10th Reunion Class of 2008

Planning to attend? Register now.

Mark your calendar! Our 10th reunion is May 24-27, 2018. Check out the list of classmates who have indicated they’re planning to attend. Online registration is available through May 11, 2018.

Also be sure to visit the class Facebook and Twitter pages for more information.

Reunion Committee Members

  • Jackie Chapman
  • Edward Klein
  • Amanda Krentzman
  • Kim Lam
  • Jake Levine
  • Libeth Morales
  • Donn Ogilvie
  • Izaak Orlansky
  • Daniel Poniatowski
  • Jeremy Powell
  • Halim Rizk
  • James Rosenthal
  • Max Schenkein
  • Patrick Senat
  • LaShawn Springer
  • Chenelle Tanglao

10th REUNION CLASS CHALLENGE

The class is aiming to raise $25,000 to support an incoming student for four years at Wes. This Class of 2008 Scholarship will provide a student the Wesleyan education that we all prize and continue to benefit from. Make your gift here and please pledge through 2021 so that we can support our scholar from freshman through senior year. When making your gift, please note in the special instructions: Class of 2008 Scholarship; I pledge annual support through FY2021.
 

Events

Thursday, May 24, 2018

8:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Usdan University Center Hours of Operation
Usdan University Center is the primary gathering spot for everyone, creating a hub in the heart of campus during Reunion & Commencement Weekend. All are welcome to stop by and enjoy a comfortable, convenient place to peruse the RC schedule, connect with classmates and/or family members, meet new friends… or simply hang out while enjoying assorted refreshments.
2:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Registration
Everyone—alumni, parents, students, and families—please check in for nametags, meal tickets, a welcome packet, campus maps, and more. Reunion alumni: please be sure to purchase your reunion class dinner tickets at registration at any time during the weekend. Tickets are not available at the dinner site.
Note: As a result of our continuing efforts to be environmentally responsible, we are not handing out a printed brochure/schedule of events.  The schedule can easily be found online during the weekend by using your phone or tablet or check in with any of our student workers during the weekend.
If you feel you need a printed schedule, please print out in advance and bring with you during the weekend.
Exley Science Center Lobby

Friday, May 25, 2018

8:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Usdan University Center Hours of Operation and Cardinal Connection Cafe
Usdan University Center is the primary gathering spot for everyone, creating a hub in the heart of campus during Reunion & Commencement Weekend. All are welcome to stop by and enjoy a comfortable, convenient place to peruse the RC schedule, connect with classmates and/or family members, meet new friends… or simply hang out while enjoying assorted refreshments.
8:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Usdan Cafe Hours
Food and beverages available for purchase on site.
Usdan University Center (show in map)
9:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Registration
Everyone—alumni, parents, students, and families—please check in for nametags, meal tickets, a welcome packet, campus maps, and more. Reunion alumni: please be sure to purchase your reunion class dinner tickets at registration at any time during the weekend. Tickets are not available at the dinner site.
Note: As a result of our continuing efforts to be environmentally responsible, we are not handing out a printed brochure/schedule of events.  The schedule can easily be found online during the weekend by using your phone or tablet or check in with any of our student workers during the weekend.
If you feel you need a printed schedule, please print out in advance and bring with you during the weekend.
Exley Science Center Lobby
9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Pi Cafe Hours
Snacks and beverages available for purchase.
Exley Science Center
11:30 AM to 1:30 PM
Welcome Lunch

Join friends, classmates, and family members for lunch when you arrive on campus for the weekend.
TICKETS: This lunch requires advance purchase/registration. If you are unable to purchase tickets in advance, lunch tickets may be available for purchase at Registration in the Exley Science Center.  Ticket sales are not available at the lunch location-- please plan accordingly.

