do not currently count toward the 50th Reunion Class Gift total.

Class volunteers will partner with college staff to build the class gift through individual conversations with classmates. As everyone’s circumstances differ, often a conversation with a member of the Williams Gift Planning team can help an individual determine the best option to meet personal objectives.

Visit the Williams Gift Planning website to explore 50th Reunion gift possibilities or contact Gift Planning at (413) 597-3538 or gift.planning@williams.edu.

Reconnect

The phrase “the more the merrier” aptly applies to reunions. It is a time when for a few glorious days we can reconnect with roommates, housemates, teammates, major mates, castmates. If you want to join our reconnect effort and “reach out and touch someone,” or if you just want to contact a few folks, we can send you specific contact information on request.

You may be able to find some of our classmates on the WILLIAMS ALUMNI NETWORK.

Class Officers:

THANK YOU to all those who are helping to plan our 50th Reunion. (2/23/2024; list expanding daily!)

President: Rich Levy
Vice President: Grace Paine Terzian
Co-Secretaries: Jerry Kapp, Bill Suda
Reunion Chair: Jeff Elliott
Class Book Committee: Grace Paine Terzian (Editor-in-Chief), Randall Rives Perkins (Designer), Bob Kaus (Editor), McKelden Smith (Editor), Jeff Johnson (Proofreader)
Class Book Outreach/Editorial Assistance: Donny Allison, Martha Bedell, Bruce Beehler, Tony Boskovich, Hiram Brett, Mark Brown, Patty Carr, Robin Alton Conners, Rex Coons ’78, Fran Doran, Ned Dunn, Ron Eastman, Jonathan Fitch, Margie Kessler French, Nancy Gallt ’75, Ellen Goldstein, Camille Harris ’75, Jacqueline Harris ’09, Peter Hopkins, Scott Hopkins ’73, Jeff Johnson, Dick Kokko, Bob Laidlaw, Dick Langlois, Dave Lehman, Matty Levine, Rich Levy, Will Luedke, Ned Miller, Chuck Mitchell, Dean Murphy, Dick Nesbitt, Martha Ross Parker, Mike Parker, Bob Patterson, Larry Peltz, Chris Potter, Rick Richards ’75, Nat Robbins, Bill Suda, Jeff Thaler, Erik Thorpe, Rick Unger, Rick Vancisin, Linda Vipond ’73, Lorne Weeks ’75, Dick Weinberg, Stan Wentzel, Wendy Whiston, Jann Wolfe Williams, Chuck Zellerbach
Memorial Tributes: McKelden Smith, Gini Ingalls Peterson, JoAnne Talbot Ginsberg

Reunion Class Speaker Committee: Ken Kessel, Margie Kessler French, Jon Kravitz, Chris Corson, Michelle Lebovitz Lamar
Reunion Class Speakers: Ed Larson, Paul Neely ’68; Jeff Johnson, Panel: Kristy Edmunds, Jenny Gersten, Nick Paleologos, Alan Paul, Ralph Picciarelli; Lynel Horne Long, Paul Stekler
Ed Larson, Paul Neely ’68; Jeff Johnson, Panel: Kristy Edmunds, Jenny Gersten, Nick Paleologos, Alan Paul, Ralph Picciarelli; Lynel Horne Long, Paul Stekler
Reunion GEO Tour: Chris Potter, Dave Lehman, Bob Laidlaw, Hal Miller, Prof. Emeritus Bud Wobus
Reunion Weekend Meditation Session: Ken Kessel, Chuck Mitchell, Larry Peltz
Reunion Golf Chair: Dick Nesbitt

Reunion Class Gift Fund Chairs: Fran Doran, Bob Patterson
Reunion Class Gift Recipients Video: Barbara Pierce
Class Gift Purpose Committee:
Chairs: Rich Levy, Fran Doran, Bob Patterson
Members: Frank Baciewicz, David Bartsch, Larry Bohannon, Tony Boskovich, Christopher Corson, Tom Douglas, Jeff Elliott, Jonathan Fitch, Robert Fogarty, Margie Kessler French, Ray Henze, Jeff Johnson, Jerry Kapp, Bob Kaus, Ken Kessel, Bob Laidlaw, Dave Lehman, Mathew Levine, Chuck Mitchell, Hal Miller, Mike Parker, Randall Rives Perkins, Barbara Pierce, Peter Riley, McKelden Smith, Rick Unger, Harvey White
Class Co-Head Alumni Fund Agents: Rich Levy, Charles Mitchell, Rick Unger, Iris Wolinsky, Jerry Kapp
Associate Alumni Fund Agents: Mike Adams Donny Allison, John Buoymaster (Leadership Giving Chair), Chris Corson, Tom Douglas, Jennifer Barry Gainer, Peter Larson, Matty Levine, Ed Moss, Bob Patterson Jim Rodgers Bob Rothman, McKelden Smith, Bill Suda, Erik Thorp
Planned Giving Chair: Fran Doran

Regional Events:
San Francisco: Ron/Patricia Eastman
Boston: Fran/Christina Doran, Mike/Martha Parker, Dave Lehman/Tina Bentley, Jon Kravetz
New York: David Bartsch, Phil DeMauro, Matty Levine, Rich Levy, Tom Cohen
Women of Williams ‘74: Joanne Talbot Ginsberg, Gini Ingalls Peterson, Mary Lou Schleck Boutwell, Grace Paine Terzian

From Williams College:
Williams College 50th Reunion Milestone Program: Ryan Ford, Kate Hyde,
Darlene Alderman
Williams College Office of College Relations – Alumni Engagement: Sean McGrath,
Brooks Foehl
Williams College Office of Gift Planning: Margaret McComish, Amy Filson, Annie Art,
Cheryl Brigley
Williams College Office of College Relations – Office of the Vice President: Mark Robertson