Reunion + Commencement

rc@wesleyan.edu
860-685-2116

Reunion + Commencement 2024


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    Exhibit: History through the eyes of History 330

    9 a.m.–5 p.m.
    Olin Library, 1st floor east hallway and Ground floor hallway, open during regular library hours More on History through the eyes of History 330
    Come see a collection of mini exhibits put together by the students of History 330, Introduction to Public History, this spring semester with the help of Wesleyan’s special collections and university archives. Each student was allowed to choose a topic of interest to them and to create both a physical and online exhibit to help them understand how to balance the standards of formal academic scholarship with the demands of interpreting history for a larger public audience. Each of these 12 unique cases give insight into various parts of Wesleyan history and items from the library’s unique collections.
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    50th Reunion Class of 1974 – I Never Knew You

    9:30–11:30 a.m.
    Frank Center for Public Affairs, room 100

    More on I Never Knew You
    Gather with your classmates and share stories about your time here on campus and why so many of us “never knew you”. This is your chance to get reacquainted with classmates and connect with those you never knew. A continental breakfast will be served.
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    Exhibit: Celebrating the John Waters Archive at Wesleyan: “A Legacy of Shock”

    10 a.m.–4 p.m.
    The Rick Nicita Gallery, The Ogden and Mary Louise Reid Cinema Archives
    The Film Center, 301 Washington Terrace More on Celebrating the John Waters Archive at Wesleyan: “A Legacy of Shock”
    John Waters began donating his archival materials to Wesleyan in 1986 and has continued to add to his collection at the Reid Cinema Archives for the last 37 years.

    This exhibit highlights posters of some of his most well-known films, as well as artifacts from his large and wide-ranging collection (artifacts are in the exhibit case at the end of the building).

    The Academy Museum in Los Angeles is hosting a year-long exhibit dedicated to John Waters titled John Waters: Pope of Trash. The exhibit is curated by Jenny He ’02 and Dara Jaffe ’90, MA ’12 and is accompanied by a 256-page catalog, edited by He and Jaffe, including an essay by Jeanine Basinger, Emerita. It opened on September 17, 2023, and the exhibit is scheduled to remain open until August 4, 2024. Most of the items showcased in the Academy Museum’s exhibit are from the John Waters Archive at the Ogden and Mary Louise Reid Cinema Archives at Wesleyan University.
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    Senior Theses Film and Capstones

    10 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
    Jeanine Basinger Center for Film Studies, Goldsmith Family Cinema

    VIEW THE FILM SCHEDULE

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    Senior Class Diploma Pick-Up

    10 a.m.–4 p.m.
    North College, Registrar's Office

    More on diploma pick-up

    Members of the Class of 2024 may pick up their diplomas in the Registrar's Office. Please be prepared to show a photo ID.

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    Welcome Picnic Lunch

    11:30 a.m.–1 p.m.
    Center for the Arts Green, Tent
    SOLD OUT.
    Additional dining options include: Usdan Cafe in the Usdan Univeristy Center and Pi Cafe in Exley Science Center.

    More on the picnic

    For alumni, families, and friends. 
    THIS MEAL IS SOLD OUT. 
    $25 per person; purchase tickets within online registration by May 13.

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    Campus Tour

    12–1:15 p.m.
    Presented by the Office of Admission
    Stewart M. Reid House, 70 Wyllys Avenue

  • American Studies Department Open House

    12–2 p.m.
    255 High Street
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    Eclectic Alumni Reunion

    12–3 p.m.
    200 High Street, 1st floor More on the Eclectic Alumni Reception
    Alumni of the Eclectic Society are invited to sift through archives and exchange stories with current members at a daytime get-together. There will be a panel on the current state and future of the society, libations, snacks, fun, memories, crafts and more.
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    Exhibit: Exploding and Netting: A Somatic Archive of Transpacific Movement

    12–4 p.m.
    Center for East Asian Studies Gallery, 343 Washington Terrace More on Exploding and Netting: A Somatic Archive of Transpacific Movement
    Sensing the textual, architectural, and bodily archives via the perspectives and experiences of current Chinese international students, this exhibition grapples with Wesleyan and other New England academic institution's involvement in China from the nineteenth century to the present. Featuring the artwork of Loren Yuehan Wang ’25. Curated by Yijing Lai ’24 and Xiran Tan ’24.
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    Senior Thesis Selections Exhibition

    12–5 p.m.
    Zilkha Gallery More on the Senior Thesis Selections Exhibition
    Zilkha Gallery showcases the work of the Class of 2024’s thesis students in the Department of Art and Art History’s Art Studio Program. The exhibition presents a work by each of the seniors from their Senior Thesis Exhibition. Works shown are in drawing, painting, printmaking, photography, sculpture, mixed media, and architecture.
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    Pruzan Art Center Exhibitions

