The festivities from our 50th Reunion on campus have ended but the quiet reflections and ebullient memories of gathering and sharing have not. As Reunion Chair my job was to remain in the background and dash between venues checking last-minute arrangements – and running a few shopping trips to Big Y in nearby Chicopee. What thrilled me was watching classmates converse while on couches, lawn chairs, dining tables, and along pathways around campus. There were groupings of freshmen year dormmates or new acquaintances. People were equally comfortable taking a solo stroll along the lakeside trail.
I quipped at the Saturday dinner that ‘it is all about the party’ when it was about far more than that. It was about placing scarves around new alumnae’s shoulders, listening and learning in workshops, tours, and presidential addresses, walking in the parade, bowing our heads in tribute to those who have passed, and smiling at images of ourselves over the decades. We have supported our alma mater in donations, and raucous cheer and loud clapping as our class performers proved that we still have it!
Melissa Thornton did a great job of recognizing the volunteers who made the reunion successful. Kudos to the various committees who did advanced planning. A huge thank you to everyone who welcomed, stocked, packed, schlepped, arranged chairs, and checked mics and computers throughout the weekend.
An additional shout-out to Deb Orgera who was my point person on topics of speakers and venues for nine months. During the winter we tromped across campus checking out classrooms, counting chairs, measuring footsteps, meeting Joan and Robin at Odyssey, and catching the Bob Marley film in the S. Hadley theatre. Carole LaMond was omnipresent with upbeat advice on the character and interests of our class so this was a special celebration. Jane Antin counseled me on procedures and important details so everyone felt included.
As promised, here is the LINK to the Google Drive Reunion Recap folder that contains the essence of us all – an astounding group of women. Whether you were on site or at your home these are worth browsing and absorbing.
- Parade Signs List
- Time Capsule Contents
- Memorial Booklet
- Memorial Slide Show
- A Joyful Noise: We Are the Power playbill
- A Joyful Noise: We Are the Power movie
- Doris’s Class Slide Show movie
- Bonnie Panson and Michelle Hurst, 2019 Phenomenal Women performance movie
- Odyssey Book Reading List
- Email to send all photos and videos to Doris: 50thReunionSlideShow@gmail.com
Details to follow when the class picture is available to purchase.
Class feedback about the reunion via Qualtrics survey will be sent in the next couple of weeks.
My foremost message – Let’s keep moving forward on a positive path of good cheer and support.
Best ~ Gail LaRocca, Reunion Chair
617.285.7307 and GailALaRocca@gmail.com
