Dear members of the Kenyon Class of 1982 -

Forty years ago, at this time of the year, many of us were looking down the road to May 23, 1982 when we would commence from “the Hill” and go out into the world. Do you remember what was foremost on your mind in the fall of 1981?  Maybe you were in the thick of preparing for the dreaded “comps” in your major area of study, or working on a final art project, or preparing for a final senior recital or drama production.  I remember that in the back of my subconscious I was trying to figure out how to make my last year at Kenyon last as long as possible because I knew it couldn’t last forever. 

And, in the 40 years since the calendar year 1981-1982 I’ve learned that some parts of Kenyon don’t last forever. And I’m not grumbling...read on!

Like all of you I have been dealing with a pandemic that none of us could have imagined would define our world at the time when we all look forward to our “Ruby Anniversary” as graduates of our alma mater.  When the vaccine became available, and because of my vocation, I decided to get the shot as soon as it was available to me.  When that time came the closest CVS that had an available time slot for me was in...wait for it...beautiful downtown New Lexington, Ohio.  Do you know where this berg is located?  Well for the sake of brevity, it is a three hour drive from Oberlin.  Of course, I had to drive there twice but the bonus is that with a slight detour I found myself in Gambier.  And my stars have some things changed...downtown Gambier for starters.  

Farr Hall and the old People’s Bank Building have been replaced by lovely structures which, thankfully, still house the Kenyon Bookstore, The Gambier Deli and The Village Market among other village businesses.   As I walked through the Middle Path Gates I saw the construction of the new Chalmer’s Library and the temporary location of the books. Now of course the new building is open and Kenyon students of today are already making use of it. I can’t wait to see where the Ming Foo dogs have been placed! 

Speaking of today’s Kenyon students, all four classes at Kenyon are studying on the Hill together again. (With a bonus first-year cohort finishing a semester in Copenhagen!) The college community continues to care for one another with COVID safety precautions in place.  And for me, this is how the Kenyon experience continues to last–generation after generation. Students, Faculty, Staff–all living and moving and having their being in community.  Thanks be.   

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 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; and expanding its commitment to environmental responsibility.

I hope you have also heard the announcement of 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. Scroll on to learn more about two pieces of Kenyon news.

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. Because the truth is, the Kenyon Experience will not last without involved and supportive alumni like us. As the bicentennial draws closer, I challenge each of you to do a little more than you have in the past to help make Kenyon the special place it is. This could mean becoming an alumni volunteer, attending a College event, submitting a class note or setting up a recurring monthly financial gift. 

Finally, plans are taking shape for an unforgettable Reunion 2022 on the Hill. Mark your calendar for the weekend of May 27. I am honored to be part of our class reunion planning committee and I so look forward to celebrating our Kenyon Experience as members of the Class of 1982 and our continuing Kenyon Experience as alumni during Reunion weekend!  
 
Thank you!
The Rev. Dr. Brian K. Wilbert

P.S. Is Kenyon already in your will? Let the College know about your planned giving by emailing daleiden1@kenyon.edu.