Dear Classmates,

It’s officially Reunion month on the Hill, and for us, a big one – our 40th! This will be especially thrilling since alumni are FINALLY able to reunite on campus after two years of virtual gatherings. As our world begins, slowly, to allow us to reach out safely to friends and family, our Kenyon family is no exception. I can’t wait to see you May 27-29th as we meander down Middle Path, reconnecting and reminiscing. 

So, I’m curious. When YOU think back 40 years, what soundtrack accompanies your memories of your Kenyon years? Is it the B-52s, Blondie or Bonnie Raitt?  Bruce Springsteen or Bob Marley? Is it The Clash, The Police, The Cure, The Ramones or The Sex Pistols? Is it The Pretenders or Prince?  I remember hearing fellow classmate Sandy Dumas playing a Bonnie Raitt song on her 12-string blues guitar down the hall in McBride my first week of school, and our friendship was forged instantaneously! Given the musical talent in our class, I’m sure most of you have similarly indelible memories.

In addition to that rich soundtrack, when I think back, I remember well the remarkable visiting speakers Kenyon invited to campus who ranged from poets to politicians, and from civil rights activists to environmental leaders.  

And then there were the movies that we somehow made time for in the middle of our demanding studies and other extracurriculars. I remember such favorites as Wait Until Dark, Jules and Jim, Chinatown, M, and Rocky Horror.  I remember a Q&A session with Paul Newman ’49 after we’d seen his movie The Three Faces of Eve and the wonderful moment when he was asked how his wife (Joanne Woodward H’81) liked being directed by him and he casually said, “Why don’t you ask her yourself?” To our delight, we discovered she had been sitting in the audience throughout the showing of their film! She joined him on stage, and they proceeded to enthrall us with their insights and love of film and each other. 

Above all, we were lucky to have inspiring professors from whom to learn. Even though I was an English major who was moved weekly by the likes of Perry Lentz ’64 and Karen Edwards, I also remember teachers in other departments like Pamela Jensen H’13, Terry Schupbach, Bill McCulloh H’99, Peter Rutkoff H’21, and so many more. I’m sure each of you have your own stories of friendships with your professors, perhaps some that continue to this day.

I can’t wait to hear your own reminiscences and see the pics you bring with you that capture our four years together on that glorious Hill. In the meantime, here are a few exciting reminders of recent campus developments: 

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 many of us will be back on campus May 27-29 for what promises to be the biggest alumni gathering in the College’s history! It’s not too late to register to join us for a rollicking time.

All of the exciting developments at Kenyon today can be traced back, in part, to our support. Kenyon relies on our gifts to the Kenyon Fund to support every aspect of students’ experience today, from seminars to scholarships. I hope you’ll join me in making a str-e-e-e-etch gift this year in honor of our reunion. We know first-hand how a Kenyon education can impact one’s future — not just professionally, but personally. When we support Kenyon’s current and future students, we help make a Kenyon family like ours a possibility for many more. So whether you give mildly or WILDLY, every gift counts and honors the school and the people who shaped us and sent us out into the real world with a sense of purpose and passion. :-)

I can’t wait to see you!! I’ll be traveling back to the Hill from my new home in CT by way of Linda Enerson’s farm in Massachusetts. Together we’ll take the road trip we never had a car for when we were at Kenyon!

With enormous fondness, 
Hilary Q. Sparks-Roberts
(Formerly of McBride, Leonard, Mather, and New Apartments!)

P.S. Scroll down and check out the Class Notes from many of your friends. Take a look at where life has taken them since you last saw them! You’ll have to come to the Reunion to find out about the rest of us!