50th Reunion Preliminary Schedule for 1975
Items with an are links to additional information.
Use one of these links to go directly to the activities for that day:
Thursday, June 5
2:00 p.m. Registration opens
Location: Davison Lobby
4:00 p.m. Class of 1975 special look at The Vassar Institute for the Liberal Arts
Location: The Vassar Institute for the Liberal Arts, Elm room
Join Robert Brigham, Professor of History and the Inaugural Faculty Director of The Vassar Institute for the Liberal Arts, and Maryann Pilon, Director of Project Management and Construction, for a presentation about the College’s newest community resource and a sneak peek into early Institute programming followed by Q&A.
6:00–9:30 p.m. Casual buffet dinner upon arrival
Location: Alumnae House
7:30 p.m. Class of 1975 Photo
Location: Alumnae House Steps
9:30–11:30 p.m. 1975 Hospitality
Location: Davison Tent
Friday, June 6
8:00–10:00 a.m. Continental Breakfast
Location: Davison Tent
8:30 a.m. Walkway Over the Hudson Bike ride
A gentle 10–15 mile paved trail bike ride on the Dutchess County Rail Trail. We will meet at the parking lot on the west side, a.k.a. The Highland side, of the Walkway Over the Hudson. Limited bike rentals are available. More information will be available in the spring. Ride limited to 25 participants and the deadline to sign up is May 23, 2025. Please reach out to Paul Winkeller at winkp1725@gmail.com with any questions.
9:00–10:30 a.m. Roundtable Discussion
Location: Davison Tent
More info coming soon
9:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m. Reunion Information Center is open
Location: Main Building Lobby
9:00 a.m.–11:00 p.m. Davison House open for check-in
9:30 a.m. Golf Outing
Location: Meet at the Vassar Golf Course
Contact Sturgess Spanos for more details—sturgess.spanos@gmail.com.
10:30–11:30 a.m. Dedicated curated Tour of the Loeb
More information coming soon
Noon Don’t miss out on a Cookout Lunch hosted by campus dining
Location: Davison Tent
2:00–3:00 p.m. College-Sponsored Lectures
Utilizing AI in the Vassar Classroom
Location: New England 105
New Brews: A Showcase of Student Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Location: Rockefeller 200
2:00–3:30 p.m. College-Sponsored Tour
The Environmental Cooperative and Vassar Preserve Tour
Location: Shuttles depart from Main Circle
3:30–4:30 p.m. College-Sponsored Lectures and Tours
Full Circle: An Author’s Reflections and A Professor’s Legacy
Location: Rockefeller 300
The Third Chapter: Shaking things up after a certain age
Location: Rockefeller 210
Walking Tour of the Vassar College Class Trees
Location: Meet at the entrance to Main in front of Main Circle.
4:00–5:00 p.m. Labyrinth Walk and Pratt House Open House
Location: Pratt House
Come experience the new labyrinth on campus and get a tour of Pratt House, the new hub for Religious and Spiritual Life and Contemplative Practices (RSLCP) at the College.
The labyrinth tour will be hosted by Associate Professor of Psychological Science Carolyn Palmer and Katilau Mbindyo ’14, an alum who advocated for a permanent labyrinth at Vassar throughout her student years.
The open house will be hosted by Saba Ali, Advisor for Muslim Student Life; Rabbi Bryan Mann, Rachlin Director for Jewish Student Life and Assistant Director, RSLCP; and Rev. Sam Speers, Associate Dean of the College for RSLCP. Refreshments will be served.
5:00–6:00 p.m. Night Owls Rehearsal (tentative)
Location: Rockefeller 200
5:00–7:00 p.m. All-Class Welcome Reception at the Loeb
Refreshments served.
5:00–7:00 p.m. Class of 1975 sponsors a Musicale Bacchanale
Location: Bridge for Laboratory Sciences
Come and enjoy light refreshments and an all-reunion “Musicale Bacchanale.”
