Pick up a hardcopy program at the Alumni Center upon checking in.
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2:00 - 3:00PM
Beyond the North Wind: Exploring Russia through Food with Darra Goldstein, Willcox B. and Harriet M. Adsit Professor of Russian, Emerita
In her most recent cookbook Beyond the North Wind, culinary scholar and Williams Professor Emerita Darra Goldstein carries readers above the Arctic Circle to Russia’s northernmost reaches, where the extremes of climate have inspired an inventive, resilient, and earthy cuisine. Ever since Peter the Great opened his famous “window” on Europe, Russia has engaged in a tug-of-war with the West, one that is frequently played out at the table. The current political sanctions have jump-started an extraordinary revival of artisanal production, in which Russians are rediscovering their age-old traditions after the lean Soviet years. This exploration of culinary culture in some of the country’s most remote regions also offers surprising insight into Russian national identity.
MAINSTAGE, ’62 CENTER FOR THEATRE AND DANCE3:30 – 4:30PM
Synthetic Biology: Engineering Life with Ben Thuronyi, Assistant Professor of Chemistry
All living things contain incredibly sophisticated biotechnology, built from chemical parts that evolved over millions of years to make organisms grow and reproduce more efficiently. Researchers are starting to take advantage of that evolved technology like never before, reprogramming cells and creating new biological processes in an interdisciplinary field called synthetic biology. This talk will describe some of the achievements of synbio, which has turned living cells into factories, therapies, and even computers. It will also highlight challenges to the field – including practical, philosophical and ethical problems – and describe some current work at Williams aimed at expanding the capabilities of synbio.
MAINSTAGE, ’62 CENTER FOR THEATRE AND DANCE8:00PM
Trivia Night
Come on down to The Log and show your smarts! Enjoy five competitive Rounds of trivia for you and your friends. Trivia is always FREE and open to ALL!
THE LOG, 78 Spring Street
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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 STEPS8:00 – 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 or [email protected]
WILLIAMS INN, 101 Spring Street9AM
Intermediate Yoga
GREYLOCK DANCE STUDIO, 2nd FLOOR, GREYLOCK HALL10AM - 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.
CHAPIN LIBRARY, SAWYER LIBRARY10:00 – 11:00AM
50th Reunion Seminar with Charley Ebinger '70, former senior fellow in the Energy Security and Climate Initiative at the Brookings Institution
MAINSTAGE, ’62 CENTER FOR THEATRE AND DANCE11:30AM – 2:30PM
Free Ice Cream courtesy of The Ephraim Williams Society
FRONT PORCH, PARESKY CENTER11:30AM – 1:30PM
FestEPHal - Lunch & Day Party
Members of the Williams Black Alumni Network (WBAN), Williams Latinx Alumni Network (WLAN), Williams Asian and Asian-American Alumni Network (WAAAAN), Williams Firsts Alumni Network (WFAN) and The Williams College Bisexual, Gay, Lesbian, and Transgender Alumni (BiGLATA) are welcome to enjoy a festive party lunch with the family. This event will be hosted by the Director for Alumni Diversity & Inclusion, Sharifa Wright '03.
FACULTY CLUB12:00 – 2:00PM
WHAT’S NEW IN NORTH ADAMS?
If you haven’t heard, North Adams is undergoing a renaissance. Please join us for highlights of some of the exciting new projects just down the road from Williams.
WESTON HALL1:30 – 2:30PM
25th Alumni Seminar TBD
MAINSTAGE, ’62 CENTER FOR THEATRE AND DANCE2:45-3:45PM
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 1980, 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 2020) who have and continue to have an impact on Williams and the world. Join us for a short ceremony of celebration that includes four Ephs telling their stories as a Woman of Williams.
MAINSTAGE, ’62 CENTER FOR THEATRE AND DANCE4:00 – 5:00PM
A Conversation with Williams President Maud S. Mandel
Society of Alumni President, Tom Gardner '79, will engage in conversation with President Mandel.
