Hobart and William Smith Colleges

REUNION Weekend 2025
JUNE 6 – JUNE 8

Schedule subject to change

Thursday, June 5
Friday, June 6
Saturday, June 7
Sunday, June 8

Thursday, June 5

Geneva Music Festival will be showcasing performances throughout Geneva during Reunion Weekend. Some performances to be held at Froelich Hall in the Gearan Center for the Performing Arts. Information and tickets can be found here.

3 – 8 p.m. | Early Check-in

Scandling Campus Center

FRIDAY, JUNE 6

7 a.m. - 4 p.m. | Robert A. Bristol ’31 Field House Open

Caird Center for Sports and Recreation

8 a.m. - 8 p.m. | Reunion Registration Headquarters and Residence Halls Open

Scandling Campus Center

8 - 9:30 a.m. | Breakfast Buffet

The Great Hall of Saga, Scandling Campus Center

9 - 10 a.m. | William Scandling Research Vessel Excursion I

8:45 a.m. departure from the Medbery Parking Lot

Finger Lakes Institute Director Lisa Cleckner will lead a working session aboard The William Scandling assessing the environmental well-being of Seneca Lake. Prepare to collect sediment dredges, look for zebra and quagga mussels and discuss their ecological impact on aquatic ecosystems, nutrient loading problems in the Finger Lakes, and local economies. Limited to 18 people—ages 13 and older—no infants or small children.

9:30 - 11 a.m. | American Civil War Memorial Tour

Departure from Medbery Parking lot at 8:45 a.m.

The American Civil War Memorial, dedicated in 2008, was designed by sculptor Pietro del Fabro ’67, who will lead the tour. The memorial is located on Lock Island in nearby Waterloo, NY - the Birthplace of Memorial Day. The Memorial includes individual cenotaphs for each person from Waterloo who died in the Civil War and a North South Cenotaph recognizing all lives lost. The North-South Cenotaph is constructed of stones sent from the 36 States which were in existence at the end of the Civil War. The project includes 62 sculptures in limestone and marble including a Women's Cenotaph commemorating the women who served during the war.

10 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. | Heron and Statesmen Golf Classic

Geneva Country Club. Includes nine holes of golf, cart, lunch and prizes. Sponsored by the Heron Society and Statesmen Athletic Association.

10 - 11:30 a.m. | Admissions Info Session and Campus Tour

The Thomas Poole Family Admissions Center, 629 S. Main St.

The Office of Admissions invites students and their families to sign up for an information session followed by a campus tour.

10:30 – 11:30 a.m. | William Scandling Research Vessel Excursion II

10:15 a.m. departure from Medbery Parking Lot. See the description above.

10:30 – 11:30 a.m. | Mini College Class: The Art of Healing: From Jewelry Design to Surgery and Back Again

Join Dr. Bruce Bauer '70 for a talk on the interplay between art and science, highlighting the power of creative thinking in both the operating room and the art studio. Dr. Bauer reflects on how his early work with jewelry and carving helped to shape his 45-year career as a Pediatric Plastic and Reconstructive surgeon, with emphasis on artistic thought processes that have guided both his surgical procedures and return to unique sculptural jewelry design.

10:30 – 11:30 a.m. | Mini College Class: Bright Futures: Defining and Managing Anxiety in Young Lives

Join Dr. Rick Solomon ’75 for a session exploring the nature of anxiety, with a particular focus upon its impact on young minds. Review the evolutionary importance of anxiety and address a critical question: Have we accelerated anxiety in children and adolescents to levels that discourage evolutionary progress and psychological health? Conclude by discussing practical strategies to support and nurture the development of increased coping skills and resilience.

10:30 – 11:30 a.m. | Mini College Class: Contested Holocaust Memory in the Post-Truth Age: Why it Matters

Professor of Religious Studies Michael Dobkowski explores our post-truth age; when historical "facts" are challenged or relativized, when comparison, context and ideology outweigh particularism and long accepted documented knowledge and understanding. This is happening in the field of Holocaust Studies. This minicourse will explore these developments and their implications.

10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. | The Loftus Legacy

The Davis Gallery at Houghton House

John Loftus P’75, P’76, P’91 was a prolific painter and teacher at Hobart and William Smith Colleges from 1967 - 1995. Through his teaching and his art, he shared his unique vision of the world with his students. He defied conventional rules and advocated "The Method of no Method". Half a century later his paintings and drawings are revered and sought after more than ever. 

Visit the adjoining Solarium Gallery featuring Alumni and Alumnae artwork from Harold Draffen ’75, Susan Albert ’75, Mary Hughes ’75 and Neil Sjoblom ’75.

