Reunion + Commencement 2024
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Annual Family Swim
8–10 a.m.
Webster Family Natatorium
Please bring your own towels and goggles. -
50th Reunion Class of 1974 Continental Breakfast
8–10 a.m.
Alsop House, 301 High Street -
Class of 1974 Women’s Gathering
8- 10 a.m.
Boger Hall (formerly the Squash Court Building), Room 114 -
Post-50th Alumni Classes Lounge
8:30–10 a.m.
Boger Hall (formerly the Squash Court Building), Klingher Classroom (Room 113) -
Exhibit: History through the eyes of History 330
Olin Library, 1st floor east hallway and Ground floor hallway, open during regular library hours
More on this exhibitCome see a collection of mini exhibits put together by the students of History 330, Introduction to Public History, this spring semester with the help of Wesleyan’s special collections and university archives. Each student was allowed to choose a topic of interest to them and to create both a physical and online exhibit to help them understand how to balance the standards of formal academic scholarship with the demands of interpreting history for a larger public audience. Each of these 12 unique cases give insight into various parts of Wesleyan history and items from the library’s unique collections. -
Exhibit: Celebrating the John Waters Archive at Wesleyan: “A Legacy of Shock”
9 a.m.-4 p.m.
The Rick Nicita Gallery, The Ogden and Mary Louise Reid Cinema Archives
The Film Center, 301 Washington Terrace More on Celebrating the John Waters Archive at Wesleyan: “A Legacy of Shock”John Waters began donating his archival materials to Wesleyan in 1986 and has continued to add to his collection at the Reid Cinema Archives for the last 37 years.
This exhibit highlights posters of some of his most well-known films, as well as artifacts from his large and wide-ranging collection (artifacts are in the exhibit case at the end of the building).
The Academy Museum in Los Angeles is hosting a year-long exhibit dedicated to John Waters titled John Waters: Pope of Trash. The exhibit is curated by Jenny He ’02 and Dara Jaffe ’90, MA ’12 and is accompanied by a 256-page catalog, edited by He and Jaffe, including an essay by Jeanine Basinger, Emerita. It opened on September 17, 2023, and the exhibit is scheduled to remain open until August 4, 2024. Most of the items showcased in the Academy Museum’s exhibit are from the John Waters Archive at the Ogden and Mary Louise Reid Cinema Archives at Wesleyan University. -
Academic Open Houses
9 a.m.–1 p.m.
Academic departments and locations
Times and locations vary—please expand below.9–11 a.m.
- College of Film and the Moving Image, Jeanine Basinger Center for Film Studies, West Lobby/Patio
10 a.m.–noon
- Archaeology, Downey House Lounge
- Classical Studies, Downey House Lounge
- Feminist, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, Allbritton 311
- Medieval Studies, Downey House Lounge
- Philosophy, Allbritton 311
- Science in Society, Allbritton 311
11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
- Economic Open House for Majors, PAC 307
11 a.m. – 1 p.m. (gallery exhibit is open until 3 p.m.)
- College of East Asian Studies, Mansfield Freeman Center for East Asian Studies
1-2:30 p.m.
- Art History Department Open House, Gribbel Room, Olin Libary
1-2:30 p.m.
- Art Studio, Zilka Main Gallery
1-3 p.m.
- Theater, Theater Patio and Room 114 (East Room)
- Sociology, Russell House
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Xi Chapter of Psi Upsilon Fraternity Chapter Room Meeting
9:30 a.m. Coffee | 10 a.m. Meeting
242 High Street
Welcome brothers, old and young. -
WESeminar: D:2024 Democracy 2024
10-11 a.m.
Goldsmith Family Theater -
Class of 1959 Memorial Remembrance
10-11:30 a.m.
Boger Hall (formerly the Squash Court Building), Room 115 More on the remembranceThe class of 1959 and their guests are invited to gather, remember, and reflect together.
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Mystical 7 Society of Wesleyan Annual Meeting
10 a.m.
Templum, 100 Lawn Avenue -
Professor John Bonin Retirement Celebration
10-12 p.m.
