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 on the Shirley Ecker Boskey Chair and Faculty Director of The 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 special look into early Institute programming, followed by a Q&A.
6:00–9:30 p.m. Casual buffet dinner upon arrival
Location: Alumnae House
Enjoy a relaxed and casual buffet dinner upon arrival, featuring a delicious spread to kick off the evening. Please note: The buffet will be replenished with fresh food throughout the evening to accommodate later arrivals.
7:30 p.m. Class of 1975 Photo
Location: Alumnae House steps
9:30–11:00 p.m. 1975 Hospitality Bar
Location: Alumnae House dining room
Friday, June 6
8:00–8:45 a.m. Wake up and start the day with Qi Gong
Location: Davison Lawn (between the Davison Tent and Chicago Hall)
Martial arts practitioner Darby Melnick will guide a traditional Chinese practice that combines physical movements, breathing techniques, and meditation to improve health and well-being.
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. The ride is 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
Join classmates Alison Anthoine and Carol L. Armstrong for a discussion on transitions from work to retirement. This discussion will focus on the choices some make to convert retirement into a career transition. The drivers for such choices may include personal interests and priorities, professional growth, life changes, family needs, personal health, financial circumstances, or external factors like job market conditions. Both moderators have achieved interesting and admirable career transitions; please feel free to ask questions, share your story if you have one, and contribute your thoughts on this topic.
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
Join other classmates to play nine holes of golf at the Vassar Golf Course. Contact Sturgess Spanos for more details—sturgess.spanos@gmail.com.
10:30–11:30 a.m. Great Green Hope for the Urban Blues: Art and Myths of the Hudson Valley
Location: Taylor 203
From the birth of the Hudson River School to countercultural artist colonies in Woodstock and beyond, artists have looked to the Hudson Valley as an escape and refuge. John Murphy, the Loeb’s Curator of Prints and Drawings, and Ian Shelley ’22, Curatorial Fellow, discuss their new exhibition Great Green Hope for the Urban Blues, which looks back at two centuries of artmaking in the Hudson Valley, exploring the region’s enduring appeal as well as what lies beneath the surface.
Noon Cookout Lunch showcasing Vassar’s campus dining team
Location: Davison Tent
Outgoing Class President Patricia Ann Neely will offer welcome remarks and announce our slate of incoming class volunteers.
1:00 p.m. Jummah Service
Location: Pratt House
Join Saba Ali, Advisor for Muslim Student Life, for a student-led Jummah prayer service. Gather at Pratt House, home to a wudu area and a central space where the Muslim campus community comes together to worship, study, and share meals.
2:00–3:00 p.m. 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. The Environmental Cooperative and the Preserve at Vassar Tour
Learn more about the Environmental Cooperative and the Preserve at Vassar Tour
Location: Shuttles depart from Main Drive
3:30–4:30 p.m. The Third Chapter: Shaking things up after a certain age
Location: Rockefeller 200
Moderated by Karen Valentia Clopton ’80, P’19, ’22; Harvard University Advanced Leadership Initiative Senior Fellow ’25
At a key moment in the 21st century, demographers are recognizing the significance of a distinct developmental phase: those years following early adulthood and middle age when we are “neither young nor old.” Whether by choice or not, many in their “third chapters” are finding ways to adapt, explore, and channel their energies, skills, and passions in new ways and into new areas. We will discuss resources, including I Change Course: A Journey to My Truth by Kate Bean; Second Chances Shakespeare & Freud by Stephen Greenblatt & Adam Phillips; Think Outside the Building by Rosabeth Moss Kanter; and our own Morgan Baker’s Emptying the Nest: Getting Better at Goodbyes. We will share the many avenues Vassar alums have explored after age 50 that were different career and life paths than their original trajectory.
3:30–4:30 p.m. Lectures and Tours
Exploration of The Dream of a Common Movement: Selected Writings of Urvashi Vaid (Edited by Jyotsna Vaid and Amy Hoffman, Duke University Press, 2025)
Location: Rockefeller 300
Walking Tour of the Vassar College Class Trees
Location: Meet in front of Rockefeller Hall (Library side)
3:30–4:30 p.m. Activism then and now
Location: Rockefeller 210
Join Maybelle Bennett, Bonnie Halpern, and Dosia Fire from the Class of 1970 in a discussion of activism as students back in the day and ways to make a difference today.
3:30–4:30 p.m. Meet the Artists and Authors
Location: Davison Multipurpose Room
Join us for a reception to celebrate the works of our talented classmates whose work will be on display throughout the weekend.
4:00–5:00 p.m. Great Green Hope for the Urban Blues: Art and Myths of the Hudson Valley
Location: Taylor 203
From the birth of the Hudson River School to countercultural artist colonies in Woodstock and beyond, artists have looked to the Hudson Valley as an escape and refuge. John Murphy, the Loeb’s Curator of Prints and Drawings, and Ian Shelley ’22, Curatorial Fellow, discuss their new exhibition Great Green Hope for the Urban Blues, which looks back at two centuries of artmaking in the Hudson Valley, exploring the region’s enduring appeal as well as what lies beneath the surface.
4:00–5:00 p.m. Labyrinth Walk and Pratt House Open House
Location: Pratt House
Explore the Pratt Labyrinth and tour Pratt House, the hub for Religious and Spiritual Life and Contemplative Practices (RSLCP).
- Labyrinth Walk: Hosted by Associate Professor of Psychological Science Carolyn Palmer.
- Pratt House Open House: Hosted by Saba Ali, Advisor for Muslim Student Life; Rabbi Bryan Mann, Rachlin Director for Jewish Student Life & Assistant Director for RSLCP; and Rev. Sam Speers, Associate Dean of the College for RSLCP.