5:30–6:45 p.m. Shabbat Service
Location: The Bayit (51 Collegeview Avenue, North Gate)
6:00–7:00 p.m. Faculty Reception
Location: Thompson Memorial Library Lawn Tent
7:00–9:15 p.m. Progressive and hearty appetizers and stations for dinner
Location: Shakespeare Garden
7:30 p.m. Class of 1975 Photo
Location: Shakespeare Garden
9:30 p.m. Fireworks over Sunset Lake
10 p.m.–midnight “Block” Party at Noyes Circle
Location: Noyes Circle Tent
This very special event is being hosted by the Class of ’75 and the Class of ’80. Classic songs from our favorite era performed live by The Never Going Back To My Old School Band featuring Vassar classmates Bill Block and Drew Zingg with some very special musical guests!
10 p.m.–1:00 a.m. The Mug
Location: Lower Level, College Center
Join us at the Mug for music from the 80s and 90s. Don’t forget to wait in line. Everyone 21 and older is welcome. Cash bar, DJ, and dancing.
11:00 p.m.–1:00 a.m. Coffee House—Hospitality
Location: Davison Tent
All musicians are welcome to perform. Please contact Benjy Keenan in advance. Call or text (603) 208-8490.
Saturday, June 7
7:30–9:00 a.m. Full Breakfast
Location: Gordon Commons (formerly ACDC)
9:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m. Reunion Information Center is open
Location: Main Building Lobby
9:30 a.m. Hour with the President
Location: The Chapel
Remarks by Vassar’s 11th President, Elizabeth Howe Bradley
10:30 a.m. Line up for Parade of Classes
Line starts with 1955 at the chapel along the path and ends with 2020. Look for your class banner along the parade route. Arrive early to gather for a class photo. Golf carts will be available.
10:45 a.m. Parade of Classes
11:30 a.m. Celebrate Vassar
Location: Athletics and Fitness Center
Alums from the 5th to the 75th reunion classes, guests, and children gather together to celebrate extraordinary volunteers and gifts, and our shared Vassar legacy. Remarks by AAVC President Monica Vachher ’77 and Vassar Fund Committee Chair Kat Mills Polys ’93.
12:30–1:30 p.m. Lunch
Location: Tent overlooking Sunset Lake
1:30–2:15 p.m. Class Memorial Gathering
Location: The lower level of Commencement Hill
2:00–3:00 p.m. The Loeb Art Center Curatorial Tours
More information coming soon
2:00–3:30 p.m. The Vassar Institute for the Liberal Arts and The Heartwood
Location: The Vassar Institute for the Liberal Arts, Elm room
Join Robert Brigham, Professor of History and the Inaugural Faculty Director of The Vassar Institute for the Liberal Arts, and Maryann Pilon, Director of Project Management and Construction for a presentation about the College’s newest community resource and a look into early Institute programming followed by Q&A.
2:00–4:00 p.m. The Loeb Art Center
Location: Hildegard Krause Baker, class of 1911, Sculpture Garden
Enjoy afternoon iced tea and refreshments.
2:30–3:30 p.m. Open House at The Vassar Institute for Liberal Arts and the Night Owls bar
Location: The Vassar Institute for the Liberal Arts, its bridge, and Night Owls bar
Join us for an open house at The Heartwood and The Vassar Institute for the Liberal Arts. Take in the beauty of the surroundings as you enjoy cocktails on the bridge or make your way to the cozy ambiance of Night Owls, a hidden gem of a bar. Sip on a perfectly crafted beverage and savor delightful nibbles prepared by the talented Chef Will.
2:30–4:30 p.m. Vassar Devils & Angels Ice Cream Tent
Location: Quad Lawn
2:30–4:30 p.m. Creativity In Action: Button-Making at the Innovation Lab
Location: Innovation Lab, lower level of the College Center (the old bookstore)
Hands-on button-making activity at the Innovation Lab! Join us in the makerspace to design and craft your own personalized buttons—perfect keepsakes or conversation starters for reunion weekend. Whether you’re feeling nostalgic, inspired, or just ready to have fun, this event is for all skill levels.
