| Kenyon Class of 1969 Spring Class Letter
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Dear Class of ‘69,
After a year that felt like a decade, I am filled with hope and optimism as we head into the warmer months. As of mid-April, roughly one-quarter of the U.S. population is fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and life feels like it is inching back to “normal,” albeit very slowly.
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. That’s pretty exciting, at least to me, as we saw the construction of the library in the very early stages during our 50th reunion almost two years ago.
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 online programming from May 16-29 and most events are open to all alumni. Even though we aren’t celebrating a reunion this year, I encourage you to register for events with some favorite professors and reminisce with classmates at the online social gatherings. I’m planning to join the tour of Chalmers Library and take part in some of the fun things they have planned to bring the Hill to us virtually for this nontraditional reunion. I look forward to bumping into some of you on Zoom!
One of the things I have always felt was amazing about Kenyon, even during the turbulent ‘60’s when we were there and had war protests across the country, was its deliberative way of dealing with turmoil, while many of our sister colleges in Ohio were going off the deep end. During this time when so many of our countrymen refuse to have civil discussions over differences, I feel that Kenyon remains a place where discourse still thrives. Of that I continue to be very proud!
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. Save the date for a fun chance to help Kenyon students today, earn 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 our beloved alma mater and its current students.
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.
Please take a few minutes to catch up with our classmates who have submitted notes for us.
Take care,
Kit
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Support current students now with a gift to scholarships
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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.
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| Virtual Events for Alumni
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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
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Class of 1969 Spring Notes
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William Lokey: To get out of the house for both exercise and fresh air, my wife, Andrea, and I have been visiting Washington State Parks for hiking and picnics. Since last summer, we have boots on the ground in 41 of them so far from the Pacific Coast to Eastern Washington. Had a grand day in Sun Valley skiing with Pierce Scranton '68. It was his Ski Age Day. 74th day of skiing this year at age 74. (wmlokey@gmail.com)
Jim Irwin: After 15 wonderful years, we sold our place in Wyoming and bought a house in North Carolina, near Asheville. We wanted to be closer to our home in Louisiana, and it's just a one-day drive. Jimmy and Chris are both practicing law at my old firm, and they each have a boy and a girl. Burke ’19 is pursuing his PhD in Particle Physics at the University of Minnesota. Cullen is finishing his sophomore year at Wake Forest in Winston-Salem. Stephanie does her best to keep me in line. (amadeus@irwinllc.com)
Carl Olsson: We often were told that at Kenyon we would make friendships that would last a lifetime. I was a doubter, but it's true! One of this old retired guy's joys is keeping in touch with Peter Fisher, Thad Shura, Tony Lo Bello (when he takes a break from teaching), Tom Lifson, Richard Baehr and Russ McDowell. When I go to our home in McCall, Idaho Jim Netolick lives practically next door. Three of these even came to Idaho for a visit. The other four can't find it on a map. (carpat1@mindspring.com)
John Leslie: I am alive and well in Bucks County, PA where we've lived for 45 years. Semi-retired with a part time job as a home health aide. I'm loving life with a wonderful wife of 50 years, five great offspring (2 adopted) and 10 grand kids. Still singing, still in touch with Kokosinger friends. Looking forward to the next Kokes reunion back in Gambier. (johnleslie347@gmail.com)
Ken Abraham: Still having a ball "raising as much hell about the criminal justice system as legally possible" and freeing innocent prisoners. I specialize in Applications for Pardons or Clemency. :) (kenabraham3138@gmail.com)
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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.
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Kenyon College
105 Chase Avenue, Gambier, OH 43022
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