5:00–6:00 p.m. “Friends of Bill”
Location: Rockefeller 112
5:00–6:00 p.m. Night Owls Rehearsal
Location: Rockefeller 200
5:00–7:00 p.m. All-Class Welcome Reception at the Loeb
Refreshments served.
5:00–6:30 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.” Featuring alums of all reunion classes presenting performances showcasing a variety of musical genres!
5:30–6:45 p.m. Shabbat Service
Location: The Bayit (51 Collegeview Avenue, North Gate)
Celebrate Shabbat with the campus community in a welcoming and peaceful gathering. Join us for prayers and reflection as we take part in this weekly tradition.
6:00–7:00 p.m. Reception with Vassar Faculty members
Location: Thompson Memorial Library Lawn Tent
Please join your favorite professors and meet new faculty under the Library lawn tent. Interim Dean of Faculty Brian Daly will deliver an update on the latest academic news on campus.
6:30–9:00 p.m. Dinner
Location: Shakespeare Garden
Indulge in a sumptuous progressive meal featuring a delightful array of stations, each designed to tantalize your palate with a symphony of flavors.
7:00 p.m. Class of 1975 Photo
Location: Shakespeare Garden
9:15 p.m. Fireworks over Sunset Lake
9:45 p.m. Screening of The World According to Allee Willis
Location: Vogelstein Center For Drama and Film, Rosenwald Theater
Co-executive produced by Prudence Fenton ’75, The World According to Allee Willis chronicles the life of Fenton’s partner of 27 years, songwriter/artist Allee Willis. Willis is best known for writing the Friends theme song, the Earth, Wind & Fire mega-hits “September” and “Boogie Wonderland,” as well as the Broadway musical The Color Purple. She began filming her life as a kid in 1950s Detroit and never stopped. Willis pursued creative expression at all costs while struggling with not fitting established gender and sexual norms...until she found a path to love.
10 p.m.–midnight “Block” Party at Noyes Circle
Location: Noyes Circle Tent
This very special event is being hosted by the Class of 1975 and the Class of 1980. 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!
10:00 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. Late Night Coffee House—Hospitality
Location: Davison Tent
Join us for an intimate evening of live music at our cozy “coffeehouse,” where more of our musically talented classmates will serenade you with acoustic tunes and soulful melodies. Sip your favorite brew and enjoy a night of unforgettable music!
Saturday, June 7
7:30–9:00 a.m. Full Breakfast
Location: Gordon Commons (formerly ACDC)
(included for those staying on campus, credit card accepted for those staying off campus)
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 1945 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
After lunch, join Reverend Sandye Wilson and Rabbi Liza Stern to memorialize and celebrate the lives of the 71 classmates we have lost during the past 50 years.
2:00–3:00 p.m. The Loeb Art Center Curatorial Tours
More information coming soon
2:00–3:30 p.m. Lecture
The Vassar Institute for the Liberal Arts and The Heartwood
Location: The Vassar Institute for the Liberal Arts, Elm room
2:00–3:30 p.m. Full Circle: An Author’s Reflections and A Professor’s Legacy
Location: Rockefeller 300
Join author/educator Meg Stone ’95 for a dialogue with Professor Emerita of Political Science Molly Shanley, as Meg traces the origins of her first book—and life’s work—back to the Vassar classroom. The Cost of Fear: Why Most Safety Advice is Sexist and How We Can Stop Gender-Based Violence by Meg Stone was published in February 2025.
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. Affinity Connections
Location: Main Building, 1st and 2nd floors, and the Jeh Vincent Johnson ALANA Cultural Center
Reconnect, reminisce, and celebrate community during Affinity Connections at Reunion Weekend! These gatherings bring together alums with shared experiences.
- AAAVC: African American Alumnae/i of Vassar College
- AANHPI: Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander alums
- Athletics: Brewers alum-athletes and coaches
- FLI: First-generation alums (formerly Transitions)
- International Alums: Vassar’s global alum community
- Jeh Vincent Johnson ALANA Cultural Center: ALANA student organization members and affiliated alums
- LGBTQ+ Alums: Alums connected to the LGBTQ Center and community
- WVKR Alums: Independent radio station alums and friends
All are welcome!
3:30–4:30 p.m. Lectures
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. Lecture and Tour
Centennial Celebration of the Arboretum: History of the Arboretum plus the future vision for the Arboretum
Location: Taylor 203
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. “Friends of Bill”
Location: Rockefeller 112
5:00–6:00 p.m. Night Owls Concert
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. Reunion Bash: Close the Weekend with Memories, Music, and BBQ
Location: Davison Tent
Let’s wrap up the long weekend in style with our exciting finale event—enjoy live entertainment by the mentalist duo The Evasons and a fabulous dinner of mouthwatering BBQ food, with accompanying salads and side dishes, to treat all palates for the perfect end to an unforgettable celebration!
10:00 p.m.–1:00 a.m. Coffee House—Hospitality
Location: Davison Tent
Join us for one last intimate gathering of live music at our cozy “coffeehouse,” where classmates’ talent will, again, serenade you with acoustic tunes and soulful melodies. Sip your favorite brew and enjoy a night of unforgettable music!
Sunday, June 8
7:30 a.m.–noon Breakfast/Brunch
Location: Gordon Commons (formerly ACDC)
(included for those staying on campus, credit card accepted for those staying off campus)
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
A service honoring members of our reuning classes, as well as faculty, administrators, and staff who have passed since the last reunion. Rooted in religious and humanist traditions, this service offers a time for remembrance. The Alumnae/i Choir and College Organist Gail Archer will perform.
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
