ReunionSchedule & Events
REUNION 2024
FRIDAY, JUNE 7 – SUNDAY, JUNE 9
2024 SCHEDULE COMING SOON!
Interested in what a typical reunion weekend looks like? Check out the Reunion 2023 schedule below:
Thursday, June 1
Noon – 8 p.m.
Reunion Registration Center Open for 50th and Encore Classes (1953, 1958, 1963, 1968) ONLY
Lobby, Scandling Campus Center
6 – 8 p.m.
Informal Welcome Reception for 50th and Encore Classes (1953, 1958, 1963, 1968)
Café Patio, Scandling Campus Center. Registration required.
8:30 – 9:30 p.m.
Lives of Consequences, a film by Henry Lenz ’72
Common Room, Scandling Campus Center
The story of Bishop Hobart and William Smith, Elizabeth Blackwell, and a visit from Bill Heywood, the Class President at the 1922 Centennial. The pictures, music, voices, and memories of your time. The Oaks, Cosie’s, and Pandora’s Box. Lacrosse championships. Favorite professors and concerts. WEOS, The Herald, Saga, and Western Civ. Walter Cronkite and Tommy The Traveler. Vietnam. Man on the Moon. Share laughter and tears as you celebrate your 50th Reunion and the history that connects you to HWS.
FRIDAY, JUNE 2
Daylight
HWS Labyrinth
Richard S. Perkin Observatory, 1 King Lane
Head over to the Richard S. Perkin Observatory to tour our very own Labyrinth, a space for reflection, prayer, or contemplation.
8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Reunion Registration Center Open
Scandling Campus Center
7 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Robert A. Bristol ’31 Field House Open
Caird Center for Sports and Recreation
7 – 11 a.m.
Tennis Courts Open
7:30 – 9 a.m.
Breakfast at Saga
Common Room, Scandling Campus Center. Registration required.
8:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.
HWS Golf Classic: 18-Hole Scramble
Geneva Country Club. Includes lunch and prizes. Registration required.
9 - 10 a.m.
REUNION CLASS: Excursion I - William Scandling Research Vessel
8:45 a.m. departure from Medbery Parking Lot
Professor of Geoscience John Halfman and Finger Lakes Institute Director Lisa Cleckner will lead a working session aboard The William Scandling assessing the environmental well-being of Seneca Lake. Prepare to collect sediment dredges, look for zebra and quagga mussels, and discuss their ecological impact on aquatic ecosystems, nutrient loading problems in the Finger Lakes, and local economies. Event is limited to 18 people—ages 13 and older—no infants or small children, please. Wear appropriate clothing and footwear for working on a boat. Registration required.
9 – 10 a.m.
REUNION CLASS: Walk on the Wild Side
Coopers' Woods, adjacent to the arts campus at Houghton House
A walk for bird lovers with Professor of Biology Mark Deutschlander. Wear appropriate clothing and footwear. Registration required.
9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Barnes & Noble Campus Store Open
9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Climb St. Mark’s Tower
Adjacent to St. John’s Chapel
Whether you’ve ascended the tower before or not, we’re sure you’ll want to take in the spectacular views of the campus and the lake. Don’t forget to bring along your camera. Beware—the view could take your breath away, and so could the ascent! We'll take your picture to prove that you reached the top. Appropriate footwear recommended.
9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Kevin Colton’s Photography Exhibit
The Davis Art Gallery at Houghton House, Kings Lane, Geneva, N.Y.
The collection of prints in this exhibit are from the personal collection of Hobart and William Smith Colleges' Photographer. Kevin has included pictures from campus, locations thousands of miles away, and some less than a hundred yards from his home. The Finger Lakes Region of Upstate New York has some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world. You just need to get out for a drive or hike and start looking for the beauty within. Ultimately, Kevin’s vision of believing it’s the small things that make each day an adventure shows masterfully in this collection.
11 – 11:30 a.m.
Blackwell Room Ribbon Cutting and Toast
Blackwell Room, Demarest Hall
Join sculptor Pietro del Fabro ’67, who led the efforts to restore the Blackwell Room in Demarest Hall, for a dedication and champagne toast. Registration required.
11 a.m. – Noon
REUNION CLASS: Excursion II - William Scandling Research Vessel
10:45 am departure from Medbery Parking Lot.