Frank Center for Public Affairs, Room 304 (The CSS Lounge)
All are welcome to attend! Hosted by the Economics Department and the College of Social Studies (CSS) -
Annual Parade of Classes
11:15 a.m.: Assemble at your class sign, Huss Courtyard, Usdan University Center
More on the annual parade
11:30 a.m.: Parade begins, rain or shineReunion alumni, the Class of 2024, and families: join in this festive annual Wesleyan tradition, featuring a live parade band.
The parade begins promptly at 11:30 a.m., rain or shine, beginning at Huss Courtyard (behind Usdan University Center), down College Row, and into Memorial Chapel. The parade is followed by the Wesleyan Assembly and Annual Meeting of the Alumni Association.
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Wesleyan Assembly and Annual Meeting of the Alumni Association
Noon–1 p.m.
More on the Wesleyan Assembly and Annual Meeting of the Alumni Association
Memorial Chapel2024 Alumni Association Award Recipients
Distinguished Alumni Awards
Distinguished Alumni Awards are presented to alumni in recognition of achievement in their professions. Awards are traditionally presented at the Wesleyan Assembly and Annual Meeting during Reunion & Commencement to alumni who are celebrating their class Reunion.
- Ilene Rosenthal ’74, P’17
- Pamela Dorman ’79
- Shawn Dove ’84
- Rishad Premji ’99, Hon. ‘09
- Shivani Siroya ’04
Outstanding Service AwardsThe Outstanding Service Award is presented to alumni, parents or other members of the Wesleyan community in recognition of outstanding volunteer service to the University, their community or the nation. Awards are traditionally presented at the Wesleyan Assembly and Annual Meeting during Reunion & Commencement Weekend.
- Sharon Purdie ’74
- Harold Sogard ’74, P’17
- Elizabeth “Betsey” Schmidt ’89
- Sid Espinosa ’94 (Keynote Speaker)
James L. McConaughy, Jr. Memorial AwardEstablished in 1959 by the class of 1936 in memory of James L. McConaughy Jr. '36, the award recognizes a member of the Wesleyan family (including students, faculty, alumni, parents and members of their respective families) whose writing or other creative achievement conveys unusual insight and understanding of current and past events.
- David Kendall ’79, P’24
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Exhibit: Exploding and Netting: A Somatic Archive of Transpacific Movement
12-3 p.m.
Center for East Asian Studies Gallery, 343 Washington Terrace More on Exploding and Netting: A Somatic Archive of Transpacific MovementSensing the textual, architectural, and bodily archives via the perspectives and experiences of current Chinese international students, this exhibition grapples with Wesleyan and other New England academic institution's involvement in China from the nineteenth century to the present. Featuring the artwork of Loren Yuehan Wang ’25. Curated by Yijing Lai ’24 and Xiran Tan ’24 -
Senior Thesis Selections Exhibition
12-5 p.m.
Zilkha Gallery More on the Senior Thesis Selections ExhibitionZilkha Gallery showcases the work of the Class of 2024’s thesis students in the Department of Art and Art History’s Art Studio Program. The exhibition presents a work by each of the seniors from their Senior Thesis Exhibition. Works shown are in drawing, painting, printmaking, photography, sculpture, mixed media, and architecture. -
Academic Open Houses (Afternoon)
12–5 p.m.
Academic departments and locations
Times and locations vary—expand below for details.1–3:30 p.m.
- Sociology, Russell House
1–3 p.m.
- College of Letters Senior Reception & Reunion, Boger Hall, Room 324 (College of Letters Library)
- Religion and Jewish Studies, 171 Church Street, Room 101
- Psychology, Zelnick Pavilion
1:30–3 p.m
- College of Social Studies Seniors Reception, Frank Center for Public Affairs, Room 304, The CSS Lounge
2–3 p.m.
- Writing Workshop and Multilingual Writings, Shapiro Center for Creative Writing & Criticism, 116 Mt. Vernon Street
2–3:30 p.m.
- Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies, Fisk Hall, Room 208
2–4 p.m.
- Anthropology, Anthropology Room 6
- Natural Science and Mathematics, College of Integrative Sciences, Exley Science Center, Terrace
- English, Downey House Lounge
- Romance Languages, 300 High Street, Highwaymen Common Room
- College of Education Studies Senior and Alumni Reception, 164 Mount Vernon Street
3–4 p.m.
- German Studies, Fisk Hall Patio
3:30-5 p.m.
