Hello, Fellow Reprobates!

I am writing from Central Virginia in the early fall, where it is still warm and humid. I am teaching at the University of Lynchburg when not giving political commentary on the local ABC affiliate between crop reports. 

Kenyon couldn’t be more Kenyon than it is in the fall. Am I right? There are cool breezes to balance out the afternoon sun, crunchy leaves blanketing everything in autumn colors and an endless supply of friendly faces to greet you along Middle Path, probably some rain in there too. Did it ever rain in Gambier?  Whatever the season, here’s hoping you can make it back sometime soon to campus. 

Remember the fall of ‘86 when there was a new library? Well, now is your chance to relive those heady days! Chalmers Library is open and beautiful, I am told. Additionally, all four classes are studying together again in Gambier. (With a bonus first-year cohort finishing a semester in Copenhagen!) And plans are taking shape for an unforgettable Reunion 2022 on the Hill. (Mark your calendar for the weekend of May 27. All alumni, from all classes, are invited to attend!)

In other exciting campus news, the College just shared its new strategic plan that will guide its planning and actions leading up to the bicentennial in 2024 (save space on your calendar for that too) and beyond. You will be pleased to see it includes core elements like developing a computer science program informed by the liberal arts; enrolling, retaining, and graduating a student body that is representative of the talent and diversity of our nation and the world; implementing a holistic approach to health and wellness, with an emphasis on mental health; and expanding its commitment to environmental responsibility.

I am proud to serve on the Alumni Board. One of the great new initiatives we heard about is the Kenyon Access Initiative which will bring more high-achieving students to Kenyon thanks to a $25 million matching grant from the Schuler Education Foundation. Any amount we give through this Kenyon Access Initiative will be matched 1:1 and will go to a new scholarship for students from families with limited means and those ineligible for government aid — up to $25 million. 

I cannot stress enough how difficult it is for colleges to raise money that goes directly to scholarships. While it is nice to have new and up-to-date buildings, attracting excellent and diverse students is essential for Kenyon’s long-term prospects and scholarships will help that goal. This is what makes the Kenyon Access Initiative so important. So please consider making your gift directly to that initiative. Scroll on to learn more about Kenyon’s strategic plan and the Kenyon Access Initiative (and how they fit into our 2024 bicentennial celebration).

As you read about what’s in store for Kenyon’s future, I hope you’ll consider supporting today’s students with a gift to the Kenyon Fund and (if you have the ability) making an additional gift to the Kenyon Access Initiative that has the potential to bring 50 additional talented students to Kenyon each year.

So, sit down with your beverage of choice, add to the FADC tip jar, pop in the Frampton Comes Alive CD (yes, CD), read through some class notes, and think about getting involved in Kenyon through alumni volunteering, mentoring current students, attending a college event, submitting your own class note, or setting up a recurring monthly gift (instead of the FADC tip jar).  

Thank you!
David Richards (aka Guru, aka Flounder)