Friday, May 22

Food and beverages available for purchase.

Exley Science Center

Food and beverages available for purchase.

Usdan University Center

Meet at the main entrance, Stewart M. Reid House, Office of Admission

Meet at the main entrance, Stewart M. Reid House, Office of Admission

Psi Upsilon

Five papers treating the role of culture, entrepreneurship, and political configuration in China, Korea and Africa. The symposium celebrates the retirement of Peter Kilby. Visit the CSS website for more details.

Presenters: Matthew Baker ’93; Loren Brandt ’77; Peter Kilby, Professor of Economics and Co-Chair, College of Social Studies; Jung Ho Kim '85; Christopher Kilby

Room 002, Public Affairs Center (PAC)

View a series of 16mm films and digital videos made by members of the graduating Class of 2009.
Note: Running times are approximate.

Goldsmith Family Cinema, Center for Film Studies

Seniors, please be prepared to show a photo ID.
Note: Any 2009 graduate who will not have use for the diploma cover that is handed out during Commencement may recycle the cover by dropping it off in the lobby of North College in the box marked “Diploma Cover Recycling” after the ceremony.

Registrar’s Office, 1st Floor, North College

Psi Upsilon

WESeminar 1: Hear about the campus-wide project that used art as a catalyst for innovative thinking, scientific exploration, and student engagement, to foster a deeper understanding of climate change and its implications. The project has included an eco-arts festival, pedagogical exchanges within existing courses and new experimental courses, and a First Year student common experience program. The presentation will include performances of some of the commissioned works.

Presenters: Pamela Tatge ’84, director of the Center for the Arts; Barry Chernoff, professor of biology, Robert Schumann Professor of Environmental Studies, and director of the Environmental Studies Certificate Program; Alexandra Provo ’10

World Music Hall, Center for the Arts

The open house hours are noon to 4 P.M.

This meal is now sold out. Other options for lunch on campus include the Wesleyan Farmer’s Market, Usdan Cafe, Pi Cafe (in the Exley Science Center), or one of Middletown’s terrific restaurants. If you registered in advance, you will receive your tickets to lunch in your welcome packet which will be available at Registration in the Usdan University Center.

Tent, Russell House

Meet at the main entrance, Stewart M. Reid House, Office of Admission

The Wesleyan Farmers' Market is a student-run initiative committed to supporting local agriculture, providing fresh, affordable, nutritious food, and building community in Connecticut. It is held every other Wednesday during the academic year, and we are pleased to offer this special Friday market for alumni, families, and guests. A variety of produce, baked goods, cheese, meat, and freshly-prepared foods will be available for purchase on site. Vendors include: Tranquil Morning Farm, Snootyfood, Killam and Bassette Farmstead, Winding Drive Jams and Jellies, Sweet Memories Bakery, Laura Kennedy’s Kettle Korn, Neil Rifkin’s Crepes, Sugar Maple Farms, Four Mile River Farms, Auntie Arwin’s Spices, Three Sisters Farm, Shoreline Roasters, and Hay House Farm.

Huss Courtyard, Usdan University Center (Rainsite: Beckham Hall, Fayerweather)

Psi Upsilon

The Class will engage in a discussion with current students and faculty members regarding the merits of a liberal arts education and how the Wesleyan experience has changed in the last 50 years.
Moderated by: Joe Bruno, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost

Presenters: Sarah Bell ’09, Chris Goy ’09, Alexander Levey ’09, Kwabea Osae-Kwapong ’09, and Don Moon, dean of the social sciences and interdisciplinary programs, Ezra and Cecile Zilkha professor in the college of social studies, and professor of government

Kerr Lecture Hall (Shanklin 107)

WESeminar 2: Andrew Bridge entered Wesleyan after spending 11 years in the Los Angeles County foster care system. From here, he proceeded to become a Fulbright Scholar and a Harvard Law School graduate. Bridge will discuss how his childhood and Wesleyan prepared him for a life devoted to bettering the lives of our most vulnerable children.

