They came from as far as China and as close as next door. Almost 2,000 alumni and friends, representing the classes of 1941 through 2011, descended on Whitnall Field for Reunion 2011 this past weekend. They temporarily swelled the population of Hamilton and filled campus with vintage Colgate spirit.
Friday’s award ceremony and torchlight procession provided a traditional foundation for the program, which included dozens of Reunion College courses, class celebrations, and a slate of events to mark the 25th anniversary of the Alumni of Color (AOC) organization.
Alumni like George Davis ’61 and Diane Ciccone ’74 hosted sessions on issues of diversity in politics and public policy, while Colgate’s own Thomas Cruz-Soto, assistant dean for multicultural affairs, and Helene Julien, associate professor of French and women’s studies, talked about the past, present, and future of the ALANA Cultural Center and the Office of Undergraduate Studies. AOC alumni enjoyed an afternoon reception, then gathered for an anniversary dinner at the Palace Theater on Saturday night.
Reunion action wasn’t confined to the quad or to Whitnall Field. Alumni played Seven Oaks during the annual golf tournament on Friday morning, while others biked their way around the countryside.
Several joined Professor Bruce Selleck ’71 on a field trip to energy collection points around Madison County. “I get to see classmates, former students and other alumni with whom I have made new friendships,” he said. “Being able to engage these folks in the scientific and public policy issues that are exciting to me just makes reunion that much more rewarding.”
Underneath the maroon banners, the alumni office went green, offering a variety of initiatives designed to reduce Colgate’s carbon footprint: online registration and electronic communications, a reunion program formatted for mobile devices, ride-share opportunities, composting, and more.”The details count,” said Amanda Kalal Marino, associate director of alumni affairs and Reunion organizer. “This is our chance to show our alumni how important they are — to honor the Class of 1961 on its 50th anniversary and celebrate our alumni of color organization.”
The whirlwind of festivities ended as quickly as it began, and with the departure of the last remaining guests, planning for Reunion 2012 began. Check out
flickr.com/colgateuniversity for a photo-recap of this year’s celebration.