Lunch is included for members of reunion classes with a flat rate fee (5th, 10th, and 50th Reunion classes). Lunch is complimentary for post-50th alumni (Classes of 1940 through 1967) and their guests. To make sure that we have an accurate number of meals, we'd like to know if reunion alumni who have the flat rate fee and who are members of the post-50th group plan to attend this lunch.  Please click on the Friday lunch option when registering if you plan to attend. All other reunion classes and parents and families of graduating seniors will be charged the following for lunch:
$20 per person for all other adults and children over age 12 (including graduates)
$10 per person for children 12 and under
Marketplace, Usdan University Center

4:00 PM to 5:00 PM
WESEMINAR The Workplace for Wesleyan Women Today
Wesleyan women have been making their mark on the world for over forty years. In light of #MeToo, Time’s Up and other women’s movements, what does the workplace look like for Wes Women today? Alumnae from across the decades come together to share their experiences. Interactive audience participation is encouraged.
Sponsored by the Wesleyan Women’s Network and the Wesleyan Lawyers Association
Presenters: Lynn Chen ’98 is an actor, food host/blogger, and an Ambassador for The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA). She is directing her first feature film later this year. More info at lynnchen.com. Jessica Golden Cortes ’98 is a partner in the Labor & Employment group of Davis & Gilbert LLP in New York. She regularly counsels and actively litigates on behalf of her clients in all aspects of employment law, and frequently conducts employment trainings across the country, educating her clients in subjects such as respect in the workplace (including how to navigate claims in the #metoo movement), internal investigations, unconscious bias and manager best practices. Lisa Renery Handalian ’88 is a User Experience Researcher at UBER. She spends her days interviewing Drivers and telling their stories back to the Design and Product teams to improve the Driver experience. Lisa learned at UBER during the 2017 upheaval that exposed gender inequities found in many Silicon Valley corporations. Libeth Morales ’08 is a public relations professional with over ten years of experience in entertainment publicity, cause marketing, and social justice movement communications. She is a proud LA native and an avid Dodgers fan; and Melody Oliphant '13 is a fundraiser with the Stacey Abrams for Governor campaign, working to elect the nation's first Black woman governor in her home state of Georgia. She began her post-Wesleyan career as a research associate in genetics at Icahn School of Medicine and Yale School of Medicine. In 2017, she left scientific research to work in service to Ralph Northam, Justin Fairfax, and Mark Herring, who were elected to statewide office in Virginia last November.
Moderator: Megan Norris ’83, P’17 is the chair of the Managing Partners and leader of the Employment and Labor Group for Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone in Detroit. Elected by her national peers to both the College of Labor and Employment Lawyers and the American College of Trial Lawyers, she has expertise litigating all matters of employment law. At Wesleyan, she is an Emerita Trustee and longtime volunteer, having served as chair of the Alumni Association and co-chair of the Wesleyan Annual Fund, to highlight just two of her many volunteer roles.
Hansel Lecture Hall (001), Public Affairs Center (PAC)
4:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Cardinal Connection Cafe
This is the place to meet-up with classmates, relax between events, charge your phone, enjoy a game of pool, or just take in the scenery. Snacks, beverages, beer and wine are available for purchase.
Usdan University Center
5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Wes Men’s Rugby Club Barbecue for Alumni, Parents and Friends
14B Warren Street
5:00 PM to 6:30 PM
President’s Reception Honoring Leadership Donors and Volunteers
Please join President Michael Roth '78 and the Wesleyan Board of Trustees at a reception celebrating members of the Wesleyan Leadership Societies. Wesleyan Leadership Societies—the Wesleyan Circle, the 1831 Society, the Olin Associates—recognize the extraordinary commitment and support of Wesleyan leadership donors and volunteers. By invitation only.
President’s House Lawn
5:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Red, Black, and Green! All-College Dinner

Join friends, classmates, and family members for an informal, eco-friendly buffet dinner in the Marketplace at the Usdan University Center.
TICKETS: This event requires advance purchase/registration. If you are unable to purchase tickets in advance, dinner tickets may be available for purchase at Registration in the Exley Science Center.  Ticket sales are not available at the dinner location-- please plan accordingly.

Dinner is included in the registration fee for post-50th (Classes of 1942-1967) and members of reunion classes with a flat rate fee (5th, 10th, and 50th reunion classes). To make sure that we have an accurate number of meals, we'd like to know if reunion alumni who have the flat rate fee and who are members of the post-50th reunion group plan to attend this dinner. Please click on the Friday Red, Black, and Green Dinner option when registering if you plan to attend. All other reunion classes, parents and families of graduating seniors will be charged the following when they register:
$20 per person for adults and children over age 12 (including graduates)
$10 per person for children 12 and under
Marketplace, Usdan University Center

