Thursday, May 19

9 A.M.–10 P.M.

Registration

Everyone—alumni, parents, students, and families—please check in for a final weekend schedule (with updates and event locations), meal tickets, a welcome packet, campus maps, and more.

Office of Alumni and Parent Relations, 330 High Street

Afternoon WESeminars

Thursday’s seminars are tentatively scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. The exact schedule and locations will appear in the final brochure available at Registration during the weekend. See pages 12–18 for a description of WESeminars.

6 P.M.

President’s Reception and Dinner in Honor of the 50th Reunion Class of ’55 and Their Guests

By invitation only

6 P.M.–1 A.M.

Senior Class Semi Formal

Attendance restricted to graduating seniors only. Seniors will begin boarding buses at 4 p.m.

Friday, May 20

7:30 a.m.–4 p.m.

A La Carte Breakfast, Lunch, and Snacks

Available for purchase on site. No advance registration required.

8 A.M.–10 P.M.

Registration

Everyone—alumni, parents, students, and families—please check in for a final weekend schedule (with updates and event locations), meal tickets, a welcome packet, campus maps, and more.

Office of Alumni and Parent Relations, 330 High Street

All Day

WESeminars

The exact schedule and locations will appear in the final brochure available at Registration during the weekend.

9 A.M.–6 P.M.

Senior Projects in Film Studies

View a series of nine 16mm films and eight digital videos made by members of the graduating Class of 2005.

9:30–11 A.M.

Campus Walking Tour

Russell House Tour

Russell House, a National Historic Landmark, is one of the finest examples of Greek Revival architecture in the Northeast. Learn more about the Russell House during this informative tour. The Russell House is accessible to individuals with disabilities.

11:30 a.m.–1 P.M.

Luncheon for WESeminar Presenters and Members of the WESeminar Committee

By invitation only

NOON

Welcome Picnic

Everyone is invited to this informal, outdoor picnic. Please register on the enclosed form or online.

1:30–3:30 P.M.

Senior Class Celebration and Barbecue

The Class of ’05 photo will be taken promptly at 2:30 p.m. Hosted by the Alumni Association and the Wesleyan Annual Fund (WAF). Catering provided by WesWings.

2 P.M.

AND 3 P.M.

Freeman Athletic Center Tour

 Join Richard Whitmore, assistant director of athletics, for a tour of the new addition to the Freeman Athletic Center, including the Rosenbaum international squash courts, the beautiful new basketball/volleyball court, the Andersen Fitness Center, and varsity team rooms.

2–4 P.M.

Wesleyan University Press Open House

Staff members of Wesleyan University Press welcome new writers, established writers, and anyone seeking a fuller understanding of how the complex book publishing industry works. Writers and others who are interested are welcome to drop by for a glass of wine, to informally browse the library of Wes Press publications, and to discuss their writing plans with the Press staff.

215 Long Lane

3:30 P.M.

Alpha Delta Phi Officers Reunion

If you were a president, VP, treasurer, critic, house manager, or steward, this is the year to come back to Reunion! Join us for cocktails as we tell stories and recount the good times (and the “other” times . . . ) with others who served the Phi to see how these important roles have changed and developed over the years. This Reunion will also mark the kickoff of our Sesquicentennial Celebration. Please join us to hear about all the plans for 2006 and beyond.

4–6 P.M.

Champagne Reception for Graduating Seniors and Their Families

Hosted by the Senior Class Officers and the Parents Council

Graduate Liberal Studies Alumni Reception

This informal gathering of GLSP students, alumni, and their families will be followed by the all-college dinner on Andrus Field.

4–6 P.M.

15th Reunion Welcome Reception for the Class of ’90

Join friends and classmates to kick off what promises to be a wonderful weekend. Light refreshments and cash bar will be available.

4:30–6:30 p.m.

Class of ’80 Cocktails and Life Choices Panel

Wesleyan graduates find success and satisfaction in a variety of careers and lifestyles. Some choices are predictable, but many are surprising and/or fraught with more than their share of adventure. This panel features alumni from the Class of ’80 who made unusual life/career choices, from entrepreneurship to media to working motherhood. Panelists will share their choices and the resulting consequences, followed by audience questions.

Panelists: To be announced

5 P.M.

Class of ’75 Walking Tour of Campus

Join classmates for a private tour of campus, including the many new and renovated facilities made possible by the Wesleyan Campaign. For more information about the successful Wesleyan Campaign, go to www.wesleyan.edu/campaign/accomplish. This tour will be led by Joyce Topshe, assistant vice president for facilities.

Alpha Delta Phi Reception and Ground-Breaking Ceremony

Join your Alpha Delt brothers and sisters to celebrate the beginning of the project to renovate the front entry to our House and to make it accessible to individuals with disabilities. The celebration will be followed by dinner at 6:15 p.m. (open only to members of Alpha Delta Phi and their families).

Psi Upsilon House Meeting

Followed by a reception at 6 p.m.

5–6:30 P.M.

