Reunion Report: 1978

By Beth Davis / July / August 2003
June 22nd, 2007
What a fun and memorable weekend it was! Our class now has the distinction of having the most returning alumni ever for a 25th reunion. It’s reassuring to know that so many of us will still turn up for a good party with old friends!

The weekend started off with a reception at which we met President Ruth Simmons and presented her with our class gift, a check for $1.14 million. We then moved to a gala dinner under a tent behind University Hall. Spirits were high as we recognized old friends and renewed acquaintances. The meal, catered by the University Food Services, was delicious—much to the surprise of many who had vivid memories of Ratty provisions. Rain showers and cool temperatures did not keep our class from joining the throng on the dance floor later at Campus Dance.

On Saturday, despite cool temperatures and threatening rain, more than 400 classmates and their families gathered at the class picnic at Pembroke field. Children were amused by the profusion of yard and juggling toys while adults caught up with each other under the tent. Saturday evening, following a delicious champagne-and-dessert reception, some of us headed off for the fabulous and sold-out Harry Connick Jr. concert.

On Sunday our class regrouped for brunch at Alumnae Hall. After a brief class meeting to approve the slate of new class officers and thank the outgoing officers, we enjoyed classmate Tom Binet’s presentation about his participation in a Brown expedition to the Himalayas. On Sunday evening we were treated to a classic New England clambake at classmate Sam Mencoff’s lovely home overlooking the cliffs in Newport. It was a beautiful evening, reminiscent of our senior-week party at Marble House.

A steady downpour on Monday morning did little to dampen our spirits as more than 100 of us marched down the hill, shaking our now-signature tambourines and celebrating with the graduating and alumni classes. A classmate walking beside me said, “This has been so much fun, I’m coming to all the reunions after this!” Here’s to our setting another record for our 30th! —Beth Davis

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July / August 2003