Dear classmates,

On my Facebook page, I recently posed this question: The degree of difficulty in navigating this world has increased exponentially these past few years. Tell me. How are you caring for your heart and what are you doing to feel whole and connected? 

The answers were wide-ranging, with honesty taking center stage as several shared how deeply they are struggling. I was struck by the themes that emerged, as many spoke to the importance of taking note of the beauty that surrounds us, the precious moments when we can come together with those we love and cherish, imagining how to emerge anew, and intentionally engaging in acts of kindness and generosity.

Perhaps this is another reason why I love Kenyon, as this is the community where I can be guaranteed of finding all these essential elements needed to nurture hope and resilience. 

In the spirit of the beauty that surrounds us…
This spring, the College continued its commitment to integrating environmental stewardship into its curriculum, campus operations and campus culture. They also announced the news that Lisa Schott ’80, who since 2010 has served as managing director of the College’s land trust, the Philander Chase Conservancy (PCC), will step down from that position at the end of June after a nearly 40-year career with Kenyon. This news and more was shared in Kenyon’s new quarterly Green Newsletter. If you don’t already receive it, I encourage you to sign up for it at bit.ly/Green-Kenyon.
 
In the spirit of the precious moments when we can come together…
I am excited to share that even though this year isn’t a milestone reunion year for us, all alumni are welcome back for Reunion Weekend this year (and in the future!) and the fact that alumni are FINALLY able to reunite on campus again after two years of virtual gatherings is something worth celebrating. 

As summer approaches, Kenyon is preparing to welcome several groups of alumni back to campus. First, more than 100 members of the Class of 2020 and their families have registered to attend their belated Commencement taking place on the Hill May 22. On May 26, the Classes of 1970, 1971 and 1972 will be kicking off Reunion Weekend a day early with special 50th Reunion programming. And then, all alumni are welcome back to campus May 27-29 for what promises to be the biggest alumni gathering in the College’s history! If you can’t make it back for Reunion this year, I hope you’ll plan to attend one soon.

In the spirit of imaging how to emerge anew…
Hopefully you saw the news from President Sean Decatur this winter that, in response to calls from students as we approach our Bicentennial, he agreed the time had come to look beyond Lords and Ladies. Thanks to all of you who have submitted suggestions or other feedback for the process to consider a new athletics moniker. This letter was finalized before the results were known, but you can visit kenyon.edu/moniker to learn the latest.

In the spirit of intentionally engaging in acts of kindness and generosity…
Last fall, I hope you heard about (and perhaps supported!) the new Kenyon Access Initiative. We are eight months into our five-year partnership with the Schuler Education Foundation to increase access to Kenyon for exceptional students with limited resources. Our extended Kenyon community has enthusiastically responded by making more than 1,113 gifts to support this unique initiative, helping to create new scholarships that will be awarded to students we are enrolling now. 

This opportunity resonates with me like no other, and thanks to the appreciation of some Apple stock, I have been able to make a gift at a level I never considered before or thought possible. This impact of this stretch gift is doubled because of the generous Schuler match. I honestly do not think I have ever felt prouder of a philanthropic investment. If this opportunity resonates with you, please reach out to me, as I’d love to talk more with you about what is possible.

On August 22, I had the awesome honor of addressing the incoming Kenyon class of 2025 at the convocation ceremony, nearly 40 years to the date of ours on August 30, 1981. In my remarks I shared: “You’ll come to find that there is great magic on this special hill in the middle of Ohio. As I often tell people, this is the place I learned how to live happily inside my own skin – heart and head in sync.”

Kenyon, the place and the people, continues to be a gift of incredible proportions. In whatever way you can, I hope you will join me in supporting the Kenyon Fund. Our collective investments hold the power to nurture Kenyon forward, creating a community where future generations can receive the gifts of learning and connection that continue to sustain each of us. 

With gratitude and deep purple love,
Susan Berger

P.S. Scroll down to view the 1985 class notes.