See the description above. Registration required.
11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Salisbury Center for Career, Professional and Experiential Education
1st Floor, Trinity Hall
Update your resume, review job opportunities post-grad, and hear about providing an internship or about visiting campus to talk with students.
Noon – 1 p.m.
All Classes Welcome Luncheon
The Quad. Registration required.
Noon – 1 p.m.
Classes of 1973 50th Reunion Luncheon
Common Room, Scandling Center. Registration required.
1:15 – 2:15 p.m.
Distinguished Faculty Award Presentation and Panel
Rosensweig Learning Commons, Warren Hunting Smith Library
This joint award of the Hobart Alumni and William Smith Alumnae Associations recognizes the importance that graduates of these Colleges place on the contributions of outstanding faculty members of the past – for their impact as teachers, mentors and scholars. Registration required.
1:30 – 2:30 p.m.
REUNION CLASS: Excursion III - William Scandling Research Vessel
1:15 am departure from Medbery Parking Lot.
See the description above. Registration required.
2 – 3 p.m.
REUNION CLASS: The Towers of HWS
Tent, The Quad
Join Associate Professor of Art and Architecture and Chair of European Studies Michael Tinkler for a walking tour on the Quad. Learn how towers built between 1900 to 2016 tie some familiar campus buildings together. Registration required.
2 – 3 p.m.
REUNION CLASS: The Art of Photography with Kevin Colton
Coxe Hall Steps
The Colleges' photographer Kevin Colton will lead you on a walk around campus and teach you all the tricks of the trade when shooting pictures on your phone or camera. Kevin will stop at some of his favorite landmarks and show you how to capture the best snapshot! The class will start on Coxe Hall steps and conclude at Houghton House, with a reception in the Davis Art Gallery. Registration required.
2 – 3 p.m.
Campus Walking Tours
- General Campus Tour (Start in front of Scandling Center)
- Tour of Athletics Facilities (Meet in front of Bristol Gymnasium)
2 – 3:30 p.m.
Reunion Panel: Tommy the Traveler
Vandervort Room, 2nd floor of Scandling Campus Center. Sponsored by the Classes of 1973.
Join retired Geneva police officer Thomas DeVaney and retired judge The Honorable Walter C. Gage ’62 as they recall their experience with the Tommy the Traveler insurrection at the Colleges in 1970. DeVaney was one of the arresting officers and Gage was a defense attorney who represented a Hobart student charged with a felony at that time. Forgetting Tommy, a short film created by students in Professor Harry Gu’s 2022 Intro to Social Documentary class examining the parallels of student activism on campus in the late 60s, early 70s and today will be screened before the discussion. This film is presented as a visual essay and reflects on the nature of history and memory. Registration required.
3 - 4 p.m.
A Look into the College Admissions Process
The Thomas Poole Family Admissions Center, 629 S. Main St.
The Office of Admissions invites students and their families to learn about the admission process at HWS. Participate in a mock admissions committee session and play the role of an admissions officer. Admissions staff will lead you through the review of sample applications and deliberations. For anyone interested in the admissions process, this session will delve into many issues facing today’s college applicants. Registration required.
3 – 4:30 p.m.
Kevin Colton’s Photography Exhibit and Reception
The Davis Art Gallery at Houghton House
Celebrate Hobart and William Smith Colleges' longtime photographer, Kevin Colton, on his retirement. Enjoy light refreshments as you stroll through the Davis Art Gallery featuring Kevin’s personal collection of prints from around the country. Prints will be available for purchase. Registration required.
3:30 – 4:30 p.m.
HWS Veterans and ROTC Reception
Gilman Room, Bristol Gymnasium. Sponsored by the HWS Veterans Committee. Registration required.
3:30 – 4:30 p.m.
LGBTQIA+ Alumni Network Reception
The LGBTQIA+ Resource Center, deCordova Hall
Stop by The Resource Center to meet and connect with HWS alums from the LGBTQIA+ community. Sponsored by the Alumni and Alumnae Association’s LGBTQIA+ Alumni Network and hosted by Assistant Professor of Media and Society Jiangtao “Harry” Gu ’13. Registration required.
3:30 – 5:30 p.m.
