Periods of rain failed to dampen the spirits of the record turnout of alumni, parents and friends who visited campus for Homecoming and Family Weekend.
Nearly 1,600 visitors enjoyed a wide variety of events, from historic tours to tailgating.
Among the highlights:
• The inaugural Tour of Historic Union. Developed by alumni, staff, faculty and students, the tour highlights the importance of Union’s grounds as the first campus developed with a comprehensive plan. The tour visited each building on Joseph Ramee’s original plan, including the six that the French architect personally designed.
• Groundbreaking for the Wicker Wellness Center, a two-story, 6,660-sqaure-foot building that should be completed in time for the fall 2013 term. The building will allow Health Services and the Counseling Center to relocate from its cramped spaces in Silliman Hall The lead gift comes from longtime College benefactor William M. Wicker '71 and his wife, Pamela. The wellness center also is supported by Nancy Eppler-Wolff '75 and her husband, John H. Wolff. To read more, click here.
• The dedication of Lamont House, which recently underwent a $1.7 million renovation. Lamont is now the new home for the departments of Anthropology, Classics and Philosophy and the Religious Studies program.
• In appreciation for their efforts in the College's largest and most comprehensive fund-raising campaign, the Board of Trustees announced it has decided to endow a $1 million scholarship in honor of President Stephen C. Ainlay and his wife, Judith Gardner Ainlay. To learn more, click here.
A number of alumni were honored over the weekend, including Nancy Eppler-Wolff ’75, Jeffrey Fransen '03 and Michael Newell '74. A former trustee and supporter of the new Wellness Center, Eppler-Wolff received the Distinguished Service Award for her steadfast commitment and strong leadership.
A founder of the Fighting Dutchmen Gridiron Club who is finishing his term as an alumni trustee, Newell was honored with the Alumni Special Appreciation Award for his service and unwavering loyalty to the College.
Fransen, an active member of the New York City alumni club's board, received the Alumni Rising Star Award for exemplary volunteerism and enthusiastic dedication to Union.
"On behalf of College Relations, I want to say thanks to our alumni, parents and friends who made this one of our most successful Homecoming and Family Weekends," said Marna Redding, director of Alumni Affairs.
Homecoming 2013 is scheduled for Oct. 11-13, 2013.