On Tuesday and Wednesday we were able to take advantage of class offerings. We attended classes on psych, art, econ, poly sci, history, geology, film, English, and religion. We were welcomed by the professors and students alike. They were complementary about “how great you look” which can be interpreted many ways! In some classes we were encouraged to participate, and we think the students enjoyed hearing from articulate and intelligent women from their grandparent’s generation! The Art Museum had a special exhibit of Matisse drawings, and the library has a new Chihuly glass sculpture which is spectacular.
The focus of much of our energy and time was the novel “Drown” by Junot Diaz in a class taught by Donald Weber. It was a challenging, uncomfortable and controversial book for us. It was fascinating to be in the classroom with the first year students to share opinions. Most of us had been put off by the language and topics in the short stories, but after hearing the students speak many (not all!) of us had a new appreciation for the book. Our discussion continued in a post dinner discussion with Prof. Webber. It was a privilege to have him with us and we appreciated the time and enthusiasm he shared.
Wednesday concluded with more class time, and a final luncheon. It was pouring rain, and I thought as I was driving away that the heavens were crying that the Class of 1958 was leaving South Hadley once again. We decided at breakfast that we will gather again in the Fall of 2016. For those who have not come to a mini-reunion, I urge you to join us. Those of us “regulars” are hooked and long to share the experience with you.
Those in attendance were Joan Heyman Rosan, Joyce Bernstein Klein, Di Marston Wood, Bobbi Bohman Travis, Lynne Jones Osborn, Ann Jones Dolbear, Cindy Carpenter McFadden, Jane (Elizabeth) Nilan Davis, Polly Edie, Charlotte Barton Sornborger, Muffie Taylor Seifert, Betty Koch Baker, Pat Chilton Bennett, Ginny Lueth Keith, Misty Turino Gideonse, and your scribe Anne (Annzie) Ensworth Whitney. Carolyn Czaja Topor joined us for the social hour on Monday. Special thanks go to Joyce Klein who arranged the classes, Bobbi Travis who arranged meals, Joan (Smudge) Rosen who handled registration, Betty Baker who coordinated with Prof. Webber, and Di Wood who was General Factotum.