Greetings fellow members of the Class of ‘76,

Nothing could be more Kenyon than Kenyon in the fall… Or maybe in the winter… or perhaps the spring… But fall was when we stepped foot on campus to begin our years of study that seemed to go by much too quickly. That first fall we were surrounded by cool breezes that balanced out the afternoon sun, fallen leaves that blanketed everything in autumn colors and an endless supply of friendly faces that greeted for the first time along Middle Path, and that we would continue to do for the falls, winters, and springs that would follow. I look forward to being able to once again say hello to you along Middle Path, especially since we haven’t had a chance to reconnect there in some time.

An item of good news is that all four classes are once again studying together again in Gambier. (With a bonus first-year cohort finishing a semester in Copenhagen!) And another is that plans are taking shape for an unforgettable Reunion 2022 on the Hill. (Mark your calendar for the weekend of May 27. All alumni are invited to attend!) The campus is not the exact same one we knew as students - though some things do remain the same, we will have a fabulous new look to the campus to return to and explore. Almost like we were stepping foot on the Hill for the first time! One of many changes is that Chalmers Library is open and beautiful. (Have you seen the disco ball-esque skylight feature? I haven’t, but I plan to check it out when I return). We will have so many things, new and old, to check out upon our arrival.

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.

You have also likely 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.

I could go on for pages about these two pieces of Kenyon news, but lucky for you, I don’t have to. 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.

Kenyon couldn’t be Kenyon without involved and supportive alumni like us. As Kenyon’s 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 gift.

Thank you!
Ellen H. Mower

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

P.P.S. Enjoy the notes from fellow classmates that follow! And big thank you to all that submitted them!