3:00–4:00 p.m The Loeb Art Center Curatorial Tours
More information coming soon
3:00–5:00 p.m. Alum Author Meet and Greet
Location: Vassar College Store (aka, the Juliet), Raymond Avenue
3:00–5:00 p.m. Multicultural and Affinity Group Receptions
Join us for an unforgettable experience at the Multicultural and Affinity Group Receptions! Connect with alums from diverse backgrounds and establish lasting relationships in an inclusive and intersectional setting. Indulge in delicious ethnic foods while you visit receptions tailored to alum-athletes, Black/African American alums (AAAVC members), first-generation, low-income (FLI) alums (formerly Transitions), international alums, LGBTQ+ alums, and WVKR alums.
The receptions will take place in the Campus Center North Atrium and Main parlors. Additionally, the Jeh Vincent Johnson ALANA Cultural Center will host an ALANA Alum Open House during the same time. All ALANA Center affiliated alums are welcome, including Black/African American, Latiné, Asian, Asian American, South Asian, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, Native American, Indigenous alums, and former members of ALANA student organizations. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to connect and create new memories!
3:30–4:30 p.m. College-Sponsored Lectures and Tours
The Science of Food Shopping in a Postpan World
Location: The Vassar Institute for the Liberal Arts, Beech room
Beyond the Book: Vassar Authors Discuss the Writing Process
Location: Rockefeller 200
3:30–5:00 p.m. Centennial Celebration of the Arboretum: History of the Arboretum plus the future vision for the Arboretum
Location: Taylor 203
Yvonne Elet, Professor of Art, and Kenneth Foster, Vassar’s new Director of Sustainability will speak about the history of the Arboretum and campus landscape development along with the College’s future plans and sustainability efforts. Following the talk, join Yvonne and Ken for a continuation of their talk as they tour the Arboretum.
3:30–5:00 p.m. Annual Ferry House Mini-Reunion at Reunion
Location: Ferry House Outdoor Patio (weather permitting)
Calling all Ferries for an informal reception with light refreshments.
5:00-6:00 p.m. Night Owls Concert (tentative)
Location: Taylor 102
5:30–6:30 p.m. Donor Societies Reception (by invitation)
Location: Thompson Memorial Library Lawn Tent
A special reception for members of the 1861 Loyalty Society and Matthew Vassar Legacy Society in appreciation for those who have made Vassar a philanthropic priority.
6:30 p.m. Class of 1975 Photo
Location: Davison Steps (facing Raymond Ave)
6:45–9:30 p.m. BBQ Dinner and Drinks with special entertainment
Location: Davison Tent
10 p.m.–midnight ’70’s music cover band
Location: Davison Tent
Keep an eye out for updates.
Midnight–1:00 a.m. Coffee House—Hospitality
Location: Davison Tent
All musicians are welcome to perform. Please contact Benjy Keenan in advance. Call or text (603) 208-8490.
Sunday, June 8
7:30 a.m.–noon Breakfast/Brunch
Location: Gordon Commons (formerly ACDC)
8:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. Reunion Information Center is open
Location: Main Building Lobby
8:45 a.m. Choir Rehearsal
Location: The Chapel
9:00 a.m–1:00 p.m. Davison is open for check-out
Please return room keys to Guest Services Coordinators in residence halls.
9:00 a.m. Fun Run with Cross-Country Coach Ron Stonitsch
Meet in front of the Athletic and Fitness Center
10:00–11:00 a.m. Service of Remembrance
Location: The Chapel
An inter-religious gathering drawing upon religious and humanist traditions to honor and celebrate the women and men of our reuning classes who have died since the last reunion, as well as faculty, administrators, and staff who have died. The Alumnae/i Choir will sing, directed by Gail Archer, College Organist.
1:00 p.m. Reunion Adjourns/Check-Out
Please return room keys to Guest Services Coordinators in residence halls.
1:00 p.m. NYC charter bus departs from Main Circle
