Reunion Weekend - Not Just a Party

It's about the clambake for sure and the seemingly endless supply of lobsters. By name alone Reunion Weekend prompts nostalgia, and everything dear to the heart of Deerfield, from the green and white striped tent to the class photos, beckons. But after all that, what people remember are the impressive presentations by Deerfield alumni and the incredible substance of the weekend.

From the Slow Food Movement, sponsored by the Class of 1982 and presented by David Buchanan '82, to Reintroducing Islam, a conversation led by Umar Moghul '92, Deerfield expertise abounded in thought-provoking presentations. Eric Widmer '57 returned to join the stage with John Waterbury '57 (President of American University in Beirut) to present their thoughts on the situation in the Middle East and their hopes for education as an instrument of peace. Current developments in law enforcement were presented by New York County District Attorney Robert Morgenthau '37, who called upon a lifetime of experience to cover history, trends and declines in organized crime and the emergence of white collar crime.

Peter Gilson '57 led a presentation about Deerfield's architecture and the design process that inspired the Koch Center, and members of the faculty demonstrated how technology is enhancing teaching and learning in the Koch Center and across campus. In another presentation sponsored by the Class of 1972, architects Robert Vuyosevich '72 and Bruce Goodwin '72 talked about architectural innovation on U.S. campuses, with Chuck Williams '72, adding Deerfield's perspective. And, in the continuing spirit of educational engagement, Robert Binswanger '48 reflected upon fifty years of teaching at the local, national and international level and how students have changed (and remained the same) during that time. Head of School Margarita Curtis H'07 brought the focus closer to home by delivering a "State of the School" address in the Large Auditorium where nearly all the seats were taken.

Auditorium seats also filled to listen to discussions about climate change, the Middle East, Islam and endangered species. Richard Boykin '92 has cared for New Guinea Singing Dogs, baby lions and everything in between. A duck hunter Lloyd Semple '57 explained how he became a member of the board of the National Audubon Society, while Jim Tripp '57 (general counsel to the Environmental Defense Fund) discussed legislation to protect the environment. Newt Merrill '57, who serves on the board of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute, used slides and statistics to illustrate the effects of a change in the ocean's temperature on the rest of the planet.

The Class of 1987 sponsored "Sudden Minority," a presentation by Chris Waddell '87, winner of 12 Paralympics medals in skiing, who reminded people of the vulnerability, courage and accomplishments of disabled people. Bill Kuharich '72 had another perspective on sports. The former DA football player who is now vice president of player personnel for the Kansas City Chiefs, reflected on his career in professional sports and the joys of growing up in a "football family."

Musician Blaire Bodine '02 offered a mix of original acoustic guitar compositions, as well as old favorites, while AM Munk '92 invited all to join her in a Pilates class, and George Lee '76 talked about the best places in the world for fly fishing. Also addressing quality of life, Dick Boyden '52 moderated a discussion sponsored by the Class of 1952 entitled, "Living Gracefully and Gratefully in the Years Ahead."

The arts were not ignored, either. The Class of 1997 presented "Creative Minds," and Anne Lynch Lukowski, Peter Cambor, Judd Cherry, Hannah Pittard and Rebecca Armstrong, talked about their pursuits in acting, filmmaking, movie production and writing. This discussion was moderated by Adam Taney '97.

To all that, add shows at the new Tanoto Planetarium, campus tours, Bob Merriam's '43 reminiscences about former faculty members, Deerfield Trivia with Peter Hindle '52, and an evening of Ragtime with Bob Milne, Frisbee, golf, softball, tennis, time at the river, a wonderful children's program and a moving memorial service to honor alumni, and the scope of Reunion Weekend emerges. It is not an event to be missed.