More than 1,000 visitors will come home for ReUnion May 17-19.
“We are looking forward to welcoming alumni, friends and families to campus,” said Terri Cerveny, vice president, College Relations. “We have a full schedule of events for all ages, from the kids carnival and fireworks to dance performances, concerts and special presentations by alumni. It will be a great weekend to reconnect and make new memories.”
In addition to other perennial favorites, like the Alumni Parade (10:30 a.m., Saturday) and Lobster Fest (6 p.m., Saturday), highlights of ReUnion 2019 include:
Murder and Medicine: The Seward Assassination Attempt Reconsidered (2 p.m., Saturday): Look at the assassination attempt against William Seward (Class of 1820), Abraham Lincoln’s secretary of state, in a new way. Dr. Gustave Davis ’59 delves into the medical history surrounding Seward’s injuries and explores the medical consequences of Seward’s carriage accident as well as illnesses suffered by Frances and Fanny Seward. Through the lens of the Seward family as patients, the entire medical history of their era is revealed. Davis is a clinical professor of pathology at Yale University.
Farewell Concert for Professor Hilary Tann (Saturday, 3 p.m.): The Casals Trio will perform works by John Howard Payne Professor of Music Hilary Tann, plus selected compositions of Bach, Elgar and Debussy. Tann, who will host the concert and narrate “Seven Poems of Stillness” for cello, came to Union in 1980. She has served as music chair for 15 years, was instrumental in shaping Taylor Music Center, and is internationally known for her work (learn more at hilarytann.com). A reception will be held (4:15 - 5:30 p.m.) in the Burns Atrium.
Alumnae Tea and Forum (4 p.m. Friday): In 2020, it will be 50 years since the College formally admitted women students. While this milestone alone is cause for celebration, it also presents us with a special opportunity to recognize the impact Union women have had on campus and around the world. Join us for tea and share your ideas about meaningful ways Union can commemorate this anniversary. You’ll also have the opportunity to mingle with students and learn about their research activities.
Also at ReUnion, the Alumni Council will present Alumni Gold Medals to Gustave Davis ’59, Michele Sciortino ’84 and Matthew Nagorsky ’79. The Faculty Meritorious Award will be presented to Louisa Matthew, professor of art history.