6:30 PM to 7:30 PM
Shabbat Services
Please join Wesleyan’s Jewish chaplain, Rabbi David Leipziger Teva, and the Wesleyan Jewish community for Shabbat services. All are welcome. No reservations necessary.
The Bayit, 157 Church Street
7:00 PM to 9:30 PM
Quasimodal 35th Anniversary Concert and Celebration
Start your weekend off right by reminiscing about the good ol’ days with Wesleyan’s oldest co-ed A Capella group, Quasimodal! Sing some songs, hear tunes new and old, and join us for an evening of beautiful music and reconnecting with other Quazzles.
Location: Tent with red flag, McKelvey Green
7:45 PM to 10:00 PM
Shabbat Dinner
At this special dinner for returning alumni, graduating seniors, and their families, we will welcome Shabbat with song, food, and joyful fellowship.
TICKETS: This dinner requires advance purchase/registration.
$20 per person for all and children over age 12 (including graduates)
$10 per person for children 12 and under
Daniel Family Commons, Usdan University Center
8:00 PM to 9:30 PM
10th Reunion Reception for the Class of 2008
Hewitt Lounge
10:00 PM to 1:00 AM
Friday Night Annual Reunion Party
All are welcome! Come dance the night away and mingle with classmates, fellow alumni and graduates. Featuring Bronson Rock, with band members: Gary Mezzi ’83 (vocals & guitar), Eric Bloomquist (bass), Tom Smith (drums), and Lou St. John (keyboards); and Brothers of Others band members: Joshua Stedman '98, Derek Cintron, and Vic Kingsley
200 High Street (Eclectic)

Saturday, May 26, 2018

8:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Usdan University Center Hours and Cardinal Connection Cafe
Usdan University Center is the primary gathering spot for everyone, creating a hub in the heart of campus during Reunion & Commencement Weekend. All are welcome to stop by and enjoy a comfortable, convenient place to peruse the RC schedule, connect with classmates and/or family members, meet new friends… or simply hang out while enjoying assorted refreshments.
8:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Registration
Everyone—alumni, parents, students, and families—please check in for nametags, meal tickets, a welcome packet, campus maps, and more. Reunion alumni: please be sure to purchase your reunion class dinner tickets at registration at any time during the weekend. Tickets are not available at the dinner site.
Note: As a result of our continuing efforts to be environmentally responsible, we are not handing out a printed brochure/schedule of events.  The schedule can easily be found online during the weekend by using your phone or tablet or check in with any of our student workers during the weekend.
If you feel you need a printed schedule, please print out in advance and bring with you during the weekend.
Exley Science Center Lobby
8:00 AM to 10:00 AM
Annual Family Swim
Enjoy a morning swim in the Freeman Athletic Center pool. Towels will be provided.
Freeman Athletic Center (show in map)
8:30 AM to 10:00 AM
Cardinal Loop Fun Run (2.1, 3.2, 4.3 Mile Courses)
Start the day off with an exhilarating run through campus.
Meet at the base of Foss Hill (show in map)
9:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Tennis Mixer
Kick the morning off with a tennis mixer and check out the new tennis facilities! All tennis levels are encouraged and welcome. Interested in joining? Contact Zach Stanton ’98 (Text 917-434-5322 / email: stano1@hotmail.com).
John Wood Memorial Tennis Courts, Vine Street
9:30 AM to 10:30 AM
Athletics Alumnae Gathering
Find more information about the gathering here and register here.
Woodbridge Classroom, Freeman Athletic Center
10:00 AM to 11:00 AM
WESEMINAR Celebration of Wesleyan Writing: Practicing Journalism in the Time of Fake News
Join us and talk with this panel of distinguished alumni about the challenges journalists face today.
Hannah Dreier ’08 is currently a reporter at ProPublica covering immigration. Previously she was Venezuela correspondent for Associated Press, where she received awards from The Society of Professional Journalists and Overseas Press Club, and the James Foley Medill Medal for Courage in Journalism. Emily Greenhouse ’08 has worked at The New York Review of Books and Granta magazine, and she was a reporter on gender and politics at Bloomberg News. She is now the managing editor of The New Yorker magazine. Steven Greenhouse ’73, P’08 was a reporter for the New York Times for 31 years, retiring from the Times in late 2014 after spending his last 19 years there as the NYT's labor and workplace reporter. He is the author of The Big Squeeze, Tough Times for the American Worker (2008 Alfred A. Knopf). He has taught at Wesleyan as a
Koeppel Journalism Fellow, and he is now working on a new book. Maria Santana-Guadalupe ’98 is New York anchor and correspondent for CNN En Español, and she also worked as a reporter for Mega TV, a network in the Spanish Broadcasting System. She is a two-time News and Documentary Emmy nominee.
Moderator: Prof. Anne Greene, University Professor of English; Coordinator of the Writing Certificate and the Kim-Frank Visiting Writers program
Ring Family Performing Arts Hall
10:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Crew Reception and Alumni Row
Relive good times on the water.  All former oarsmen, oarswomen, and friends are invited to gather at the boathouse for an afternoon row and refreshments.
Macomber Boathouse, 35 Harbor Drive
11:15 AM to 12:00 PM
Assemble for the Annual Parade of Classes
Seniors and their families are invited to join alumni for this traditional Wesleyan festivity featuring a live Dixieland band. The parade is scheduled to begin promptly at 11:30 a.m. rain or shine, and is followed immediately by the Assembly and Annual Meeting. Look for the class year signs and line-up beside the sign with the year you graduated.  The parade begins on Huss Courtyard (behind the Usdan University Center) and parades around the Memorial Chapel onto McKelvey Green.  All parade participants are encouraged to parade into the Memorial Chapel for the Wesleyan Assembly and Alumni Association Meeting.
Huss Courtyard, Usdan University Center (show in map)
12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
Wesleyan Assembly and Alumni Association Meeting