President’s Reception for the Donor Associates

Honoring members of the Wesleyan Circle, Cardinal Circle, Founders Club, Willbur Fisk Associates, College Row Society, John Wesley Associates, 1831 Society, Douglas Cannon Club, Day Society, and Olin Associates.

By invitation only. 

5:30–8:30 P.M.

Viva Italia! All-College Dinner

Mangia! Join friends, classmates, and family members for an informal Italian-style buffet dinner. Please click here to register.

7 P.M.

Shabbat Dinner

A special Shabbat dinner is planned for returning alumni, graduating seniors, and their families. Together with faculty and staff, we will welcome the Shabbat with song, food, and the usual joyful fellowship. We invite you to be part of what we promise will be a memorable celebration of the Wesleyan Jewish family. All are welcome. Please click here to register.

7 P.M.–2 A.M.

MARATHON PARTY AT ECLECTIC

Kick off a wild Friday night at Wes, as half a dozen bands from the Class of ’80 reunite on the stage at Eclectic. Join the Bees, High Street, Urban Renewal, Contraband, and Biest (as well as special guests) as they perform the songs you (and hopefully they!) remember so well.

And, back by popular demand for their seventh Reunion Weekend performance, Gary and The Wombats will bring down the house with the same great rhythm and blues and rock and roll you heard at Wesleyan in the ’60s. In addition to their Reunion performances, the Wombats have been busy over the years at weddings, birthday parties (usually for years divisible by 10), and FUNd Raisers—in addition to their day jobs. Visit www.garyandthewombats.com for more. Don’t miss this appearance by all six original Wombats from the Classes of ’64 and ’65.

8 P.M. –1 A.M.

Senior Class Casino Trip

Seniors will begin boarding buses at 8 p.m.

8:30 P.M.

Stargazing

Weather permitting, visit the Van Vleck Observatory, where you’ll have an awesome view of the stars through our telescopes.

9 P.M. 

A Concert by the Last of the High Street Five: An Evening of Mainstream Swing and Jazz

Enjoy popular classics from the likes of Gershwin, Kern, Rodgers, Ellington, Waller, and more. Featuring Charlie Hoyt ’53, P ’99, (piano); Dave Rich ’55 (reeds); Sam Hoyt ’99 (lead trumpet); Craig Grant (trombone); Jim Schettino (drums); and Bugsy Moran (bass).

A free shuttle service back to all hotels and residence halls will be provided until 2 a.m.

Saturday, May 21

7 A.M.

Crew Reception and Alumni Row

7:30 a.m.–4 p.m.

A La Carte Breakfast, Lunch, and Snacks

Available for purchase on site. No advance registration required.

8 A.M.

President’s Breakfast in Honor of the WESeniors—Classes of ’26 Through ’54

By invitation only

8–10 A.M.

Annual Family Swim

All are welcome to enjoy a morning swim in the Freeman Athletic Center pool. Towels and light refreshments will be provided.

8 A.M.–10 P.M.

Registration

Everyone—alumni, parents, students, and families—please check in for a final weekend schedule (with updates and event locations), meal tickets, a welcome packet, campus maps, and more.

Office of Alumni and Parent Relations, 330 High Street

ALL DAY

WESeminars

The exact schedule and locations will appear in the final brochure available at Registration during the weekend.

ALL DAY

Academic Open Houses

Academic open houses provide graduating seniors, alumni, and families with opportunities to visit with faculty members in their respective departments and programs. A schedule listing locations, times, and participating faculty members will be available at Registration (Office of Alumni and Parent Relations, 330 High Street).

8:30 A.M. Cardinal Loop Fun Run 2.1-, 3.2-, 4.3-mile courses

Join classmates, friends, and family members for an exhilarating run through campus.

Sponsored by the Class of ’85 in honor of Andy Kates ’85

9:30–11 A.M.

Reception for Senior Athletes, Former Athletes, and Families

Sponsored by the Athletic Department

10 A.M.

Mystical Seven Society Annual Meeting

Skull and Serpent Society Annual Meeting

Reunion Memorial Service

The names of those alumni who passed away during the last year will be read. Individuals may offer personal remembrances.

10 A.M.–5 P.M.

Senior Class Diploma Pickup

10 A.M.–6 P.M.

Senior Projects in Film Studies

View a series of nine 16mm films and eight digital videos made by members of the graduating Class of 2005.

11 A.M.

Freeman Athletic Center Tour

Join Richard Whitmore, assistant director of athletics, for a tour of the new addition to the Freeman Athletic Center, including the Rosenbaum international squash courts, the beautiful new basketball/volleyball court, the Andersen Fitness Center, and varsity team rooms.

11 A.M.–5 P.M.

Special Collections and Archives Open House

Drop in at the University’s Special Collections and Archives to remember your student days—yearbooks, The Argus, Hermes, face books, and many other historical Wesleyan materials are all here. Chat with SC&A staff about the riches of the University’s rare book collection and how it supports Wesleyan’s educational mission.

11:15 A.M.

Assemble for the Annual Parade of Classes

Seniors and their families are invited to join alumni for this traditional Wesleyan festivity. The parade is scheduled to begin promptly at 11:30 a.m. and is followed immediately by the Assembly and Annual Meeting.

