Dear classmates,

I’m sitting outside on my deck, in Gambier, on a 70-degree day in early March. You remember those days, I’m sure – a tease of Spring coming (eventually) in Gambier.  Next Saturday, the high temperature is expected to be 25, so today’s weather is most definitely a tease.  Still, Spring will arrive sometime relatively soon, and – as you know -- there is nothing quite like Spring in Gambier.  I feel lucky to live here now. (For those who might not already know: After 35+ years of commuting between New Jersey and Manhattan, my husband and I purchased a home and retired / semi-retired here in 2017. It’s been a good move.)

And, by the time you receive this note, it’ll be May, or almost May -- reunion month. Even though this year isn’t a milestone reunion year for us, all alumni are invited to Reunion Weekend. The fact that alumni are finally able to reunite on campus again is definitely worth celebrating. 

Kenyon is preparing to welcome several groups of alumni back to campus in May. More than 100 members of the Class of 2020 and their families are registered to attend their belated Commencement on May 22. A few days later, on May 26, the Classes of 1970, 1971 and 1972 will kick off Reunion Weekend with special 50th Reunion programming. And then, all alumni are welcome back to campus May 27-29 for what will likely be the biggest alumni gathering in Kenyon’s history. I hope at least some of you will be able to make a trip out here at that time.

As you probably know, last fall President Sean Decatur announced a new Kenyon Access Initiative. Now, eight months into the five-year partnership with the Schuler Education Foundation to increase access to Kenyon for exceptional students with limited resources, the extended Kenyon community has enthusiastically responded.  More than 1,113 gifts have been made to support this unique initiative, helping to create new scholarships that will be awarded to students who are enrolling now. As a Gambier resident now, I’ve had a chance to interact with quite a few exceptional students, and know that many of them would not be able to attend a school like this without our help, so please continue making donations – whether large or small; they do make a difference!

In other news, I hope you have heard that, in response to calls from students, Kenyon has decided it’s time for new team monikers – the “Lords” and “Ladies” just don’t cut it anymore. I hope you had a chance to submit a suggestion for a replacement moniker. If you did provide a suggestion or other feedback, thank you; I know Kenyon wants to include alumni thoughts as well as those of students. As of the time this letter is finalized, a decision on the new moniker will not have been made, so I can’t share that information, but you can find the latest details at kenyon.edu/moniker.

All of the achievement 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 gift today. We alumni know first-hand how a Kenyon education can affect one’s future — both professionally and personally. When we support Kenyon’s current and future students, we help pass on the possibility of a Kenyon education and experience to others.

Thank you!
Janet Byrne Smith

P.S. Scroll down to view the 1976 class notes.