MAINSTAGE, ’62 CENTER FOR THEATRE AND DANCE5:00 – 6:00PM
Traveling Ephs Reunion & Reception
Join Williams Alumni Travel Study for a hosted reception with light food and drinks, as we preview upcoming travel-study opportunities and celebrate recent Williams tours across all seven continents! Past and present Traveling Ephs, faculty study leaders, and all alumni and friends interested in travel with the College are encouraged to attend. RSVP by May 30 to Leila Derstine at [email protected]
FACULTY CLUB LOUNGE5:30PM
Shabbat Service followed by Kiddush
JEWISH RELIGIOUS CENTER6:00PM
Class Dinners and Festivities
Refer to class specific schedules for locations and details.
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7AM
Bird Walk with Hopkins Forest Manager Drew Jones
Some binoculars provided. Coffee available!
HOPKINS FOREST7AM
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. For a ride to the trailhead, meet behind Chapin Hall in the parking lot for a van ride to Petersburg Pass on Route 2 at 7am. Vans will shuttle hikers back to campus from the Rosenburg Center at about 10AM.
HOPKINS FOREST8AM
Fun Run
Join other reunion attendees for an early morning run in the Purple Valley (Gale Road loop).
CHAPIN STEPS8AM
All Levels Yoga
GREYLOCK DANCE STUDIO, 2nd FLOOR, GREYLOCK HALL9AM - 1PM
Williamstown Farmer's Market
Stroll. Snack. Shop local.
SPRING STREET9:30AM*
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 PORCH10:00AM*
Parade of Classes
The Class of 1970 will lead the way to the Society’s 197th Annual Meeting. Pre-parade music provided by the Eagles Band of Pittsfield. Find your classmates near class signs on Paresky Lawn. The Greylocks (post-50th Reunion classes) should gather outside of Dodd House for the parade.
PARESKY LAWN10:30AM - 11:30AM
Annual Meeting, Society of Alumni
The 198th annual meeting, led by Society of Alumni President Tom Gardner '79: trophies, cups, and medals recognizing alumni volunteers; election results; major gift announcements; and traditional Williams songs.
SAWYER QUAD (rain location: CHAPIN HALL)10:30AM - 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 STREET10:30AM - NOON*
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 GATE10:30AM - NOON*
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.
FARLEY-LAMB FIELD, WESTON ATHLETIC COMPLEX10:30AM - NOON*
Ultimate Frisbee Clinic (Ages 10+)
Come and learn this team sport, led by members of the Williams Ultimate Frisbee Organization. Rain or shine.
WILLIAMSON FIELD, WESTON ATHLETIC COMPLEXNOON*
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/PARESKYNOON
Joseph’s Coat Luncheon
For The Greylocks (post-50th alumni)
LASELL GYM1 - 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 FOREST1 - 5PM*
The Williams Bead Store (All Ages)
Williams English professor and avid beader Alison Case will provide the opportunity for you to create your own beautiful necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and more.
CLASS OF 1958 LOUNGE, PARESKY SECOND LEVEL1 - 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 QUAD1 - 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)
PARESKY 205, PARESKY SECOND LEVEL1 - 5PM
Davis Center & MINCO Open House
New Staff Members from the Davis Center (formerly The Multi-Cultural Center) will be on hand from 1-3PM to share information about their work from this past academic year. At 3PM, student Community Builders will be on hand to run a sample workshop modeled after the work they do throughout the academic year. Community Builders provide peer-to-peer education for the campus on issues of identity, power, and privilege in order to build a more inclusive community.
HARDY HOUSE, MORLEY CIRCLE1 - 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.
CHAPIN LIBRARY, SAWYER LIBRARY1 – 2PM
Clyde Criner III ‘75: Tribute to Musician and Educator
BROOKS ROGERS AUDITORIUM1 – 2PM
Student-Led Admission Tour
Families with children beginning to think about college are encouraged to participate.
PARESKY FRONT STEPS1 – 2PM
Tour of the new South Building of the Science Center Renewal Project
SCHOW ATRIUM1 – 2PM*
Puppet Show (All Ages)
The Puppet Brigade presents "The Storybook" with giant puppets. Fun for the whole family!