Presenter: Andrew Bridge ’84, attorney and author of the memoir Hope’s Boy, a New York Times, Los Angeles Times, and international best seller, which recounts his mother’s struggle with mental illness and his childhood in foster care; he is currently director of the Child Welfare Initiative in Los Angeles.

Cinema, Center for the Arts

WESeminar 3: Join a legend in the world of traditional college guide books, an entrepreneurial alumnus who believes there’s a better way for prospective students to identify their top school choices, and a savvy education journalist who’s been watching the college search, application, and admission process for years.

Moderator: Jacques Steinberg, reporter for The New York Times and author of the Times best seller The Gatekeepers, which detailed his behind-the-scenes look at the college admission process at Wesleyan

Presenters: Edward Fiske ’59, author of the Fiske Guide to Colleges, which is in its 25th edition; Jordan Goldman ’04, author of The Students’ Guide to Colleges, founder of Unigo (a Web site that offers information about colleges provided exclusively by students), and a main character in The Gatekeepers as a high school senior applying to Wesleyan.

Memorial Chapel

Meet at the main entrance, Stewart M. Reid House, Office of Admission

Join Christine Padian Bolzan ’92, founder and CEO of Graduate Career Coaching (www.graduatecareercoaching.com), and Michael Sciola, director of the Wesleyan Career Resource Center, for a workshop and networking session designed to dust off your networking savvy and rev up your job search. Christine and Mike will share tips and hints on how to find opportunity even in a down economy.

Sponsored by: the Class of 1984

Taylor Meeting Room (108), Usdan University Center

Members of the Class of 1959 will gather to reflect upon the athletic achievements from their time on campus. John Biddiscombe, Director of Athletics, will also speak to the class about opportunities and challenges facing athletics at Wesleyan today.

Warren Street Lobby, Freeman Athletic Center

Hosted by: Proud parents of the Class of 2009

Tent, Russell House

This is the first opportunity for the Class of 1974 to come together as a group after arriving on campus.
Cash bar (ID required).

McKelvey Room, Stewart M. Reid House, Office of Admission

For members of Alpha Delta Phi and their families. Dinner begins at 6 p.m.

Alpha Delta Phi

Alumni of La Casa are invited to reconnect, share memories and experiences, and join current residents in a reception celebrating the past and present La Casa community!

La Casa, 240 Washington Street

Honoring members of the Trustee Associates, President’s 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.

Hosted by: Richard Swanson '77, Chair of the Wesleyan Fund

Beckham Hall, Fayerweather

We’re sorry, but this meal is now sold out. As an alternative dinner option, you can try one of Middletown’s terrific restaurants. We’ll also have flyers available at Registration which will include a list of restaurants within walking distance of campus. If you registered in advance, you will receive your tickets to dinner in your welcome packet which will be available at Registration in the Usdan University Center.

Marketplace, Usdan University Center

Clark Hall Lounge and Patio

Campbell Reference Center, Olin Memorial Library

Please join Wesleyan’s Jewish chaplain, Rabbi David Leipziger Teva, and the Wesleyan Jewish community for Shabbat services. All are welcome.

The Bayit

Psi Upsilon

Zelnick Pavilion

Allbritton Center for Public Life (formerly the Davenport Campus Center)

Featuring live music by Banning Eyre ’79 and Dirck Westervelt ’79.
Cash bar (ID required).

Lobby, Exley Science Center (Church Street side)

At this special dinner for returning alumni, graduating seniors, and their families, we will welcome Shabbat with song, food, and joyful fellowship. If you plan to attend this memorable celebration of the Wesleyan Jewish family, please sign up at Registration (Usdan University Center) when you arrive on campus.