Sip Local! FLX Wine and Beer - Taste the Difference
Sip and savor the best of our local beers and wines. The perfect way to experience authentic tastes with private tastings, tours, and more! Pick up your Sip Local! passport at registration and pay as you go.
- BIG aLICe
4180 NY-14, Geneva, NY 14456 - Ardennes Brewery
570 Snell Rd, Geneva, NY 14456 - Billsboro Winery
4760 State Route 14, Geneva, NY 14456
4 – 5:30 p.m.
Seneca Lake Reel Tour Boat Cruise
3:45 p.m. departure from the Medbery Parking Lot. Boat leaves from the Finger Lakes Welcome Center Dock, 35 Lake Front Drive, Geneva.
Enjoy a narrated cruise around Seneca lake with light appetizers and a cash bar with local wine and beer. The captain will highlight all the incredible historic buildings along the trip and unique, fun facts about Seneca Lake. Space is limited. Registration required.
4:30 – 5:30 p.m.
Kabbalat Shabbat
Wasserman Garden, 764 S. Main St., Geneva, N.Y.
When the sky is streaked with fading Friday sunlight, in Jewish homes worldwide, candles are lit, blessings are said, and Shabbat is welcomed. Our blessings will be hosted by the Interim Director of the Abbe Center for Jewish Life and Hillel adviser Rabbi Dr. Ann Landowne in the Wasserman Garden next to the Abbe Center for Jewish Life. Registration required.
5 – 6 p.m.
Classes of 1978 45th Reunion Welcome Reception
Carr McGuire House, 775 South Main Street
Light refreshments. Registration required.
6 – 8 p.m.
Encore Reunion Dinner (1953, 1958, 1963, 1968)
The Common Room, Scandling Campus Center
6 – 8 p.m.
Classes of 1973 50th Reunion Dinner
Tent, The President’s House. Registration required.
6 – 8:30 p.m.
Fiesta Friday
The Quad
Enjoy a fun and relaxed evening with dinner, dancing, and dessert on the Quad! Music by DJ Jack Jones and ice cream from The Sprinkle Starship. Music till 9 p.m. Registration required.
7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Tethered Hot Air Balloon Rides
William Smith Green. Weather permitting.
8:30 – 10 p.m.
Greek Life Reception
Gilman Room, Bristol Gymnasium
Join fellow alumni and alumnae members of our fraternity and sorority community for an informal reception. Light refreshments. Registration required.
9 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
Look Skyward
Richard S. Perkin Observatory near the Katherine D. Elliott ‘66 Studio Arts Center
Stop by the Richard S. Perkin Observatory, a teaching and outreach facility located adjacent to the Katherine D. Elliott Studio Arts Center, to observe objects trillions of miles away from earth. The event is led by Associate Professor of Physics Leslie Hebb. Maximum of 15 people every 15 minutes. Enjoy a bonfire and s’mores while you wait. Not handicapped accessible. Weather permitting. Space is limited. Registration required.
9 - 11 p.m.
Karaoke!
Bartlett Theatre
Tune up your vocal cords and practice your favorite song. Music provided by DJ Matthew Tumbelekis. Registration required.
SATURDAY, JUNE 3
Daylight
HWS Labyrinth
Richard S. Perkin Observatory, 1 King Lane
Head over to the Richard S. Perkin Observatory to tour our very own Labyrinth, a space for reflection, prayer, or contemplation.
8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Reunion Registration Center Open
Scandling Campus Center
7 – 8 a.m.
Sunrise Fitness with Leigh Pitifer ’84
Bozzuto Boathouse
Leigh Pitifer '84 has taught health and wellness classes and varied training programs throughout her 20-year career. She holds several certifications and teaches group fitness classes at Bristol Field House. Mats provided. Registration required.
8 – 9:30 a.m.
Breakfast at Saga
The Great Hall of Saga, Scandling Campus Center. Registration required.
8 – 9:30 a.m.
Classes of 1983 – Bagels & Bloodies
The Quad. Registration required.
8 – 10 a.m.
Tennis Clinic with Head Tennis Coach Tim Riskie
HWS Tennis Center
Show up with your racket, water bottle, and sunscreen, ready to have fun! Learn strategies and tips on how to improve your game. Open to all ages and skill levels. Rackets are provided if needed. Registration required.