11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Lunch at Saga

The Great Hall of Saga, Scandling Campus Center

1 - 4 p.m. | Open Houses

• Muslim Life Center - 117A Demarest Hall
• LGBTQ+ and Resource Center – 402 Pulteney St.
• Abbe Center for Jewish Life – 764 S. Main St.
• Salisbury Center for Career, Professional and Experiential Education: An opportunity to update your resume, review job opportunities post-grad, hear about providing an internship, or about visiting campus to talk with students.
• WEOS and WHWS - Scandling Campus Center - Visit "Public Radio for the Finger Lakes" - WEOS and WHWS, the Colleges' radio stations
• Adams Intercultural Center - 288 Pulteney Street - A special Open House hosted by the Afro-Latino Alumni Association (ALAA). This welcoming social space offers alumni an opportunity to reconnect with one another, reflect on their shared heritage, and engage with current students involved in summer research and campus employment.

1 – 2 p.m. | William Scandling Research Vessel Excursion III

12:45 p.m. departure from Medbery Parking Lot. See the description above.

12:30 p.m. – 1:15 p.m. | Returning Faculty Meet Up

Warren Hunting Smith Library
Take a moment to reconnect with returning faculty members.

1:30 – 3 p.m. | Distinguished Faculty Award Presentation

Rosensweig Learning Commons, Warren Hunting Smith Library

The Hobart Alumni and William Smith Alumnae Associations’ Distinguished Faculty Award Committee is proud to honor John Burns, Professor Emeritus of Education, and the late Peter Cummings P'92, Professor Emeritus of English. This prestigious award recognizes the profound influence of exceptional faculty members from the past, acknowledging the significant contributions they made as educators, mentors, and scholars. Reception to follow.

3 – 4:30 p.m. | The Loftus Legacy Reception

The Davis Gallery, Houghton House

Enjoy light refreshments while visiting the Davis Gallery to view a curated selection of works by John Loftus P’75, P’76, P’91. Visit the adjoining Solarium Gallery featuring Alumni and Alumnae artwork from Harold Draffen ’75, Susan Albert ’75, Mary Hughes ’75, Tom Fuller ’75 and Neil Sjoblom ’75.

3 - 4:30 p.m. | A Fresh Perspective: Exploring Finger Lakes Wines and their History with former Trustee John Pulos ’70

The Common Room

John Pulos '70 has worked at Finger Lakes Wineries and Distilleries since 2008. He is currently the wine educator at Wagner Vineyards on Seneca Lake. Wagner is one of the oldest and most recognized wineries in the Finger Lakes Region and has been one of the region’s most popular wine tasting destinations since opening in 1979. He is the author of "Looking at Wine Through a Different Window" listed as an Amazon Best Seller. John will conduct a wine class and tasting of ten of Wagner's award-winning wines. Limited to 45 people- ages 21 and older.

4 – 5:30 p.m. | Seneca Lake Reel Tour Boat Cruise

3:45 p.m. departure from Medbery Parking Lot. Boat departs promptly at 4 p.m.

Enjoy a narrated cruise around Seneca Lake with a cash bar serving local wine and beer. The captain will highlight the incredible historic buildings along the trip and unique, fun facts about Seneca Lake. Space is limited.

4 - 6 p.m. | Classes of 1965 and Sigma Phi Alumni Reception

Sigma Phi House, 624 South Main St.

Join the Classes of 1965, along with Sigma Phi alumni, for a special opportunity to reconnect with classmates and fraternity brothers.

4:30 – 6 p.m. | Classes of 1970 and Kappa Alpha Alumni Reception

573 South Main St.

Join the Classes of 1970, along with Kappa Alpha alumni, for a special opportunity to reconnect with classmates and KA brothers. This event is graciously hosted by Anne and Reeve Bright ‘70.

4:30 – 6:30 p.m. | Classes of 1975 - 50^th Reunion Welcome Gathering

Houghton House

Join the Classes of 1975 for a special opportunity to reconnect with classmates. Featuring live music by John Roberts’ ’75 band, Triada.

5 – 6:30 p.m. | Classes of 1980 - 45^th Reunion Welcome Gathering

Admissions, 629 South Main St.

5 – 6:30 p.m. | Classes of 1985 - 40^th Reunion Welcome Gathering

Carr McGuire House, 775 South Main St.

5 – 6:30 p.m. | Classes of 1990 - 35^th Reunion Welcome Gathering

The Cellar Pub, Coxe Hall

5 – 6:30 p.m. | Classes of 1995 - 30^th Reunion Welcome Gathering

Stine Room, Adams Intercultural Center,288 Pulteney St.

