Pick up a hardcopy program at the Alumni Center upon checking in.
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2:00 - 3:00PM
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
Memory and Forgetting, Faculty Lecture with Christina Simko, Assistant Professor of Sociology
Professor Simko is an interpretive and historical sociologist whose work focuses on American collective memory. Her current book project traces the changing meanings of “terrorism” in American public discourse, with special attention to memorials and museums that commemorate past episodes of violence. How is terrorism represented in these spaces? How do representations of the past shape projections of the future? Christina’s talk will compare the recently opened national lynching memorial and companion museum in Montgomery, Alabama, with the memorials and museums commemorating the Oklahoma City bombing and the events of September 11, 2001.
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 cbrigley@williams.edu
WILLIAMS INN, 1090 Main 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
Class of 1969 50th Reunion Conversation: Point of Departure – The 1965 Summer Reading List, Our First Williams Assignment
Larry McCullough ’69 and Lloyd Constantine ’69 use Bronowski’s Science and Human Values and Boulding’s The Image as prompts for reflections on
Williams. Moderated by Bob Kandel '69.
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 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. Hear about the redevelopment of Greylock WORKS and of TOURISTS. Hear about some of the new companies in North Adams. Hear from North Adams mayor Tom Bernard ’92. Hosted by Laurie Thomsen ’79 and Lever. (Lunch to follow at A-OK Berkshire Barbeque, with opportunity to visit MASS MoCA, Norad Mill, Greylock WORKS, EMRCA or TOURISTS until 3pm)
WESTON HALL1:30 – 2:30PM
25th Alumni Seminar: Privacy and Civil Rights in the Digital Age with members of the class of 1994
Speakers: Josh Kussman '94, Andrew Ferguson '94, Chris Roosenraad '94. Juliet Hooker '94 and moderator Liz Randolph Rappaport '94.
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 1979, 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 2019) 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. Including Kathy Sharpe Jones '79, Ginny Suss '99, Cortney Tunis '04 and Nataly Garzon '14.
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 alumni-travel@williams.edu
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 Rt2 at 7am. Vans will shuttle hikers back to campus from the Rosenburg Center at about 10AM.8AM
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 STREET9AM
Get Cownted! Get Coffee!
Jump start your Reunion Saturday with coffee courtesy of the Society of Alumni. Visit with members of the Executive Committee of the Society of Alumni and Get Cownted!
PARESKY PORCH9:30AM*
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 1969 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 197th 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 GYM10:30AM - 6PM
Greylock WORKS' Heirloom by design Market
508 State Rd, North Adams, MA 01247
Spring-Summer festival marketplace featuring 75+ fabulous artisans, food-crafters and farmers from the Berkshires and beyond, complemented by talented acoustic musicians and poets. $5 entry - kids under 12 free, sun-filled renovated former cotton spinning mill @greylockWorks1 - 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*
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. 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
Campus Collecting: A Conversation with WCMA and Special Collections
Join Horace Ballard, Curator of American Art at WCMA, and Lisa Conathan, Head of Special Collections at the Williams College Libraries, for a conversation about how and why these institutions choose which works to acquire and accept into their collections. How do they differ? Where do they overlap? Highlighting past collaborative projects, they will also shed light on what may be on the horizon.
STETSON READING ROOM, SAWYER LIBRARY1 – 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 Forest
HOPKINS FOREST2:15 - 3:15PM
Unfinished Business: The EMRCA, the Diseases of Despair, and the Transformation of North Adams
In 1985 Thomas Krens ’69 proposed to the Governor of Massachusetts and the Mayor of North Adams a plan to convert the recently shuttered Sprague Electric complex in downtown North Adams into the world’s largest museum of contemporary art. Three decades later, MASS MoCA has achieved that goal and has become world renowned for its exhibitions and programming. With the new addition to the Clark Art Institute, the combined annual attendance of these two world-class art museums in the Northern Berkshires is well over half a million visitors a year.Despite surpassing its attendance targets, however, MASS MoCA has not generated the transformation of the local economy anticipated by Mr. Krens three decades ago, largely due to the fact that the large majority of visitors to the Clark and MASS MoCA are day trippers and do not spend the night. In fact, 20% of the population of North Adams still lives below the poverty line. And like many formerly prosperous New England industrial towns, North Adams has struggled with various public health problems directly related to insufficient economic prosperity, including drug and opioid abuse.
In 2016, Mr. Krens, the Director Emeritus of the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation, returned to the Berkshires and set out to find a solution by proposing a radical new concept for a third major cultural attraction— a for-profit art museum/theme park that would, by itself, attract one million visitors per year.