Sponsored by: Bobby Kaplan ’78, P’09

Daniel Family Commons, Usdan University Center

Many of you have “wasted an hour” listening to Click and Clack on NPR’s Car Talk, or to NPR’s satirical news quiz, Wait, Wait...Don’t Tell Me! Now, here’s a chance to waste more time with the creators of those shows. Join Doug Berman ’84, the executive producer of both programs, and several of his special guests as they discuss their shows and why NPR tolerates them. Guests will include Thomas Magliozzi P’03 and Ray Magliozzi Uncle ’03, hosts of Car Talk; Peter Sagal and Carl Kasell, host and the official judge and scorekeeper of Wait, Wait...Don’t Tell Me!

For tickets: Call the Wesleyan University Box Office at (860) 685-3355 or visit www.wesleyan.edu/boxoffice
$50/person: program only
$100/person: preprogram reception with presenters and reserved seating at main program
All proceeds from this event will support scholarships at Wesleyan’s Green Street Arts Center (GSAC), providing assistance for neighborhood children to attend the GSAC Afterschool Program.

The Green Street Arts Center of Wesleyan University was created in collaboration with the City of Middletown and the North End Action Team to serve as an anchor to the revitalization efforts underway in the North End of Middletown. Programming includes a vibrant after school program, as well as classes and workshops for adults and children in music, dance, visual arts, sound recording, theater, videography and creative writing.

Event Generously Sponsored by Mary Beth and Stephen S. Daniel '82

Crowell Concert Hall

Adam and Todd Stone, the twin sibling comedy duo, return to campus for a performance that is sure to have you rolling in the aisles. After a standing room-only show during Homecoming/Family Weekend 2008, this is sure to be one of the highlights of Reunion & Commencement Weekend. Seating will be on a first-come, first-served basis.

Sponsor: The 35th Reunion Class of 1974

Presenters: Adam Stone ’05 and Todd Stone ’05 have performed in the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and at such New York City comedy venues such as Carolines, Gotham Comedy Club, and the Laugh Factory. They were featured recently in a national Verizon commercial and appeared on last season’s NBC show Last Comic Standing.

Cinema, Center for the Arts

Featuring the band Wsagger, comprised of former members of REO Speedwagon and Fountainhead.

Psi Upsilon

The Classes of 2004, 1999, 1994, 1989, and 1964 will meet separately for cocktails and light refreshments to kick off the weekend.
Cash bars (ID required).

Class of 2004: Fauver Lounge

In 2004 this was the sound: DJ Russian Bear spins your favorites from the turn of the century, w/ guests Sam and Sam from the hit WESU show 2Sams1Soul. Featuring: Peter Seidman '04, Sam Bathrick '04, and Sam Franklin '04

Class of 1999: Nicolson Lounge

Class of 1994: Clark Hall Lounge

Class of 1989: Zelnick Pavilion

Class of 1964: Lounge, Downey House

Sponsored by: Strauss Zelnick ’79

Gatekeepers Tavern (formerly John B's), 73 Ferry Street, Middletown

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

Van Vleck Observatory

Astronomy: Van Vleck Observatory

Hailed as one of the best singer/songwriters of our time, Dar Williams’ work has been compared to Joni Mitchell, Janis Ian, the Indigo Girls, and Ani DiFranco. Known for her “bell-clear voice,” she has toured extensively in the United States and Europe, and released her eighth CD, Promised Land, in 2008, which highlights her gift for musical storytelling. Dar Williams dedicates this special benefit concert to Johanna Justin-Jinich ’10. All proceeds go directly to the Johanna Justin-Jinich Memorial Scholarship.

Visit Dar Williams’ website.

For tickets: Call the Wesleyan University Box Office at (860) 685-3355 or purchase tickets online. $25 per person.

Memorial Chapel

State of Reunion, a band born out of a synthesis of the circa-1978 on-campus band “Contraband” and a later, NYC-based band called the “Screamin’ Honkers,” features ’79ers Bill Levinson (piano), Jack Freudenheim (drums) and Stu Abramson (sax/vocals), as well as Tom Kovar ’76 on guitar and vocals and Bruce Gordon on bass and vocals. Various guest stars are likely as well! The band will feature hot soul and rhythm and blues grooves, perfect for dancing the night away...
Cash bar (ID required).

Eclectic