    12:30–3:15 p.m.
    Pruzan Art Center, between Olin Library and the Frank Center for Public Affairs More on the Pruzan Art Center Exhibitions
    Visit the new Pruzan Art Center, located between Olin Library and the Frank Center for Public Affairs and experience two exhibitions: Air Pressure and Dürer and His Time.
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    Gordon Career Center Open House

    1–3 p.m.
    Boger Hall (formerly the Squash Court Building), Gordon Career Center

    More on the Gordon Career Center

    All are welcome to stop by the Gordon Career Center! Come visit one of the best places to study on campus and speak with staff. The Gordon Career Center works with students to connect what they’re learning both inside and outside the classroom to opportunities on campus, over the summer, or post-Wesleyan. They join campus partners, parents, alumni, and employers to sponsor over 200 events a year. Come and learn how you can get involved!

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    50th Reunion Class of 1974 Lounge

    1–5 p.m.
    Alsop House, 301 High Street
    Refreshments available

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    WESeminar: Art & Healing

    1–2 p.m.
    Ring Family Performing Arts Theater

    More on Art & Healing
    Meet Ellen Driscoll ’74, a Brooklyn-based artist known for work encompassing sculpture, drawing, and public art. Her work is in major collections including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the Whitney Museum of Art. View Ellen’s pieces and self-portraits in the Zilkha Gallery (displayed May 23rd-May 24th,) and join her for a talk on the power of healing through creating art.
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    WESeminar: Finding the Spirit of Inanga: African Musical Instruments Exhibition Tour and Demonstration

    2–3 p.m.
    Olin Library 014

    More on Finding the Spirit of Inanga: African Musical Instruments Exhibition Tour and Demonstration
    The World Music Archives & Music Library at Wesleyan University, in collaboration with PVD World Music Institute (Providence, RI), is currently hosting the exhibition Finding the Spirit of Inanga: Musical Instruments from Africa in Olin Library. Come see and hear some of the instruments up close, and learn about photogrammetry, a technique for creating 3D models of objects. Chance Kinyange, current MA student in World Music and founder of the Institute, will talk about the design and history of this hybrid physical/digital exhibition, and library staff member Charlie Coffey will discuss 3D modeling of the instruments on display and other digital elements.

    Finding the Spirit of Inanga takes visitors on a spectacular journey through empires, technologies, and traditions, featuring the inanga, a unique and significant musical instrument played by people from across the Great Lakes region of Africa, as well as other instruments from around the continent. Curating this exhibition and related events is a part of PVD World Music Institute’s ongoing mission to celebrate, promote and enrich the musical traditions and arts of African refugees and immigrants for present and future generations.
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    WESeminar: Agriculture, Climate Change, and Rural Economies

    2–3:30 p.m.
    Exley Science Center Woodhead Lounge More on Agriculture, Climate Change, and Rural Economies
    One of the major drivers of global warming is agriculture. Reduction of forests, use of fossil fuels, tillage practices, livestock, and chemical fertilizers release approximately 5-6 gigatons of CO2 equivalents per year worldwide (FAO 2022), and about 698 million metric tons per year in the US (USEPA 2022). Concomitantly, rural farming communities have suffered many setbacks economically over the last decade. Our two speakers have been on the cutting edge of working to reduce the carbon footprint of agriculture by promoting alternative energy and technology designs, including biotech. Our speakers will discuss the necessity and challenges of engaging with rural communities as well as their demonstrated success in enhancing rural economies.

    Speakers: Amy Kurt ’04; Director of Development, Easter US and Canada, EDP Renewables North America. Greg Jaffe ’84; Senior Advisor for Regulatory Affairs in the Office of the Secretary at USDA. Moderated by Barry Chernoff; Director, Bailey College of the Environment, Robert Schumann Professor of Environmental Studies.
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    WESeminar: Co-education: Pioneers of the 70s

    2–4 p.m.
    Frank Center for Public Affairs Room 001

    More on Co-education: Pioneers of the 70s
    Join members of the class of ’74 as they present a brief history of co-education from the “Quails” of 1872-1912 through the first four years of the “second phase” of co-education (1970-1974). Most of the session will be devoted to attendees sharing memories as the pioneers of the 70s. Panel members include Scott Burson ’74, P'07, '10, Chery Cutler MA'71 (former Chair of Dance Department,) Ada Jemison ’74, Bob Kirkpatrick ’60 (former Dean of Admission,) Sharon Purdie ’74, P'10, and Pam van der Meulen ’74, P'14.
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    College of Education Studies Senior and Alumni Reception

