April 2008
Dear Classmate,
Fat envelopes from Middlebury are a welcome sight! Fifty-four years ago, it meant that you had been accepted into the Class of 1958. Today it means that you can now sign up to participate in our 50th reunion, June 5–7, 2008. All the information that you need to register is included in this mailing.
Here is an overview of the materials included in this packet and some other information that will be helpful when you arrive (there’s even some news for those of you who are unable to join our grand celebration):
REUNION BROCHURE: This is the preliminary schedule for all the reunion classes. You are free to participate in any of these events, and our class-only activities are specifically noted. We’re sorry if there are some conflicts in the schedule, but it is inevitable. (Remember when two classes you wanted to take met at the same time?)
REGISTRATION FORMS: Please complete these forms as soon as possible and return them to the 50th reunion office. You can also register online. Sue Levine, our 50th reunion coordinator, has enclosed an explanation of the reunion fees. Please don’t hesitate to contact her (at 802.443.5777 or slevine@middlebury.edu) if you have any questions. (And for those of you who, at present, aren’t planning to attend: if your plans change at the last minute, and you’d like to come after all, we bet that can be arranged.)
ACTIVITIES SIGN-UP SHEET: Classmates have volunteered to head up some of the activities offered. Please indicate your interest in participating in these events, to help us with planning. (Remember: cuts are unlimited, and the weather or catching up with a classmate are acceptable excuses.)
Ø GOLF: Scott Sundstrom has agreed to come up with a format that will include golfers of all levels. We have reserved the 18-hole Ralph Myhre Golf course for Friday afternoon, June 5. Tee times start at 12:20 p.m., and student rates will be charged. (Only a few sets of rental clubs are available.) Participants will eat an early lunch at the golf course snack bar.
Ø TENNIS: Scotty Greer, ’58’s own tennis ace, will coordinate everyone who wants to hit a few balls on a court reserved for us, Friday afternoon.
Ø HIKING: Frank Tracy and Rachel Bender are organizing this venture. If there is enough interest, we will offer both an easier and a more difficult hike on Friday afternoon.
Ø YOGA: Marti Belknap will work out all the yoga enthusiasts, probably Saturday morning in Forest East. Please bring your own mats.
Ø WALKING: Weather cooperating (it wouldn’t dare rain on our parade!), a student will lead walking tours of campus. Prepare to be astounded at the changes.
REUNION DVD: A DVD capturing the weekend’s events will be issued as a souvenir, after reunion. If you are unable to attend but would like to receive the DVD, fill in the enclosed order form and mail it, along with $20.00. The DVD will be sent to you when it is completed.
ALL-CLASS GOLF SCRAMBLE: There is a separate fee for this Saturday event. Send in the registration card and payment if you wish to participate.
REUNION PARTICIPATION COMMITTEE LIST: These classmates have been working hard to encourage you to attend reunion and to contribute to our class gift. So far, 54 percent of the class is returning and 56% percent have made a gift or pledge totaling $636,567. Let’s raise those numbers.
ACCOMODATIONS: Our class will be housed in Forest Hall. The dorm opens at 2:30 p.m. on Thursday and closes at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday. Dorm rooms are equipped with towels, a set of linens, a blanket, and a pillow for each person. Each floor has toilets and showers. The first floor of Forest Hall can accommodate those with special physical or medical needs, and we will do all we can to make you comfortable. Please make note of any special housing needs on your registration form—adjustments in room assignments may not be possible upon arrival. There will be shuttle buses to take us to all events, but please let us know if you require a wheelchair or electric scooter. If you prefer off-campus housing arrangements, the Addison County Chamber of Commerce, 800.733.8376, or the Heart of Vermont Lodging Association, 802.388.0800, can assist you with hotel, motel, and bed-and-breakfast referrals.
TRANSPORTATION TO CAMPUS: Many airlines serve Burlington International Airport. Shuttle service will be provided from the airport to Middlebury on Thursday and back to Burlington on Sunday morning. Please include all flight information when you register. In the event of major delays or missed flights, we may not be able to arrange pickup. Please notify us promptly if you experience delays. In general, you will not need a car during the reunion weekend because vans and shuttle buses will be available for most activities.
CLOTHING: The dress code is casual for the entire weekend, although you may wish to “dress up” a wee bit for our class dinner on Friday night. Remember, it can be cool in early June. Thursday night’s dinner, at President and Jessica Liebowitz’s home, and Saturday night’s dinner will be under tents. Low heeled shoes are suggested for these venues.
CLASS OF ’58 DISPLAY AND MEMORABILIA: There will be an exhibit area in Forest West Lounge for our class. Please bring for the display any items from your Midd years that you would like to share. We also encourage you to bring artwork, publications, or other items that represent your current interests. (Spouses can do the same.) Please put your name on everything.
SIGN IN: 50th Reunion Headquarters are in Forest East Lounge. Even if you are not staying on campus, you must sign in. This is when you will pick up your nametag (necessary for admission to events) and the final schedule. We want to know that you are here! Registration opens at 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 5. Student hosts will be available to carry your bags and park your car. Smiles and hugs will be available in abundance.
ORIENTATION: After dinner Thursday night, we will have an informal meeting to highlight the weekend activities, answer questions, and introduce our wonderful student hosts.
CLASS PHOTO: This will be taken before the Friday night dinner.
MEMORIAL SERVICE: This service will be held in Mead Chapel on Saturday morning. If you have special memories of one of our deceased classmates, please send them to Carol Hardy Hawthorne (chawth@aol.com).
CONVOCATION: Convocation will be on Saturday at 4:30 p.m. This is when we get our standing ovation! If you are coming by car, please bring your Gamaliel Painter’s cane to carry.
CHOIR: Emory Fanning invites all class members and spouses to join in the Alumni Choir. The two rehearsals will not conflict with scheduled activities.
STILL CAN’T MAKE IT? We’d like to hear from you anyway. Please send a note or an e-mail or call Susan Levine (slevine@middlebury.edu; 802.443.5777) in the alumni office. Your message will be read aloud at the Friday night dinner.
QUESTIONS? Have we missed something? Please write or call Susan or one of us.
We can’t wait to see you all—please come to our party!
Betsy Heath Gleason
gleason@middlebury.edu
802.388.2032
Joe Mohbat
jmohbat@msn.com
718.855.2717
Sue Daniell Phillips
Dhp1012@bellsouth.net
704.556.7247
P.S. Have you made your reunion gift yet? If not, please consider doing so. Make a gift online.