Pick up a hardcopy program at the Alumni Center upon checking in.
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2 - 3PM
New Light on Old Williams: West, Griffin and the Hopkins Observatory: Faculty Lecture with EJ Johnson '59, Amos Lawrence Professor of Art, emeritus
MAINSTAGE, ’62 CENTER FOR THEATRE AND DANCE3:30 – 4:30PM
Waste and the Good Life: Faculty Lecture Eiko Maruko 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
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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 cbrigley@williams.edu
WILLIAMS INN, 1090 Main Street10:00 – 11:00AM
50th Reunion Alumni Seminar: The Future of Liberal Arts Education with panelists Tony Kronman ’68, Former Dean and Professor of Law, Yale Law School, Tad Piper ’68, St. Olaf College, Senior Regent and former Chair of the Board of Regents, and Susan Engel, Williams College Senior Lecturer in Psychology, The Class of 1959 Director of Program in Teaching
MAINSTAGE, ’62 CENTER FOR THEATRE AND DANCE11:30 – 2:30PM Free Ice Cream courtesy of The Ephraim Williams Society
FRONT PORCH, PARESKY CENTER11:30 – 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 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 LOG11:30 – 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. Hear about the redevelopment of Greylock WORKS (where Family Billiards used to be) and of TOURISTS (formerly the Redwood Motel). Hear about Lever (a new startup incubator) and some of the new companies in North Adams. Hear from North Adams Mayor and Williams alum Tom Bernard '92. Hosted by Laurie Thomsen '79. (Shuttles to Greylock WORKS and TOURISTS available after talk).
11:30am - North Adams highlights, WESTON HALL
12:30pm - Lunch and Tour, Greylock WORKS, 508 State Rd, North Adams, MA
1:30pm - Tour of TOURISTS, 915 State Road, North Adams, MA1:30 – 2:30PM
25th Alumni Seminar: Integrative Wellbeing and The Future of Mental Healthcare
Moderated by Chad Orzel '93 with panelists Ned Johnson '93, Kerrita Mayfield '93, Jen McQuaid '93, and Wendy Adam, Director of Integrative Wellbeing Services at Williams College
MAINSTAGE, ’62 CENTER FOR THEATRE AND DANCE2:45-3:45PM
A Conversation with Williams President-Elect Maud S. Mandel and Interim President Tiku Majumder, Barclay Jermain Professor of Natural Philosophy
Society of Alumni President, Jordan Hampton '87, will engage in conversation with President-Elect Mandel and Interim President Majumder.
MAINSTAGE, ’62 CENTER FOR THEATRE AND DANCE4:00 – 5:00PM
What It's Like to Do Journalism Today with Lizzie O'Leary '98, host of "Marketplace Weekend," J. David Goodman '03, reporter for The New York Times, and Ben Monnie '98, Director of Global News & Publishing Partnership Solutions at Google. Moderated by Mason B. Williams, Assistant Professor of Leadership Studies and Political Science.
MAINSTAGE, ’62 CENTER FOR THEATRE AND DANCE5:30PM
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. 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 STEPS7AM
Yoga
GREYLOCK DANCE STUDIO, 2nd FLOOR, GREYLOCK HALL8:30AM*
Create a Spectacle
Dress up for the parade by making your own festive sunglasses, hats, and signs to carry and wear! Rain or shine.
SAWYER QUAD TENT9:30AM*
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 QUAD10:30AM - 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 GYM10:00AM - 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 STREET10:30AM - 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 GATE10:30AM - 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 FIELD10:30AM - 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 FIELDNOON*
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 (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 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)
READING ROOM, 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.
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 - 5PM
Open House at WCMA Museum Shop
Stop in to see and shop the newly reinvented store
WCMA1 – 2PM
Concussions and Contact Sports. Research by Bill Reeves '98 in discussion with Director of Sports Medicine Rodd Lanoue.
BROOKS ROGERS AUDITORIUM1 – 2PM
The History of Women Scientists of Color at NASA from 1941-1969 with Dr. Marty Williams '78
SCHAPIRO 1291 – 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
Alumni Exhibition Tour: “The Power of Patience”
Presenting artwork generously donated to the museum by alumni celebrating their reunion this year, The Power of Patience invites you to slow down and look closely. This exercise encourages new ways of thinking that arise out of a prolonged engagement with art. Learn more about how the individual works inform this practice with exhibition curator Johnna Henry MA ’18.