Featuring President Michael S. Roth '78 on Liberal Education: Protected or Connected?

The 2018 Distinguished Alumni, McConaughy, and Outstanding Service Awards are presented at this time.

Distinguished Alumni Awards are presented to alumni in recognition of achievement in their professions.
Robert (Bob) Crispin ’68
Brian Frosh ’68
Robert (Bobbito) Garcia ’88
Paul Weitz ’88
Jessica Rosenworcel ’93
Maria Santana-Guadalupe ’98

The James L. McConaughy Jr. Award was established in 1959 by the class of 1936 in memory of James L. McConaughy Jr. '36, the James L. McConaughy Jr. Memorial 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.
Hannah Dreier ’08  

The Outstanding Service Award is presented to alumni, parents, or other members of the Wesleyan community in recognition of outstanding volunteer service to Wesleyan, their community, or the nation.
Alexander (Sandy) See ’68, P’98
Megan Norris ’83, P’17
Memorial Chapel

1:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Strolling Magician and Magic Show
For children of all ages!
Andrus Field (show in map)
1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Picnic and Festival on Foss Hill

This lively festival of entertainment and games is a great place to connect with friends and family members between WESeminars and other weekend programs. Don’t miss the magic show, tattoos, and more. Lunches are portable and can be picked up on your way to Foss Hill, afternoon WESeminars, or other events and destinations.
TICKETS: This lunch requires advance purchase/registration. If you are unable to purchase tickets in advance, picnic lunch tickets may be available for purchase at Registration in the Exley Science Center.  Ticket sales are not available at the lunch location-- please plan accordingly.

Lunch is included for members of reunion classes with a flat rate fee (5th, 10th, 50th and the post-50th reunion classes of 1942 through 1967). To make sure that we have an accurate number of meals, we'd like to know if reunion alumni who have the flat rate fee plan to attend this lunch.  Please click on the Saturday Festival on Foss Hill lunch option when registering if you plan to attend. All other reunion classes, graduates, and parents and families of the graduates will be charged the following for lunch:
$15 per person for adults and children (including graduates)
Tent, Andrus Field and Foss Hill (show in map)