8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Robert A. Bristol ’31 Field House Open
Caird Center for Sports and Recreation
9 – 10 a.m.
REUNION CLASS: HWS and Greek Revival Architecture
Demarest Hall
What's going on with all these columns? Enjoy a guided walking tour with Associate Professor of Art and Architecture and Chair of European Studies Michael Tinkler to discuss American architecture in the 1840s and the facades of a few houses to see what their builders (and later owners) have been thinking. Registration required.
9 - 10 a.m.
REUNION CLASS: Breathe & Stretch
Studio 104, Gearan Center for the Performing Arts
Join Professor of Dance Donna Davenport on the beautiful studio floor or mat to breathe in serenity and exhale anxiousness. Give yourself the gift of an early morning gentle stretch. Mats are available to borrow. Wear layers - the air-conditioned room invites sweatshirts and pants. Registration required.
9 – 10:30 a.m.
Tour de Finger Lakes
Start in front of the Scandling Campus Center
A mecca for cycling enthusiasts, the Finger Lakes region is renowned for its scenic and cycle-friendly roadways. Ken DeBolt, Sports Information Director at HWS, will lead this 17.2-mile trek. Bring your own bike or contact Shoreline Rentals at (315) 521-9257 to rent one for $40 a day. Registration required.
9 – 10:30 a.m.
REUNION CLASS: American Civil War Memorial Tour
8:45 am departure from the Medbery parking lot
The American Civil War Memorial, dedicated in 2008, was designed by sculptor Pietro del Fabro ’67, who will lead the tour. The memorial is located on Lock Island in nearby Waterloo, NY - the Birthplace of Memorial Day. The Memorial includes individual cenotaphs for everyone from Waterloo who died in the Civil War and a North-South Cenotaph recognizing all lives lost. The North-South Cenotaph is constructed of stones sent from the 36 States that existed at the end of the Civil War. The project includes 62 sculptures in limestone and marble, including a Women's Cenotaph commemorating the women who served during the war. Registration required.
9 - 11 a.m.
WEOS, Finger Lakes Public Radio, and WHWS Open House with Station Manager Greg Cotterill
Scandling Campus Center
9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Climb St. Mark’s Tower
Adjacent to St. John’s Chapel
See the description above. Closes from 10:45-11:45 a.m. for State of the Colleges.
9:30 – 10:30 a.m.
REUNION CLASS: Excursion IV - William Scandling Research Vessel
9:15 am departure from the Medbery parking lot. See the description above. Registration required.
9:30 - 10:30 a.m.
HWS Today: Discussion with Current Students
Froelich Hall, Gearan Center for the Performing Arts
Hear from current students about their experiences both inside and outside of the classroom. Registration required.
9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Kevin Colton’s Photography Exhibit
The Davis Art Gallery at Houghton House
10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Barnes & Noble Bookstore Open
10 – 10:45 a.m.
All Classes Memorial Service
Bartlett Theatre, Coxe Hall
Memorial service led by Chaplin Nita Johnson Byrd.
11 – 11:45 a.m.
State of the Colleges Address with President Mark D. Gearan
Vandervort Room, 2nd floor of Scandling Campus Center
Noon - 12:15 p.m.
Alums on Parade
Gather in front of the Scandling Center at 11:50 a.m.
The Reunion Parade will be led by the Savannah CellarSavers Marching Band. Alums will march to the Quad with classmates.
Noon – 2 p.m.
Twin Oaks Tent Open
The Quad. Cash bar.
12:15 – 1:30 p.m.
All Classes Luncheon and Reunion Forum
The Quad
Enjoy lunch on the Quad and congratulate fellow alums as the Hobart Alumni Association and William Smith Alumnae Associations present their annual awards in recognition of outstanding service to the Colleges, as well as a check presentation of the Reunion classes’ fundraising achievements. Registration required.
1:15 – 2:15 p.m.
REUNION CLASS: Excursion V - William Scandling Research Vessel
1 p.m. departure from the Medbery parking lot. See the description above. Registration required.
1:30 – 2:30 p.m.