WCMA1 – 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 run and play in Hopkins Forest while looking for forest critters.
HOPKINS FOREST2:15 - 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. Program includes Bobette Reed Khan '73, Dena Zaldua '98, Faaiza Lalji '08, and Tara Deonauth '13.
MAINSTAGE, '62 CENTER2:15 - 3:15PM
WCMA Highlights Tour
Curators will be on hand to share highlights and answer questions about new exhibitions and current projects. See the recently acquired Rockwell Kent painting of the Berkshire Hills, paired with WCMA’s iconic “Morning in the City” by Edward Hopper; experience the new installation of Sam Gilliam's grand and lyrical drape work that defies conventional definitions of painting; and explore the representation of animals in art and artifacts across time and across the globe in RAWR! A WCMA Bestiary.
WCMA2:15 - 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 PORCH2:15 - 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 1292:15 – 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 David Park Teaching Laboratory.
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
Charlie vs. Goliath
Screening of the documentary film Charlie vs. Goliath followed by Q&A with filmmaker Reed Lindsay '98.
PARESKY AUDITORIUM3:30PM
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 1053:30PM
The American Theatre: An Insider's Perspective with Mandy Greenfield, Artistic Director of Williamstown Theatre Festival
Greenfield will preview the Festival's 2018 season, discuss the American theatrical landscape and the process of creating world premiere work for the stage in Williamstown, for off-Broadway, on Broadway and beyond!
SCHAPIRO 1293:30PM
"The Field is the World: Williams, Hawaii, and Material Histories in the Making”
In August 1986, a box was discovered in the basement of a dorm at Williams College. In it were 64 objects that had been collected a century and a half earlier for the Lyceum of Natural History, a student-run museum on campus from 1835-1909. Among the objects was a Hawaiian kupe’e, or ankle rattle made of dog teeth. The kupe’e inspired a two-part exhibition that surfaces the complex and under-known historical relationship between Williams College and the kingdom of Hawai’i, from the founding of the missionary movement in 1806, to the overthrow of the Hawaiian government in 1893. Drawing on various campus collections and rich archival holdings, the exhibition frames questions about visible and invisible institutional histories, histories of pedagogy and of museum practice, and the impulse to collect and its relationship to agency in the making of histories. Drawing on various campus collections, the exhibition frames questions about visible and invisible institutional histories, museum practice, and the impulse to collect.
Join museum staff to intimately explore these objects behind the scenes, and learn more about this project in process.
This program has capacity for 30 participants.
WCMA3:30PM
PREVIEW “BUILDING 6 PORTRAIT INTERIOR” with artist Barbara Ernest Prey ’79.
Barbara Ernst Prey ’79 discusses the commission of the largest watercolor in the world. Please gather at the painting in the prow of Building 6.
MASS MoCA, 87 Marshall Street, North Adams3:30PM*
Take Me to the River (Ages 10+)
A guided hike on Hopkins Forest's Hoosic River Trail with David Dethier, Edward Brust Professor of Geology and Mineralogy
HOPKINS FOREST3:30PM*
Family Yoga
Infants, toddlers, kids of all ages are welcome to practice yoga with Amy Sosne '05, owner of Smalltown Yoga on Spring Street! Games, silliness, zen, and movement with your loved ones - what could be better?
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.
UPPER COLE FIELD3:30PM
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: Coco, Rated PG
IMAGES CINEMA, SPRING STREET7PM - 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 5-12)
Explore your creative side with pastels and paper. No experience necessary; supplies provided.
PARK STREET ENTRANCE TO ALUMNI CENTER8:00PM
Short Film Screenings and Q&A with Award-Winning Comedy Writer/Director Kai Collins '98
Collins will show two of her comedy shorts, discuss the independent filmmaking process, and answer questions about the behind-the-scenes scoop of turning a spark of an idea into a fully-executed vision.
PARESKY AUDITORIUM8:30PM*
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 QUAD9PM*
Movie at Images: The Greatest Showman, Rated PG
IMAGES CINEMA, SPRING STREET9PM
Williams Reunion Jazz Band Concert
TAVERN AT THE WILLIAMS INN9:30 – 10:30PM
“HERE COMES THE SUN...”
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 ’78! All classes invited.
THE LOG
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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 on the dresser in your room
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