Our Path Forward: The Campaign for Kenyon

Kenyon Class of 1980 Spring Class Letter
Dear classmates,

Following a year that felt like a decade, I don’t think any of us expected after “postponing” our 40th class reunion (2020) that we would still be unable to safely meet in person as hoped in 2021. It was very enjoyable to at least be able to connect with some classmates virtually, and it seems several of us have continued to stay connected over these past several months. I am filled with hope and optimism as we head into the warmer months that a growing percentage of the U.S. population have received a COVID vaccination and life feels like it is inching back to “normal.”  

Kenyon is also planning its return to normal operations, including having all four classes back on campus in the fall. And, due in no small part to our alumni support, the College is wrapping up a financially and logistically challenging year on track to balance the budget, just like they have the last 50 years. After receiving a record number of applications, Kenyon has enrolled its Class of 2025. And Chalmers Library will be open to greet them when they move in. 

In January, Kenyon received the largest gift in its history that will fund construction of three new South Campus residence halls, allowing the College to increase focus on growing resources for scholarships. This is where we come in! The success of the next part of the campaign, Our Path Forward to the Bicentennial, relies on our increased participation and continued support of scholarships for students.

If you haven’t heard, reunion is going virtual this year. The College is hosting two weeks of stellar online programming from May 16-29 and most events are open to all alumni. Even though we aren’t celebrating an in-person reunion this year, I encourage you to register for the wide variety of events and reminisce with classmates and other alumni at the online social gatherings.

The College is also counting on us to show up (and break our record numbers!) for this year’s 36-hour Kenyon Together giving challenge kicking off the morning of Wednesday, May 19 as part of the virtual reunion. Mark your calendar for a fun chance to help Kenyon students today, score prizes, join in some good friendly competition and win bragging rights. After the success of 2020’s Kenyon Together giving challenge, the College knows just how impactful our alumni community can be when we work together to raise money for the causes at Kenyon that matter most to us.

As alumni, we can help today’s students by staying connected with the College and making gifts to scholarships that help Kenyon continue to meet the growing financial needs of students and their families. I invite you to join me in supporting the College in both of these ways. Our alma mater and all of you have contributed to the hope and optimism I feel for the future by providing regular points of connection during an isolating year. No matter how you choose to stay involved with Kenyon, I hope you too are breathing a sigh of relief as we prepare for better days ahead.
 
It is with great sadness that I report the loss of our classmate Mark Bistline in November 2020 – cancer sucks!

Take care,
Joey Glatt

P.S. Scroll down to read our 1980 spring class notes.

Support current students now with a gift to scholarships
Despite a challenging year, the College remains committed to continuing to meet 100% of students’ increased demonstrated need, with donor support. Every dollar you give goes directly to support students this academic year.
Consider giving to:
  • Hannah More Scholarship for first generation students
  • Kenyon Women’s Annual Scholarship for female students
  • Lowry Annual Scholarship for underrepresented students
  • Pope Memorial Annual Scholarship for students from urban Ohio public school
And, of course, you can make a gift to the Kenyon Fund’s scholarships and financial aid designation, which supports the education of every single Kenyon student.

Make a Gift

Virtual Events for Alumni

All alumni are invited to join us at these virtual reunion events in May:
  • Opening Ceremony/Virtual Hospitality Tent
    4 p.m. ET Sunday, May 16

  • Kenyon Together 36-Hour Giving Challenge
    from 9 a.m. ET Wednesday, May 19 – 9 p.m. ET Thursday, May 20 

  • Town Hall with President Decatur
    7 p.m. ET Thursday, May 27
Visit kenyon.edu/reunion to view our full virtual reunion schedule.

Class Agents

Class agents are your connection to campus. If you would like to learn more about becoming a class agent, contact Tracey Wilson (wilson1@kenyon.edu).

• Dave Cohen 
• Ellen Turner
• Griffin Fry
• John Feely
• Robin Gabriel
• Joey Glatt
• Stacy Remke
• Tom Chesnutt
• Tim Glasser

Class of 1980 Spring Notes
Dave Carson. For the last 8 years I've worked with a firm that provides back-office services to investment advisors who launch mutual funds, hedge funds and similar offerings. I enjoy the conversations I get to have with some brilliant, creative types. This past week I had a first--when I (an English Major) checked LinkedIn on the person to whom I'd been introduced I discovered I was speaking with a Kenyon alum (a History Major) - discussing venture capital. It was a fantastic liberal arts moment! 

David Faus. I moved in July to Palm Beach Gardens, FL, took the Head of School position at The Benjamin School and am loving the school and SE Florida! So sad to say goodbye to Kokosinger brother Mark Bistline in November- no words to express my sadness. Congratulations to Tim Foster on his retirement after a distinguished and successful career at Mesa University. Loved sharing emails and texts with Rod and Lisa O’Connor this winter who are spending some time in Palm Beach County. 

Richard Titus. When I received the email that the 2020 reunion was postponed for our class, I wasn’t surprised, but I was saddened. Reunion is always engaging and invigorating. It’s wonderful to meet old friends and make new acquaintances. During my first reunions I liked to take one meal sitting in Peirce Hall with graduates of long past classes. After many reunions, I have flipped that and now enjoy getting to know graduates experiencing their first or second reunion. While it’s true that colleges are more than the sum of their students, faculty and staff, it’s even more true in Gambier. I knew it from the time I first saw it; Old Kenyon, Middle Path, the gate columns at the south end, and the procession of trees along the path, they all are part of the whole. I’ll have to wait another 4 years to in-person reunion with the 00’s and our siblings the 05’s. 

Tom Parker. Things are getting comparatively better in Southern California C-19 ways. My family and I hope to travel later this year. My best to all classmates. 

Drew Peterson. I would say that the downside of year Covid is far outweighed by the silver linings with family, relationship, and faith development. Look forward to turkey hunting with roommate Mike Svihra in mid-April in Ludington, Michigan and having free help at the farm from Mark Thomay ’79 this summer in Albion, Michigan! Cyndi (Creighton ‘84) and I celebrated our 30th (at home!) in September. One son, college Sr (TCU), is at home online and 2 older boys are out working (AZ and TX). I’m going to halftime in Jan with the San Diego orthopedic practice - Peace. 

David Knowlton. I am still living in NYC and running Three Ocean Partners, a merchant banking firm. Two of my four children graduated from Kenyon and a third went for a year then transferred to University of Richmond. My fourth is at Berklee School of Music in Boston. I have stayed in close contact-despite the year of COVID-with many Kenyon friends. Looking forward to a trip back to the Hill soon.
Read notes from the Class of 1981 and the Class of 1979.
New this year! Read notes from faculty.
Support Kenyon
If you missed the chance to share your news for this letter, you can submit a class note at any time via class.letters@kenyon.edu.
Kenyon College
105 Chase Avenue, Gambier, OH 43022