More than 1,400 alumni and friends of Union College will be coming into town this weekend for ReUnion 2005. Classes from 1935 to 2005 will be represented and participating in numerous events and celebrations.
“We have a terrific program that will bring the Union family together and pay tribute to our alma mater,” said Nick Famulare '92, director of alumni relations. “Each year, ReUnion gives us a wonderful opportunity to showcase the campus and all the vibrancy of Union College and its faculty, students, staff, alumni and friends. This year's roster is jam-packed with events for all ages and interests.”
Among the festivities will be the following:
· Eliphalet Nott and Union College: A Bicentennial Perspective – In honor of the 200th anniversary of the beginning of Nott's 62 years as president of Union, Archives Specialist Jeremy Dibbell '04 will discuss Nott's years at the College and his long-term impact on Union, the country, and the world. Friday, 2 p.m., Becker Career Center.
· 50th ReUnion Class Medallion Ceremony and Induction into the Garnet Guard – Friday, 3:30 p.m., Nott Memorial.
· 50th ReUnion Class Memorial Luminary Ceremony – Friday, 5:15 p.m., Sidney & Geraldine Levine Wildflower Garden behind Reamer Campus Center.
· Union College Relay for Life – An all-night, candlelit walk by Union students, staff and alumni to raise funds for the fight against cancer. A ceremony honoring those whose lives were lost to cancer will be part of the event. Friday and Saturday, 7 p.m. – 7 a.m., Rugby Field.
· ReUnion Alumni Parade – 94th parade that is a favorite tradition of alumni – Saturday, 10:30 a.m., Alexander Lane to Memorial Chapel.
· Alumni Convocation and “Required” Chapel – A celebratory ceremony during which the Alumni Gold Medals and Faculty Meritorious Award are presented. Saturday, 11 a.m., Memorial Chapel.
· Networking for Women: From Conferences to Cocktail Parties – An interactive program, both educational and entertaining, sponsored by Union Women Connect, led by professional consultant Jodi R.R.Smith form Mannersmith. Saturday, 1:30-3:30 p.m., Everest Lounge.
· Dedication of the Seward Memorial by the Class of 2000 – A 3,700-pound boulder from near the Seward Highway in Alaska was shipped to Schenectady to honor the 1820 graduate who went on the become a New York State governor, U.S. senator and secretary of state under President Lincoln. Saturday, 2 p.m., corner of Seward Place and Nott Terrace.
· Celebrating Union Alumni Authors – Publications exhibit and remarks by alumni authors, including attorney and Union College life trustee Arnold Burns '50; professor of history at Purdue Bob May '65; and former bond trader now freelance journalist Emily Haft-Bloom '85. Saturday, 2-4 p.m., Schaffer Library.
· Trolley Tour of Historic Downtown Schenectady – Led by John Samatulski, director of Downtown Schenectady Improvement Corporation. Saturday, 2:30 p.m., Meet at Reamer Campus Center traffic circle.
· All-Class ReUnion Gala and Fireworks – College Park Hall (gala) and Library Field (fireworks at 10 p.m.). Saturday, 7-11 p.m.
· Friends of Union Rowing ReUnion and New Shell Christening – Sunday, 10-11:30 a.m., Union College Boat House, Front Street, Stockade.