2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Alumni of Color (AOC)/ Students of Color (SOC) Reception
Please join us at a reception honoring Alumni and Students of Color. All are welcome.
Center for African American Studies
3:30 PM to 4:15 PM
Wesleyan Spirits Concert
Come hear Spirits past and present come together and sing a few songs from the repertoire of Wesleyan's oldest all male a cappella group.
Lobby, Exley Science Center
3:30 PM to 4:30 PM
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) Alumni Reception
Please join members of the LGBTQ Alumni Network, parents and friends as we welcome graduating seniors to the alumni community.
The Resource Center, 167 High Street
4:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Cardinal Connection Cafe
This is the place to meet-up with classmates, relax between events, charge your phone, enjoy a game of pool, or just take in the scenery. Snacks, beverages, beer and wine are available for purchase.
Usdan University Center
4:30 PM to 5:30 PM
Professional Network Mix-n-Mingle
Grab a drink and connect with fellow Cardinals working in Arts & Entertainment, Digital Media, Education, Finance & Banking, Law, Philanthropy & Public Service and Real Estate. The Cardinal Connection Café will have snacks, beer, wine and other beverages available for purchase.
Cardinal Connection Cafe (Usdan Cafe), Usdan University Center
5:30 PM to 9:00 PM
Reunion Class Receptions and Dinners
Post-50th Alumni (Classes of 1942–1967) and the Classes of 1958, 1963, 1968, 1973, 1978, 1983, 1988, 1993, 1998, 2003, 2008, and 2013 gather for their Class Dinners and special programs.

TICKETS: Each dinner requires advance purchase/registration. If you are unable to purchase tickets in advance, Reunion Class Dinner tickets are available for purchase at Registration in the Exley Science Center.  Ticket sales are not available at the dinner location.

Dinner is included for members of reunion classes with a flat rate fee (5th, 10th, and 50th reunion classes) and is complimentary for Post-50th Reunion Alumni (Classes of 1942 through 1967) and their guests. All other reunion classes will be charged the following for dinner:

$55 per person

Post-50th (Classes of 1942-1967 not in a reunion year): Andersen (110) and Taylor (108) Meeting Rooms, Usdan University Center
1953: Andersen Meeting Room (110), Usdan University Center
1958: Taylor Meeting Room (108), Usdan University Center
1963: Olson Commons, Gordon Career Center
1968: Campbell Reference Center, Olin Memorial Library
1973: Daniel Family Commons, Usdan University Center
1978: Patricelli ’92 Theater
1983: President’s House Lawn
1988: Mink Dining Wing, Usdan University Center
1993: Beckham Hall, Fayerweather
1998: Tent with red flag, McKelvey Green (lawn in front of College Row)
2003: Tent with black flag, McKelvey Green (lawn in front of College Row)
2008: The West Wing, Usdan University Center
2013: Tent, Andrus Field

9:30 PM to 10:00 PM
Traditional All-College Sing
Steps of North College; Rainsite: Memorial Chapel
10:00 PM to 1:00 AM
All-Campus Tent Party
Don't miss this year's annual All-Campus Party featuring DJs Ben Resnick '13 and Clément Guerner '13. Since graduating, they moved to Berlin where they DJ in their free time. For the tent party they have prepared a mix of their favorite tracks, both old and new, and look forward to seeing you on the dance floor! Open to all. Cash bar. ID required. Bar closes at 12:45 a.m. No outside alcohol permitted.  Tent, Andrus Field
10:00 PM to 11:00 PM
New Group 30-Year Anniversary Concert
After thirty years of hopping between genres (but never straying far from Toto's "Africa,") current members and Alumni of Wesleyan's self-proclaimed Sexiest A Capella Group will take the stage to sing through their catalog of crowdpleasers. Join us for a night of spontaneous fun and music!
Memorial Chapel

Sunday, May 27, 2018

8:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Usdan University Center Hours
Usdan University Center is the primary gathering spot for everyone, creating a hub in the heart of campus during Reunion & Commencement Weekend. All are welcome to stop by and enjoy a comfortable, convenient place to peruse the RC schedule, connect with classmates and/or family members, meet new friends… or simply hang out while enjoying assorted refreshments.
8:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Registration and Information
Exley Science Center Lobby
9:00 AM to 10:00 AM
Roman Catholic Mass
Memorial Chapel

Friday, May 24, 2019

5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Wes Men’s Rugby Club Barbecue for Alumni, Parents and Friends
259C Williams Street

Accommodations

Marriott Courtyard Wallingford
203-284-9400
Rate: $132/$142 per night
Block cutoff date: 5/2/18

Class Notes

[Read Class Notes]

Please send new notes to the Class Secretary:

Alicia Collen Zeidan
acollen@wesleyan.edu

Your contact information

[Update Contact Information]

Be sure to update your contact information so that your classmates can get in touch. 

Staff Contact

Lauren Borghard
Associate Director
(860) 685-4840
lborghard@wesleyan.edu