Class of 1958 Mini-Reunion  

Sept. 19-21, 2011 

(To see list of Books and Movies recommended by classmates who attended the Mini Reunion scroll down)

The committee did a magnificent job of helping 20 classmates and two husbands gather in South Hadley for a second mini reunion.  We all felt an immediate positive connection as we discovered the common threads in our lives over our years since graduation.  Joyce selected stimulating courses for us so we were quickly involved in lively discussion.  All of us remarked on the depth and breadth of the courses enhanced by the diverse student body.

After a full day of classes on Monday we gathered for social hour in the Willits HallowellCenter which was followed by dinner with President Lynn Pasquerella.  Our classes ranged from Film studies, Biology, International Relations, English, Psychology, Politics and Art.

We were fortunate to hear former Ambassador R. Nicholas Burns, who is presently Professor of Diplomacy and International Politics at the Kennedy School. He andFormer Ambassador J. Carter Perry, who is a visiting professor at MHC this semester, have worked together in the Middle East.  The dimension of this class was broadened by international students who asked questions and shared information based on their own countries. During dinner President Pasquerella spoke of MountHolyoke’s interest in a broad student base in order to develop and maintain a global view.  MHC now has students from 54 countries and 38 states.

Tuesday followed with more classes and a meeting with Carolyn S. Dietel,  Director of Frances Perkins Program and Coordinator of Transfer Affairs.  We could see from the classes we attended that the FP scholars are an actively involved group who share their passion for learning.  A small group of students from China, Sri Lanka,Vietnam, India and Pittsburgh, Pa. joined us for dinner and stayed for a lively discussion afterwards.  The students had chosen MHC because of small classes, financial and community support and the opportunity to know and work with professors.  Most of these undergraduates were majoring in the sciences and hoped to attend graduate school. The students continued to ask questions about our past history and were amused and amazed at how technology has changed so many things. Though many years have transpired we all shared the common passion for learning and developing our own potential. .

Wednesday we had the opportunity to attend an early morning class which was followed by a tour of the Art Museum led by a wonderful docent.  We loved the accommodations at the Willett Hallowell Center where we had our breakfast, lunch, social hour and dinner.  We all left energized by reconnecting, going to intellectually stimulating classes and hope to return for another Back to Class Reunion in the future. We hope more of the class of 1958 will join us.

Ann Jones Dolbear ‘58

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