5 – 6:30 p.m. | Classes of 2000 - 25^th Reunion Welcome Gathering

Gilman Room, Bristol Gym

5 – 6:30 p.m. | Classes of 2005 - 20^th Reunion Welcome Gathering

Brewery Ardennes, 570 Snell Rd.

5 – 6:30 p.m. | Classes of 2010 and 2015 - 10^th and 15^th Reunion Welcome Gathering

Seneca Room, 603 South Main St.

5 – 6:30 p.m. | Classes of 2020 - 5^th Reunion Welcome Gathering

Twisted Rail Brewing Co, 499 Exchange St.

6 - 8 p.m. | Post-50th Reunion Classes Dinner

Tent, President’s House, 690 South Main St.
Group Photo at 6:15 p.m.

6:30 – 8:30 p.m. | FOOD TRUCKIN' and MUG NIGHT

Café Patio, Scandling Campus Center

Enjoy delicious eats from RocDilla, Chefs, Sprinkle Starship and The Oven by Club 86, plus Mug Night and live music by Hanna PK. Food trucks accept cash, credit and debit.

7 – 9 p.m. | Tethered Hot Air Balloon Rides

Smith Green. Weather permitting.

8 – 9 p.m. | Shabbat

Temple Beth-El, 755 South Main St.

9 P.M. – 12 A.m. | Bop Around Downtown

Join your classmates on a nostalgic journey through familiar haunts and exciting new hot spots. Come celebrate the vibrant spirit of downtown and the timeless connections it holds, reminisce, and create new memories together. Shuttle Available.

9 P.M. – 12 A.m. | Ronnie’s Cedar Inn

3583 Lenox Rd.

Some things never change, and that holds true for Ronnie’s Cedar Inn. Classes from the 70’s and 80’s can step back in time and enjoy classic tunes and reminisce about the good old days. Shuttle Available.

SATURDAY, JUNE 7

8 a.m. - 12 p.m. | Robert A. Bristol ’31 Field House Open

Caird Center for Sports and Recreation

8 a.m. - 8 p.m. | Reunion Registration Center Open

Scandling Campus Center

7:30 - 9:30 a.m. | Breakfast Buffet at Saga

The Great Hall of Saga, Scandling Campus Center

8 - 9:30 a.m. | Tour de Finger Lakes

Start in front of the Scandling Campus Center

Join Christopher Annear, Associate Professor of Anthropology, for a 20-mile road ride through the rolling hills and farms southwest of HWS. Pedal past a century-old sheep farm now brewing Belgian beer, vineyards, and native Haudenosaunee sites in this glacially sculpted countryside. Open to all riders with a 13+ mph pace. Bring your own bike or contact Shoreline Rentals at (315) 521-9257 to rent one for $40 a day and a delivery fee.

8 - 10 a.m. | Tennis Social with Head Tennis Coach Tim Riskie

Tennis Center

Learn strategies and tips on how to improve your game. Open to all ages and skill levels. Rackets are provided if needed.

9 - 10 a.m. | William Scandling Research Vessel Excursion IV

8:45 a.m. departure from Medbery Parking Lot. See the description above.

9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. | Memorial Reflections

St. John's Chapel, 630 S. Main St., Geneva, NY

Stop by the Chapel and light a memorial candle in memory of a classmate or loved one.

9:15 - 10:15 a.m. | Mini College Class: Breathe & Stretch

The Deming Dance Studio, Gearan Center for the Performing Arts

Join Professor of Dance Donna Davenport on the beautiful studio floor or mat for an early morning gentle stretch. Mats are available to borrow. Wear layers - the air-conditioned room invites sweatshirts and pants.

9:15 - 10:15 a.m. | Mini College Class: Assessing the 2024 Election Season: Promises, Votes and Outcomes

Vandervort Room, second floor of Scandling Campus Center
President Gearan and Associate Professor of Politics DeWayne Lucas

9:15 - 10:15 a.m. | Mini College Classes: A Book as a Work of Art

Join Professor of History Matthew Crow for an intriguing discussion on John Henry Hobart’s passion for books, and one book in particular, the Book of Common Prayer. Using Hobart’s vision as a guide, explore a book that has captured the attention of great modernist graphic designers and printers. Take this opportunity to explore the rare book collection of the Colleges and conclude with a thought-provoking discussion about the role that books play in a digital world.