    2–4 p.m.
    164 Mount Vernon Street
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    Reception for the Global South Asian Studies Program

    2-4 p.m.
    Fries Center for Global Studies, Fisk 201
     More on the Reception for the Global South Asian Studies Program
    All are invited to celebrate the first year of the Global South Asian Studies Program! Refreshments will be served.
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    Women Making History - Unique Collections Open House

    3–5 p.m.
    Olin Memorial Library
    Special Collections and Archives and the Davison Rare Book Room

    More on the open house
    As we celebrate the class of 1974 and their role in helping Wesleyan become a fully coeducational institution 50 years ago, Special Collections & Archives, the Archaeology & Anthropology Collections, World Music Archives & Music Library, and the East Asian Art & Archival Collections invite you to search for women’s voices through items from our collections. Come see archival materials from both of Wesleyan’s rounds of coeducation; works created by women in the book arts; objects that honor girlhood and women’s experiences; depictions of women in ancient Greek pottery; and music from pathbreaking women composers and performers.
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    WESeminar: Women @ Wes

    3:30–4:30 p.m.
    Judd Hall 116

    More on Women @ Wes
    Since 1970, women at Wesleyan have been encouraged to explore their interests and practice various disciplines while on campus. Post-Wesleyan, these alumnae have gone on to build businesses, lead corporations, and develop policies to help other women in the workforce. Join Olivia Morgan ’94, Co-founder of the California Partners Project and the National Student Poets Program, Shari Runner ’79, Director of Black Researchers Collective, Claire Burns ’89, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer at The Hartford, and Lauren Glotzer '94, Chief Strategy Officer at Chegg, as they reflect on their years at Wesleyan and the influence Wesleyan had on them to become the women they are today. Moderated by Editor at KUOW Public Radio, Deborah Wang ’84.
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    WESeminar: Wesleyan + Middletown

    3:30–4:30 p.m.
    Boger Hall 112 More on Wesleyan + Middletown
    Civic engagement encompasses a wide range of activities in which individuals work to strengthen their communities, to realize common goods, to enhance the capacities and dispositions necessary for democratic self-rule, and in general to deliberately shape their common life. Wesleyan University prides itself on igniting a strong social consciousness in students by creating a connection to our backyard community, Middletown. Join Middletown, Connecticut Mayor Ben Florsheim ’14 in conversation with Middletown Community Health Center President Mark Masselli HON ’09, P’16, ’17 on how Wesleyan has previously and currently impacted Middletown, and the importance of local civic engagement.
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    25th Reunion Class of 1999 Lounge

    3–5 p.m.
    Smith Reading Room, Olin Library
    Refreshments available 

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    Champagne Reception for Graduating Seniors and Families

    4–5:30 p.m.
    Andrus Field Tent More on the reception
    Graduating seniors and their families are invited to this casual reception.

  • Football Happy Hour

    4–6 p.m.
    Belichick Plaza, Freeman Athletic Center
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    WESeminar: Navigating Life as a Young Alum during COVID-19

    4:30–5:30 p.m.
    Boger Hall Room 114 More on Navigating Life as a Young Alum during COVID-19
    In March of 2020, the Class of 2019 had just begun their life outside of Wesleyan. Many were starting new jobs, applying to graduate schools, or pursuing passions. Then, the world shut down and these alumni were forced to pivot how they worked, how they learned, and how they could best show up as a Wesleyan alumnus in a time where face-to-face interaction was nonexistent. Join Jacob Snyder ’19, Ziran Cai ’19, and Niko Ortega ’19 as they discuss their experience as a young alum during the COVID-19 pandemic. Moderated by Executive Director of the Gordon Career Center, Sharon Belden Castonguay.
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    Alpha Delta Phi Reception and Banquet

    4:30–5:30 p.m.
    Alpha Delta Phi, 185 High Street

    More on Alpha Delta Phi Banquet

    For members of Alpha Delta Phi and their families. 

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    President's Reception Honoring Leadership Donors

    5–6:30 p.m.
    By invitation only.

    More on the leadership donors reception

    President Michael S. Roth '78 and the Wesleyan Board of Trustees invite members of the 1831 Society, Olin Society, and the Wesleyan Circle for a reception at the Frank Center for Public Affairs. Wesleyan's leadership societies recognize the extraordinary commitment and support of our generous and dedicated community members.

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    Red, Black, and Green! All-College Dinner

    5–8 p.m.
    Marketplace, Usdan University Center

    More on the all-college dinner

    An informal, eco-friendly dinner for classmates, friends, and families in the Marketplace, second floor of Usdan University Center. 