- Quantitative Analysis Center, Reception for QAC Students, Parents, and Alumni, Allbritton Hall, Room 103
3–5 p.m.
- College of Social Studies Alumni Reception, Frank Center for Public Affairs, Room 304
- Quantitative Analysis Center, Reception for QAC Students, Parents, and Alumni, Allbritton Hall, room 103
- Sociology, Russell House
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Honoring the Legacy Graduation Celebration: A History of Access: Reception for First Generation Graduates
12:30–2 p.m.
More on the celebration
The Forum, Frank Center for Public AffairsTo the class of 2024: We celebrate you and are proud of how much you have accomplished for yourselves, your families, and your communities. Join us at the 4th annual Honoring a History of Access: Reception for First Generation Graduates.
To everyone who have friends and connections to the FGLI students in the class of 2022, please help us celebrate them by submitting your best Wesleyan memories with the graduates and/or video recording a few words of congratulations, be it pictures or videos. The videos and pictures will be compiled together to form a post collage and video montage that will be displayed throughout the event. The submission deadline is May 19th at 5PM.
The Socioeconomic Status and Disability interns in The Resource Center created this event to honor the graduating FGLI community at Wesleyan. During the event guests will receive a complimentary lunch, custom graduation swag, and well wishes from each other and the Wesleyan community.
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Pruzan Art Gallery Exhibitions
12:30- 4 p.m.
Pruzan Art Center, between Olin Library and the Frank Center for Public Affairs More on the Pruzan Art Gallery ExhibitionsVisit the new Pruzan Art Center, located between Olin Library and the Frank Center for Public Affairs and experience two exhibitions: Air Pressure and Dürer and His Time. -
Women Making History – Unique Collections Open House
1-3 p.m.
Olin, Special Collections & Archives, Davison Rare Book Room More on Women Making History – Unique Collections Open HouseAs we celebrate the class of 1974 and their role in helping Wesleyan become a fully coeducational institution 50 years ago, Special Collections & Archives, the Archaeology & Anthropology Collections, World Music Archives & Music Library, and the East Asian Art & Archival Collections invite you to search for women’s voices through items from our collections. Come see archival materials from both of Wesleyan’s rounds of coeducation; works created by women in the book arts; objects that honor girlhood and women’s experiences; depictions of women in ancient Greek pottery; and music from pathbreaking women composers and performers. -
Lunch in Honor of the Post-50th Reunion Alumni
1–3 p.m.
More on the Post-50th lunch
Daniel Family Commons, Usdan University CenterAll post 50th reunion alumni (classes of 1973 and earlier) and their guests are invited for this complimentary lunch immediately following the Alumni Assembly and Awards program. Featured speaker: Frank V. Sica Director of Athletics and Chair, All post 50th reunion alumni (classes of 1973 and earlier) and their guests are invited for this complimentary lunch immediately following the Alumni Assembly and Awards program. Featured speaker: Frank V. Sica Director of Athletics and Chair, Physical Education, Michael F. Whalen '83. Please register in advance by May 13. -
Theater Department Senior Project Showcase
1 p.m.
Theater Department Studio, Lower Level TST 001 More on the Theater Department Senior Project ShowcaseHonor Thesis Projects by Mo Andres ’24, Adriana Bollinger ’24, Bailee Gull ’24, Nina Jakobson ’24, Lila Popell ’24, and Echo Shen ’24. Senior Projects by Martinez Castañeda ’24, Sonia Guan ’24, Joe Greenfield ’24, Vincent Langan ’24, Kiera Moran ’24, Talia Rodriguez ’24, and Alisha Simmons ’24.
Limited seating. -
WESeminar: Malcolm X House: Finding a Voice in White-Dominated Spaces
1:30-2:15 p.m.