For the Williams Reunion weekend, Mr. Krens will make a special, detailed presentation of the North Adams Cultural Development Master Plan at the Class of 1962 Theater. At is center is the Extreme Model Railroad and Contemporary Architecture Museum.
EMRCA’s mission is to create a unique, sophisticated, world-class, educationally intense, history-based, technologically immersive, precision scale museum-theme park experience of surpassing scale-- one that appeals directly to an international audience between the ages of 4 and 104-- by deploying cutting edge technologies to tap into two deep pools of content-- the histories of post-industrial architecture and the development of the American railroad network from the late 19th century to the present.
Overall, the NA CDMP is a nine component, $250 million project that promises to establish the Northern Berkshires as the #1 cultural and recreational tourist destination in the country, thereby creating more than 3,000 permanent jobs and generating more than $350 million per year in increased economic activity.
All nine components of the plan fall within the Opportunity Zones created by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and signed into law in December 2017. The legislation created a new section of the Tax Code (26 U.S. Code § 1400Z) to provide tax incentives for investments in targeted areas in the United States through investment vehicles called Opportunity Funds. The purpose of Opportunity Funds is to promote economic development in these select communities, known as Opportunity Zones, by offering investors substantial federal tax advantages that are only available through the new program.
LINKS:
1. EMRCA CDMP PROJECT OVERVIEW
2. RECENT PRESS
3. PROJECT DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION
MAIN STAGE, ’62 Center for Theater and Dance2:15 - 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
Two '74 grads forsake law school (and real employment) to play music and make films
Paul Stekler '74 will screen two of his short films, Molly & Ann (20 min) and Spit Farther! (10 min). Following the screening, classmate and jazz pianist, Joe Mulholland '74, will perform.
BROOKS ROGERS AUDITORIUM2:15 - 3:15PM
Making the Biggest Possible Difference Panel with members of the class of 1984 moderated and organized by Robert Kent, founder, The PeaceCamp Initiative
1] Mariët Westermann - Executive VP - Mellon Foundation
2] David Yaskulka, Chair of GreaterGood.org
3] Paul Wolfe - COO, Mission Measurement
4] Anne L’Hommedieu Sanderson - CEO/co-Founder of Thinker Analytix
5] Hernando Garzon, Global Health Program Director, Kaiser Permanente
6] Navjeet K. Bal - Managing Director and General Counsel at Social Finance
7] Kristen Engberg, CEO BeeSpace
PARESKY AUDITORIUM2:15 – 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
Art and Economics of Acquisition
Inspired by their class “Acquiring Art: Selecting and Purchasing Objects for WCMA”, Kevin Murphy, Eugénie Prendergast Senior Curator of American and European Art, and Stephen Sheppard, Class of 2012 Professor of Economics, share insights into the economic and aesthetic factors that are key to building a museum-quality collection.
MAINSTAGE, ’62 CENTER FOR THEATRE AND DANCE3:30PM
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
The American Theatre: An Insider's Perspective with Mandy Greenfield, Artistic Director of Williamstown Theatre Festival
Greenfield will preview the Festival's 2019 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
PREVIEW “BUILDING 6 PORTRAIT INTERIOR” with artist Barbara Ernst Prey ’79.
MASS MoCA commissioned celebrated artist Barbara Prey to paint the largest watercolor in the world for the opening of their new building. Come see the painting and hear Barbara discuss the monumental commission.
BUILDING 6, MASS MoCA, 1040 MASS MoCA WAY, NORTH ADAMS3:30PM*
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 BASCOM4:00PM
Book launch party for "The Hungry Ghost" with Dalena Storm '09
THE WILLIAMS BOOK STORE, 81 SPRING STREET6PM
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: Paddington 2 (Rated: PG)
Paddington, now happily settled with the Brown family and a popular member of the local community, picks up a series of odd jobs to buy the perfect present for his Aunt Lucy's 100th birthday, only for the gift to be stolen.
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: Ralph Breaks the Internet (Rated: PG)
Six years after the events of "Wreck-It Ralph," Ralph and Vanellope, now friends, discover a wi-fi router in their arcade, leading them into a new adventure.
IMAGES CINEMA, 50 SPRING STREET9PM
Williams Reunion Jazz Band Concert
TAVERN AT THE WILLIAMS INN, 1090 MAIN 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 ’79! 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 on the dresser in your room
*Family Activities Programming
For other events happening in the area over Reunion Weekend, visit Destination Williamstown.
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