Alumni and Alumnae Authors Book Signing
Patio, Barnes & Noble Campus Store
Featured authors include: Lt. Col John Norvell ’66, Fighter ‘Gator. Norvell will also represent Hobart and William Smith College’s Legacy of Military Service; Pietro del Fabro ’67, Savages Station: A Civil War Triptych; Peter W. J. Hayes ’78, The Things That Secrets Cannot Hide: A Vic Lenoski Mystery; Alan S. Snel ’83, Bicycle Man: Life of Journeys; Thea R. Engst ’08, Spirit of the Tarot: From the Cups? Abundance to the Magician's Creation, 78 Cocktail Recipes Inspired by the Tarot.
Other alum works for purchase are: Sabrina Horn ’83, Make It, Don’t Fake It: Leading with Authenticity for Real Business Success; and Tamara Payne ’88, The Dead Are Arising: The Life of Malcolm X.
2 - 4 p.m.
Taste of the Finger Lakes
The Quad
Join more than a dozen local wineries, breweries, and distilleries as they offer a taste of the Finger Lakes. Goods will also be for sale by the bottle or the case. Registration required.
2 - 4 p.m.
Family Festival
The Quad
Family fun for all!! Enjoy music, arts and crafts, an obstacle course, a caricaturist, ice cream, and more.
2 - 4 p.m.
Catch up with Faculty, Staff and Coaches
The Quad
3 - 4 p.m.
Alcoholics Anonymous Meeting
Delancey House
4 - 5 p.m.
The Adams ’32 Intercultural Center Open House and Reception
288 Pulteney Street
Stop by for a champagne toast at the newly renovated Adams ’32 Intercultural Center. For years the “IC” has provided a welcoming environment that supports personal growth, academic success, and leadership skills, as well as programming designed to broaden cross-cultural understanding, appreciation for diversity, inclusion, social justice, and community bonds. Sponsored by Trustees Linda D. Arrington ’88 and Ludwig P. Gaines ’88. Registration required.
4 – 5:30 p.m.
Classes of 1973 50th Reunion Gathering
7 Sherrill Street Geneva, NY. Sponsored by Rick Bley ’73. Registration required.
4 – 6 p.m.
The Dove Block Project Exhibitions and Reception
The Dove Block Project, 465 Exchange Street, Geneva, NY
Stop by The Dove for the opening day featuring HWS Alums – Edward T. Pollack ’55 and Molly Matthews ’22. Ed’s collection features American Women Artists such as Isabel Bishop, April Gornik, Yvonne Jacquette, Lois Mailou Jones, Elizabeth Murray, Louise Nevelson, and Marguerite Zorach, as well as many others. Molly’s exhibit is a photo project of Downtown Geneva with photoshopped images of past and present spaces. Her work shows the change in the types of businesses in Geneva with the shift from stores like groceries, bakeries, butchers, clothing stores, and many others that held a purpose for the community’s benefit to a larger focus on tourism and services, such as restaurants and bars. Registration required.
6 - 9 p.m.
All Classes Reception and Dinner
The Quad
Includes cocktail hour from 6-7 p.m. Followed by dinner and music provided by Uptown Groove. Registration required.
6 - 9 p.m.
Classes of 1978 45th Reunion Reception and Dinner
Carr McGuire House, 775 South Main Street. Registration required.
(Classes of 1978 Class Picture will be at 6:30 p.m.)
6 – 9 p.m.
Classes of 1973 50th Reunion Reception and Dinner
Bartlett Theatre. Registration required.
(Classes of 1973 Class Picture will be at 6 p.m. on Coxe Hall Steps)
9 – 11 p.m.
Reunion 2023 Quad Party
The Quad
Enjoy desserts, spectacular fireworks, and evening entertainment. Fireworks begin at approx. 9:30 p.m. Twin Oaks Tent open. Cash Bar.
SUNDAY, JUNE 4
Daylight
HWS Labyrinth
Richard S. Perkin Observatory, 1 King Lane
Head over to the Richard S. Perkin Observatory to tour our very own Labyrinth, a space for reflection, prayer, or contemplation.
8 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Reunion Headquarters Open
Lobby, Scandling Campus Center
9 – 10 a.m.
Worship Service
St. John’s Chapel, 630 S. Main St.
Service led by HWS Chaplain Reverend Nita Johnson Byrd.
10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Sunday Farewell Brunch
The Café Patio, Scandling Campus Center. Registration required.
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Barnes & Noble Campus Store Open
1 p.m.
Check-out of campus housing.
See you at the next Reunion!