Center for African American Studies Vanguard Lounge More on Malcolm X House: Finding a Voice in White-Dominated SpacesMalcolm X House is a residence for Wesleyan students who wish to live in an environment dedicated to the exploration and celebration of the cultural heritage of the African Diaspora, both for themselves and for the larger Wesleyan community. Residents honor the best of a tradition set by the Vanguard Class of 1969, stressing the importance of togetherness while respecting each other's diverse backgrounds. The House serves as the communal safe-space not only for student-of-color groups on campus, but also for groups interested in advocating learning and positive communal unity. Although it is a pillar of the Wesleyan community today, the inception of the Malcolm X House would not have been possible without the work, dedication, and commitment of students and faculty in the early 1970s. Join Ada Jemison ’74, Jay Hoggard ’76, MA’91, and Bill Boulware ’71 as they reflect on the implementation and sustainment of the Malcolm X House. -
WESeminar: Theater as Gathering: Excerpts from Senior Projects
2–3 p.m.
More on Theater as Gathering: Excerpts from Senior Projects
Theater Studios TST001Join us for a conversation exploring various approaches to theater within the department. We'll delve into the concept of theater understood as a relationship between audience, performers, and space, viewing each performance as an opportunity for community engagement. This event will showcase three distinct ways these principles have been realized in senior projects this year. Lila Popell ’24 will lead a community-building warm-up inspired by her student forum experience, setting the tone for interactive participation. Alisha Simmons ’24 and Mo Andres ’24 will present an excerpt from their respective pieces, providing insight into their creative processes and the themes explored in their work. Assistant Professors of Theater Katherine Brewer Ball and Katie Pearl, and Associate Professor Marcela Oteíza will moderate the WeSeminar.
Limited seating available. -
WESeminar: Publishing Novels as a Second Act
2-3 p.m.
Location TBD More on Publishing Novels as a Second ActJoin us for a panel discussion featuring alumni writers who first published novels in mid-life, including Parul Kapur '84 (Inside the Mirror), David Santos Donaldson '85 (Greenland), and Eileen Kelly '84 (Small Wonder, forthcoming August 6, 2024). Writer Dana Sachs '84 (All Else Failed) will moderate.
Novels by these alumni will be available for purchase over the weekend at R.J. Julia Bookstore. -
WESeminar: The Future of Healthcare: How Biotech is Shaping the Industry
2-3 p.m.
Frank Center for Public Affairs Room 100 More on The Future of Healthcare: How Biotech is Shaping the IndustryAdvancements in biotechnology have progressed rapidly and impactfully, so much so it is reshaping the way we think about the future of healthcare. Join former United States Commissioner of Food and Drugs and Partner on New Enterprise Associates' Healthcare Team Dr. Scott Gottlieb '94, HON'21, along with former CEO of Agios Pharmaceuticals and current General Partner and Co-Head of the Life Science team at Google Ventures, Dr. David Schenkein '79, P’08 as they discuss the evolution of biotech in the healthcare industry. -
Alumni and Students of Color Reception and African American Studies Open House
2–4 p.m.
More on the reception and open house
remarks at 2:45 p.m.
Davison Health Center TentAll are welcome to this reception honoring alumni and students of color. Sponsored by the Center for African American Studies and the Alumni of Color Council.
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Senior Thesis Showcase Reception
2:30 p.m. with curator remarks at 3 p.m.
More on the showcase reception
Ezra and Cecila Zilkha GalleryA reception for the Senior Thesis Showcase exhibition featuring the work of the Class of 2024’s thesis students in the Department of Art and Art History’s Art Studio Program.
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Athletic Department Senior Awards Presentation
2:45–4:30 p.m.
More on the awards presentation
Freeman Athletic Center, Silloway GymnasiumCome celebrate the accomplishments of our senior student-athletes as they gather together one final time as undergrads in Silloway Gymnasium.
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LGBTQ+ Reception
3:30–5 p.m.
More on the reception
The Resource Center, 167 High StreetJoin LGBTQ+ alumni, faculty, students, families, and friends as we welcome graduating seniors to the alumni community. Come together in recognizing outstanding undergraduate scholarship by announcing Gay, Lesbian, and Sexuality Studies (GLASS) Prize recipients.
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WESeminar: The Art of Creating Captivating Stories
3:30-4:30 p.m.
