Gentlemen,

So, the College wants me to remind you about Kenyon in the fall.  I’m sure that we all remember cool breezes to balance out the afternoon sun, crunchy leaves blanketing everything in autumn colors and the friendly faces greeting you along Middle Path.  As you read this, that great weather will, in all likelihood, be succeeded by late fall and early winter weather.  The Monday after fall dance weekend our freshman year was fricking cold at 8 a.m., and Herr Hecht proceeded to start class with a quick quiz, then adding another at the end.  Ah, the joys of learning.  I, however, look forward to running into you on the Hill again next spring, especially since we haven’t had a chance to celebrate our 50th reunion in person. 

And what a campus we’ll have to return to visit! Chalmers Library is open and beautiful. There is a disco ball-esque skylight feature (the concept is retro yet new). All four classes are studying together again in Gambier.  Somehow there is a bonus first-year cohort finishing a semester in Copenhagen (Toto, we’re not in Kansas or Ohio anymore).   

And plans are taking shape for an unforgettable Reunion 2022 on the Hill.  Mark your calendar for the weekend of May 27, 2022. All alumni are invited to attend and the 50th reunion classes (’70, ’71, and ’72) will be warmly welcomed. The College will be offering housing by class year. A specific location is still in progress but they are leaning towards Caples Hall for the 50th classes. Caples is equipped with an elevator and air conditioning.  Remember, it is still a dorm and not like a hotel. We will be on a high priority list for registration and you should register as soon as that tier opens. Housing and social room space will be based on the number of returning alumni from each class year so the earlier you respond, the better! When the announcement comes for room reservations, run, don’t walk, to your trusty electronic device to commit to coming to Gambier. Or, pull it out of your pocket and do the right thing.

In other exciting campus news, the College just shared its new strategic plan that will guide 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.

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 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 gift. 

As always,
Mike Hill

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