9:15 -10:15 a.m. | Mini College Class: A Hands-On Look at Characterizing Rain, Ground, and Seneca Lake Waters

Get outside and get your hands dirty with Associate Professor of Geoscience David Finkelstein. Measure the chemistry of the water wells on campus and compare groundwater, rainwater and Seneca Lake water.

10:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. | The Loftus Legacy

The Davis Gallery, Houghton House

10:30 - 11:30 a.m. | The State of HWS with President Mark D. Gearan

Vandervort Room, second floor of Scandling Campus Center

Join President Mark D. Gearan to get an update about HWS and learn about the Capital Campaign.

11:45 a.m. | Alums on Parade

Gather in front of Scandling Center at 11:30 a.m. or immediately following State of HWS.

Grab your spirit gear, line up behind your class year gonfalon and march to the Quad with classmates to the music of the Savannah CellarSavers Marching Band.

12 - 2 p.m. | All Classes Luncheon and Reunion Forum

The Quad

Join the Hobart Alumni Association and William Smith Alumnae Association as they present their annual awards for outstanding service to HWS, along with the Reunion class fundraising achievements. Forum begins promptly at 12:30 pm.

2 - 4 p.m. | Taste of the Finger Lakes and Family Festival

The Quad

Gather the whole family for enjoyment on the Quad! Sip on local beer and wine as the kids dive into arts and crafts, tackle an obstacle course, or have their caricature drawn. And don't forget to cool off with a sweet treat from the Netsin’s ice cream truck or make some new furry friends from Kaizen Ridge Farm. It's an event with fun for everyone!

2 - 4 p.m. | Climb St. Mark’s Tower

Adjacent to St. John’s Chapel

Whether you’ve ascended the tower before or not, we’re sure you’ll want to take in the spectacular views of the campus and the lake. Don’t forget to bring your camera along. Beware—the view could take your breath away, and so could the ascent! We'll take your picture to prove that you reached the top. Appropriate footwear is recommended.

2:30 - 4 p.m. | Alumni Authors Book Signing

The Quad

Meet and greet with alumni authors: Dominique Ellis ’15, Aaron Tillman ‘95, Christie Palmer Lowrance '65, Dan DeNose ’10, Pietro del Fabro ’67, Ednesha Saulsbury ’00, and Kimberly Moore ’00

4 - 5:30 p.m. | Classes of 1965 - 60th Reunion Celebration of Lives

St. John's Chapel

4:30 - 6 p.m. | Classes of 1975 - 50th Reunion Celebration of Lives

The Fish Screening Room, Gearan Center for the Performing Arts

5:30 - 7:30 p.m. | Post-50th Reunion Classes Dinner

Common Room

5:45 - 6:15 p.m. | Reunion Class Photos

Coxe Hall Steps

5:45 pm: 45th Reunion
5:50 p.m.: 40th Reunion
5:55 p.m.: 35th Reunion
6:00 p.m.: 30th Reunion
6:05 p.m.: 25th Reunion
6:10 p.m.: 20th Reunion
6:15 p.m.: 15th Reunion
6:20 p.m.: 10th Reunion
6:25 p.m.: 5th Reunion

6 - 9 p.m. | All Classes Reception and Dinner

The Quad

Enjoy cocktail hour from 6-7 p.m., followed by dinner.

6 - 9 p.m. | Classes of 1975 - 50^th Reunion Reception and Dinner

Tent, President’s House. Class Photo at 6:45 p.m.

7 - 9 p.m. | Classes of 1995 - 30^th Reunion Dinner

The Cellar Pub

9 p.m. - 12 a.m. | Reunion 2025 Quad Party

The Quad

Join us for an unforgettable night with the band Uptown Groove, playing your favorite tunes from across the decades! Enjoy desserts and spectacular fireworks. Fireworks begin at approx. 9:30 p.m. Twin Oaks Tent open. Cash Bar.

SUNDAY, JUNE 8

8 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. | Reunion Headquarters Open

Scandling Campus Center

8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. | Worship Service

St. John's Chapel, 630 S. Main St., Geneva, NY

Eucharist service led by Chaplain Rev. Nita Johnson Byrd.

9:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. | Sunday Brunch

The Café Patio, Scandling Campus Center

End your weekend with a delicious brunch and bottomless mimosas and bloodies!

8 a.m. – 12 p.m. | Check-out of Campus Housing

Please don’t walk away with your room key. Drop it off at Reunion Headquarters.

See you at the next Reunion!

Looking for an excuse to take in the Finger Lakes for a few more days? Stick around for this year’s Liberal Arts by the Lake! Feast, Farm, and Ferment: Exploring FLX Food, Wine, Beer, and Agritourism from June 8 to June 11. Learn more here.