Frank Center for Public Affairs Room 001 More on The Art of Creating Captivating StoriesTransforming an idea into a story can be seen and presented in many ways, through writing, producing, and acting. At The Art of Creating Captivating Stories, we will hear from Bruce McKenna ’84, P’15, television & film writer, creator and co-executive producer of The Pacific, Michele Barnwell ’89, showrunner/executive producer of Netflix's High on the Hog: How African American Cuisine Transformed America S2 and co-executive producer of Flint Town, and Nafeesa Monroe ’99, actress and founder of Classics in Color: An Inclusive Theatre Company. Discussion will be moderated by Rashida Z. Shaw McMahon ’99, Associate Professor of English, Theater, and African American Studies at Wesleyan University. -
WESeminar: Science at Wesleyan: Where We’ve Been and Where We’re Going
3:30-4:30 p.m.
Exley Science Building Woodhead Lounge More on Science at Wesleyan: Where We’ve Been and Where We’re GoingWesleyan enjoys a distinguished history in scientific research dating back to the 1860s. Being no stranger to the evolution of science, Wesleyan has mostly kept up advancements in the field, but didn’t always hit the mark. At Science at Wesleyan: Where We’ve Been and Where We’re Going, Dr. Michael Greenberg, ’76, P’14, HON’24, neuroscientist and Professor of Neurobiology at Harvard University, will reflect on science education at Wesleyan during the 1970s. Following, Dr. Ruth Johnson, Associate Professor of Biology and Integrative Sciences at Wesleyan, will discuss the progression of the sciences at Wesleyan, present and future. Immediately following is a tour of the new science building led by Alan Rubacha. -
WESeminar: Navigating Life as a Young Alum during COVID-19
4-5 p.m.
Boger Hall Room 112 More on Navigating Life as a Young Alum during COVID-19In March of 2020, the Class of 2019 had just begun their life outside of Wesleyan. Many were starting new jobs, applying to graduate schools, or pursuing passions. Then, the world shut down and these alumni were forced to pivot how they worked, how they learned, and how they could best show up as a Wesleyan alumnus in a time where face-to-face interaction was nonexistent. Join Jacob Synder ’19, Ziran Cai ’19, and Niko Ortega ’19 as they discuss their experience as a young alum during the COVID-19 pandemic. Moderated by Executive Director of the Gordon Career Center, Sharon Belden Castonguay. -
Entrepreneurs & Investors: Cocktail Hour
4-5:30 p.m.
Mystical Seven Society Templum, 100 Lawn Avenue
Hosted by the Patricelli Center for Social Entrepreneurship More on the cocktail hourJoin us for a cocktail hour to celebrate Wesleyan alumni interested in entrepreneurship, investment, and social innovation. Connect with leaders from across sectors and explore potential opportunities for collaboration and partnership.
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Reunion Class Receptions and Dinners
5:30–9 p.m.
More on class dinners
Locations varyClass dinner locations are subject to change based on registration numbers. Please check back for final locations.
$65 per person, inclusive of beer and wine reception and dinner. Advance registration and purchase required. If you are unable to purchase tickets in advance, a very limited number of class dinner tickets may be available, though not guaranteed, for purchase at the Welcome + Giving Center. Tickets will not be available at dinner.Wesleyan University Service Award recipients will be honored during each class dinner. THE WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY SERVICE AWARD (WUSA) is presented to volunteers who have given sustained service to Wesleyan University over time or who have given significant service in a specific area such as admission, career resources, fundraising, reunion planning, regional programs, or class notes.
Post-50th Reunion Alumni
Class of 1974
Class of 1979
Class of 1984
Class of 1989
Class of 1994
Class of 1999
Class of 2004
Class of 2009
Class of 2014
Class of 2019 -
All-Campus Tent Party
10 p.m.–1 a.m.
More on the tent party
Andrus Field TentCelebrate with classmates, graduating seniors, and families - all are welcome! Hear the best pop, rock, and soul music from the ‘70s, '80s, and '90s with a ten-piece all-star band featuring members from both "The Future Heavies" and "The Usual Lebowskis.” The group is led by drummer Andrew Chatfield MALS '19 and includes lead vocalists Alice-Anne, Wendy Berry, and Sarah LeMieux, saxophonist and guitarist Dustin Kreidler, bassist Derek Monahan, lead guitarist Aaron Read, keyboard player David Lovelace, percussionist Brendan LeMieux, and Chris Barrett on trumpet and percussion.
The performance will be followed by a DJ set by Mario Torres.A cash bar will be available (cash or Venmo). Bring a photo ID. No outside alcohol permitted.