    $30 per person; purchase tickets within online registration by May 13. Advance ticket purchases through registration is required for all guests—including graduating seniors and current students.
    Limited meal tickets may be available—though not guarateed—at the Marketplace cashier during dinner hours.

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    Friday Presidential Dinner in Honor of the 50th Reunion Class of 1974

    5:30–8 p.m.
    Center for the Arts Tent

    More on the reception and dinner
    5:30 p.m. reception
    6:30 p.m. dinner
    Members of the class of 1974 are invited to celebrate their 50th reunion with President Michael S. Roth '78. RSVP required.
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    Shabbat Services

    6–7 p.m.
    The Bayit, 157 Church Street

    More on Shabbat

    Please join Rabbi David Leipziger Teva and the Wesleyan Jewish community for Shabbat services. No reservations necessary.

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    Alpha Delta Phi Banquet Dinner

    6–9 p.m.
    Alpha Delta Phi, 185 High Street

    More on Alpha Delta Phi banquet

    For members of Alpha Delta Phi and their families.

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    Friday Night Class Receptions

    6:30–8 p.m.
    Please let us know you plan to attend within online registration by May 13.

    Class reception details and locations

    Casual receptions with charcuterie, beer, wine, and cardinal cocktails served. Advance registration required. Class reception locations are subject to change based on registration numbers. Please check back for final locations.

    Post-50th Reunion Classes
    Downey House Lounge

    Classes of 1979 and 1984
    The Artemis Nazarian Courtyard and Pruzan Art Center lobby, between Olin Memorial Library and the Frank Center for Public Affairs

    Classes of 1989 and 1994
    Zelnick Pavilion

    Class of 1999
    Olson Commons, Gordon Career Center, Boger Hall
    Decks of cards available for a Spades tournament during this time.

    Classes of 2004 and 2009
    Campbell Reference Center, Olin Library

    Classes of 2014 and 2019
    Exley Science Center Lobby

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    Shabbat Dinner

    7:45–10 p.m.
    Daniel Family Commons, Usdan University Center

    More on Shabbat dinner

    Welcome Shabbat with song, food, and joyful fellowship at this special dinner for returning alumni, graduating seniors, and their families.

    $30 per person. Purchase tickets within online registration by May 13.

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    All-Star Campus: All Reunion Music Fest

    7:45–11 p.m.
    Andrus Field Tent
    Concert begins promptly at 8 p.m.
    Cash bar available, 8–11 p.m. cash or Venmo, bring a photo ID. No outside alcoholic beverages permitted.

    More on the concert
    Music is the thread that binds many a Wesleyan soul. Whether you played or enjoyed great music vibes we were all touched by the breadth and depth of the Wesleyan musical experience. On Friday, May 24 alumni will assemble together for All Star Campus—an all-class Reunion 2024 Music Fest featuring — One Way River ’04, Chucklehead ’89, and 06457 ’79.

    One Way River
    A rock-collective echoing the sounds of soul and guitar-heavy albums from the ’60s and ’70s — featuring Brian McKenna ’04 and his fellow NYC-studio veteran and One Way River band-leader Jimmy Harned ’91, plus Dave Anderson ’92, and Eric Gertner ’92.

    Chucklehead
    The seminal Boston-based group helped generate and define the independent live hip-hop and funk scene in the ’90s -and the music remains timeless. Chucklehead recorded 3 albums, selling over 50,000 copies and toured the US non-stop for seven years, appearing in front of over half a million people. At the apex of grunge, Chucklehead was forging a new path, mixing live hip-hop, funk and rock and roll, influencing other bands and foreshadowing much of the mainstream popular music that’s dominated the airwaves since. Representing the funk will be classes of ’89 and ’90: Eben Levy, Huck Bennert, Rob Nahf, Brian Gottesman, and Erik Attkisson and compatriots Mick Demopolous and Meyer Statham. (https://www.chucklehead.com/)

    06457
    With Billy Hunter ’78, Jack Freudenheim ’79, P’18, ’20, Rob Levin ’81, Dirck Westervelt ’79, Carl Sturken ’78, Dave Stern ’80, Tom Valtin ’79, and Bill Levinson ’79. This is a mashup of two popular groups from the 1979 era: Urban Renewal and Contraband. Urban Renewal is a hard charging funk and soulful outfit, and Contraband dialed in the FM rock of the late 1970s.

  • Screenplay & Teleplay Film Thesis Readings

    8–10 p.m.
    Powell Family Cinema More on the Screenplay and Teleplay Staged Readings

    Join students as actors bring to life scenes from the senior screenplay and teleplay written work. Moderated by Joe Cacaci, Artist-in-Residence, Film Studies