PARESKY AUDITORIUM1 – 2PM*
Forest Critter Exploration (Ages 5-12)
Come out and search for some of the small creatures, including centipedes, slugs and salamanders, that dwell on the forest floor.
HOPKINS FOREST2:15 - 3:15PM
Talk with Bill Moomaw '59
GRIFFIN 32:15 - 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 Sawyer Library, Hollander and Schapiro Halls, Weston Athletic Complex, The Class of 1966 Environmental Center, Horn Hall and the South Science Building.
PARESKY FRONT PORCH2:15 – 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 HALL2:15 – 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 STEPS2:15 – 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
Physics and Astronomy Reception
The Department of Physics and the Department of Astronomy invite alumni and friends for iced tea and cookies in the new Science building.
SOUTH SCIENCE BUILDING, GROUND FLOOR ENTRY OFF OF MORLEY CIRCLE3:30PM
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 CENTER3:30PM
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 2043:30PM
Painting the Town: Crafting the scenery for New York Movies, Broadway, and TV, including "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel" with Polly Wood Holland '75
Polly Wood-Holland ‘75 is a Scenic Artist and Set Designer working out of New York City. She will talk about various projects and Films, and particularly what it takes to put on a period series like “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” for which she is currently the Scenic Foreman.
SCHAPIRO 1293:30PM
View "Building 6 Portrait Interior" with artist Barbara Ernst Prey '79
MASS MoCA commissioned Prey to paint the largest watercolor in the world for the opening of their new building. Come see the painting and hear Prey discuss the monumental commission.
BUILDING 6, MASS MOCA, 1040 MASS MOCA WAY, NORTH ADAMS3:30PM
Reunion Reading
Prose writers and poets from the 2020 reunion classes read their work. Sponsored by the Class of 1980; hosted by upstreet editor/publisher Vivian Dorsel ’80.
AGARD LIVING ROOM3:30PM*
Take Me to the River (Ages 10+)
A guided hike on Hopkins Forest's Hoosic River Trail with David Dethier & Hank Art.
HOPKINS FOREST3:30PM*
Family Yoga
Infants, toddlers, kids of all ages are welcome to practice yoga with Amy Sosne '05! Games, silliness, zen, and movement with your loved ones.
SAWYER QUAD (Rain Location: Goodrich Hall)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 CENTER3:30PM*
Ultimate Frisbee Games (Ages 10+)
Practice the skills you learned in the morning clinic! Led by WUFO members. Rain or shine.
FARLEY-LAMB FIELD, WESTON ATHLETIC COMPLEX3:30PM
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.”
SEMINAR ROOM IN BASCOM6PM
Class Dinners and Festivities
Refer to class specific schedules for locations and details.6PM-10pm*
Open Board Games at Purple Dragon Games (Ages 10+)
Owner Niko White '04 will be on hand to teach new games, too.
PURPLE DRAGON GAMES, 40 SPRING STREET7PM*
Movie at Images TBD
IMAGES CINEMA, SPRING STREET7 - 9PM*
Climbing Wall (Ages 10+)
Liability waiver must be signed in order to use climbing wall.
TOWNE FIELD HOUSE7:30PM*
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 COMPLEX7:30PM*
Drawing Class (Ages 10+)
Explore your creative side with pastels and paper. No experience necessary; supplies provided.
PARK STREET ENTRANCE TO ALUMNI CENTER9PM*
Movie at Images TBD
IMAGES CINEMA, 50 SPRING STREET9:30 – 10:30PM
“Everything Old Is New Again!”
Celebrate the 70’s with a delightful hour of music, laughter, and Trivia Time featuring the 70’s & 80’s Ephlats and The Williams Cabaret and a Tribute to the Class of ’80! All classes invited.
THE LOG, 78 SPRING STREET
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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 CHAPELNOON
Dorm Checkout Deadline
Leave your dorm key and name tag on the dresser in your room
*Family Activities Programming
For other events happening in the area over Reunion Weekend, visit btw Berkshires and Destination Williamstown
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