NOON–1 P.M.

Wesleyan Assembly and Annual Meeting and Presentation of the Distinguished Alumni and Outstanding Award Recipients

Remarks by Bill Belichick ’75, P ’07, head coach of the New England Patriots

All are invited to hear Coach Belichick discuss how his experience at Wesleyan relates to his role as head coach of the three-time Super Bowl champion New England Patriots.

Also at this time, the Alumni Association will recognize alumni whose Wesleyan years were cut short by World War II. Certificates of Recognition will be presented.

1 p.m.

Eclectic and Phi Nu Theta Alumni Reception

1–3 P.M. 

Graduate Liberal Studies Program Luncheon

Lori Hunter-Union, associate dean for continuing studies and director of the Graduate Liberal Studies Program, invites 2005 GLSP graduates, their family and friends, and faculty and staff to the GLSP Commencement Luncheon celebrating the program’s 52nd graduating class. GLSP 2005 graduates will receive their diplomas and will be honored by deans, faculty, and staff. Essay prize winners and faculty advisors will also be introduced and recognized.

1–3:30 P.M.

All-College Picnic, Festival on Foss Hill and “Kids Fair”

Gather under the tent on Andrus Field to enjoy the outdoor festivities and picnic with your classmates and families. A lively festival of music plus entertainment and games awaits you on the hill. This event is a great place to connect with friends and family members between WESeminars and other weekend programs. Look for the “Kids Tent” and don’t miss the pony rides, petting zoo, moonbounce games, face painting, tattoos, caricaturist drawings, and more. The picnic lunch is free for everyone; advance registration is not required.

1:30 P.M.

West African Drumming and Dance

Enjoy an invigorating performance filled with the rhythms of West Africa, featuring artist-in-residence Helen Mensah and master drummer Abraham Adzenyah.

1:30–2:30 p.m.

WesGrandparents Gathering

Join other grandparents of graduating seniors for a reception honoring your Wesleyan graduates. Help us celebrate the many successes of these amazing young graduates.

3:30–5 P.M.

Alumni of Color (AOC) Network Reception

Alumni and parents are welcome to join the AOC Network for an afternoon reception.

3:30–5:30 p.m.

Alumni Squash Round Robin

Test your skills on Wesleyan’s new eight international squash courts.  Advance registration is not required, however you may contact Nancy Chesbro in the athletics office to make arrangements at nchesbro@wesleyan.edu or 860/685-2893. Players will be matched based on ability.

4 P.M.

Japanese Tea Ceremony Demonstration and Tour of the Freeman Family Japanese Garden

Presenter: Stephen A. Morrell, Landscape Designer

4–6 P.M. 

Phi Beta Kappa Initiation

The 4 p.m. ceremony is followed by a 5 p.m. reception for inductees and their families.

5 P.M. 

Roman Catholic Mass

5:30 P.M.

Class Reunion Receptions and Dinners

The Classes of ’35, ’40, ’45, ’50, ’55, ’60, ’65, ’70, ’75,* ’80, ’85, ’90,* ’95, ’00,* and WESeniors (Classes of ’26–’54) gather for their Class Dinners and special programs.

*The Class of ’75 reception and dinner will feature a very special beer tasting hosted by Gary Steinel ’75.

*The Class of ’90 reception will feature a performance by singer/ songwriter Becky Lloyd DesRoches ’90. Check out her music at www.cdbaby.com/doublegammon

*The Class of ’00 reception will feature an exhibit of the work of Jonathan Basil Medwid ’00. See samples of his work at www.basilgallery.com.

5:45 P.M. 

Ecumenical Protestant Service

An informal sharing of the Eucharist with time for quiet prayer and reflection.

9 P.M. 

Traditional All-College Sing on the Steps of North College

9:30 P.M.

Wesleyan Spirits Reunion Show

Featuring a cappella legends from the Class of ’90, with special guests.

10 P.M.

All-campus Dance Party Featuring Orleans

The long-awaited return of Orleans! Dance the night away to Top 40 hits like Still the One, Dance with Me and Love Takes Time. Orleans will be followed by DJ Jahi Sundance ’01, a musical collage artist. From rock and roll classics to the best of soul and hip-hop, with Jahi Sundance, the party always stays in motion.

A free shuttle service back to all hotels and residence halls will be provided until 2 a.m.

Sunday, May 22

8 A.M.–NOON

A La Carte Breakfast

Available for purchase on site.

8 A.M.–2 P.M.

Registration and Information

Office of Alumni and Parent Relations, 330 High Street

9 A.M. 

Baccalaureate Service

Come join the Class of ’05 as they reflect, share, and recap some of their unique and transformative moments from their years at Wesleyan. All are welcome.

Speaker: Gina Ulysse, assistant professor of anthropology and assistant professor of African American studies

10 A.M.

Faculty and Undergraduates Assemble

11 A.M.

The 173rd Commencement Ceremony

A live broadcast of the Commencement ceremony will be available in the Memorial Chapel, rain or shine.

The Commencement Ceremony will be followed by a reception With light refreshments on the lawn of North College, celebrating the Class of ’05