After two years of virtual gatherings, Wildcats joyously came together on campus to celebrate Reunion—and 50 years of coeducation—on June 10–12.
More than 270 alumni graduating from Williston Northampton School, Williston Academy, and the Northampton School for Girls in class years ending in “2” or “7” and their guests flocked back to campus for a weekend of reminiscing, catching up, and participating in the many activities offered.
During Friday’s Elm Tree Luncheon, those assembled heard from Paula Monopoli, a member of the class of 1976 and soon-to-be member of the Board of Trustees. Monopoli is the Sol & Carlyn Hubert Professor of Law at the University of Maryland Carey School of Law where she founded its Women, Leadership & Equality Program. She put into perspective the school’s 50th anniversary of the first coeducational graduating class in 1972, describing the impact the strong, smart, and determined women founders, teachers, and administrators on generations of students. “I am humbled by the women who came before and the women who came after,” she said.
On Saturday, Head of School Robert W. Hill III and Chief Advancement Officer Eric Yates bestowed Alumni Awards to six graduates, and an official Williston diploma to a longtime booster of the school.
- The Founders Award is given to an individual whose loyalty, devotion, and service to the Williston Northampton School has been outstanding: Ellen Livingston ’86
- Williston Northampton Medal honors an individual who has made significant achievements and contributions to their profession and/or community, shown a commitment to professional growth, or is recognized for leadership in their field: Sheila Fisher ’72
- Daniel and Jane Carpenter Award was established in 2006 by Daniel M. Cain ’64 in honor of the late Daniel and Jane Carpenter and their commitment to, and support of, the Williston Northampton School, its students, parents and alumni. This award is given to an active volunteer who, through “effort and energy” as well as financial contribution, has had a substantial impact on the school: John Anz ’82
- Alumni Trailblazer Award is presented to a graduate of the school under the age of 40 who has demonstrated significant professional achievement, contributions to their profession and/or community and continued promise of success in the future: Pierce Freelon ’02
- The Distinguished Service Award is given to individuals who have shown through their actions an exceptional measure of devotion to the Williston Northampton School: Ann Pickrell and Gregory Tuleja
Isabelle Lockwood Bourrie, an ardent supporter of the school, whose father and sisters all graduated from Williston Academy or Northampton School for Girls but herself attended a different school, was given an honorary Williston Northampton School diploma.
Later in the day, Director of Athletics Mark Conroy inducted seven individuals and one team into the Athletic Hall of Fame (watch the full ceremony or click on names below for individual acceptance speeches). Inductees were:
- Connie Wilson ’86
- Carrie Baker ’92
- Dani Holtschlag ’96
- Katelyn Kennedy Garvey ’02
- Bridget Instrum ’12
- The 1986 Girls Track Team
- Girls Cross-Country Coach Greg Tuleja
- Girls Field Hockey and Golf Coach Ann Pickrell
Activities such as Sip and Paint, yoga class, a musical performance by Charles Ferguson ’67, a glass of champagne at the Angelus for NSFG classmates, and special presentations from Richard Teller ’70, Robert Grenier ’72, Edward Hing ’77, and Sheila Fisher ’72 drew enthusiastic participants. And on Saturday night, under the big tent on the Main Quad, alumni toasted, ate, shared memories, and danced to songs from across the decades.
See several galleries of photographs on our Flickr page: