Updates //
ICYMI: Homecoming Volunteer Meeting Recaps
Alumni Council: Members kicked off their first meeting of the academic year during Homecoming Weekend. Upon arrival, they gathered for a casual Chipotle dinner with members of the Student Council. On Friday, the group heard updates from Vice President for Finance Todd Burson and were introduced to two new members of the administration, Vice President for Advancement Keith DiDonato and Chief Operating Officer Roger Wakeman. In the afternoon, Council divided into its three subcommittees: Alumni Engagement, Council Visibility and Regional Association. They concluded the day by reviewing Alumni Trustee nominations and sharing subcommittee report-outs. Saturday morning included time to share feedback on the weekend and wrap up discussions, followed by participation in the Homecoming Block Party.
The Kenyon Fund Executive Committee: KFEC had a productive weekend of planning and engagement. Highlights included a joint session with the Alumni Council with updates on career development initiatives, the Kenyon Fund and a budget overview, along with remarks from President Julie Kornfeld and introductions to new leadership. The committee reviewed fiscal year 2025 success, discussed the fiscal year 2026 solicitation plan and engaged in peer-to-peer solicitation mentorship with the 25th Reunion planners. Members networked with students at a Career Development Office reception, toured the new Winkler Hall West residence and Gund Exhibition and capped off the weekend by staffing a Kenyon Fund trivia booth at the Homecoming (Festifall) Block Party — demonstrating their hands-on commitment to furthering the Kenyon community’s philanthropic education.
Reunion Planners: Alumni planners in their 5th through 45th reunion cycle have jumped feet first into planning! All committees have sent a save the date message to classmates and shared class goals. Excitement for Reunion Weekend is starting to build! Check out the
25th Milestone Reunion website to read how the College is offering classes a boost in legacy building opportunities and moments to connect as a class leading up to their 25th reunion.
Fall Appeal Outreach Happening Now
Class Agents: Thank you for reaching out to your assigned classmates for this fall’s class notes. Your personal outreach is such a meaningful part of keeping your class connected.
While your class letters won’t hit mailboxes until November, our 2025 Kenyon Fund appeals are already in the mail (or sitting on your desk). We've also sent our first email follow-up and our Student Advancement Officers are beginning to make phone calls to alumni on behalf of the Kenyon Fund. So when that Gambier phone number shows up on your screens, we're asking everyone to answer with a (verbal) smile! In addition to soliciting for gifts, our student callers are wonderful ambassadors for Kenyon, and can share updates from multiple corners of our community right now.
50th Reunion Planning Underway
The Class of 1976 50th Reunion Committee has been hard at work since last spring, preparing to mark this milestone. Visit the
1976 50th Reunion webpage for highlights on how the class is honoring this special reunion year
In August, classmates received a letter from co-chairs Bruce Broxterman and Michael Young, outlining class goals for their 50th Reunion and setting the tone for a year of connection and celebration. Later this summer, members of the Communications & Engagement subcommittee reached out personally to encourage classmates to save the date and begin making plans to return to Gambier. This fall, the Fundraising & Participation subcommittee is asking their classmates to support both the Kenyon Fund and the Class of 1976 Endowed Scholarship Fund. A classmate has generously offered to match $25,000 in gifts to the endowed fund, providing an opportunity to double the impact of classmates’ philanthropy. Meanwhile, the Reunion Weekend Social subcommittee is laying the groundwork for a memorable on-campus celebration in May.Â
Alumni Survey Hitting Inboxes Next Week — Your voices make a difference!
Every four years, Kenyon conducts an alumni survey to better understand how we can strengthen connections and create more meaningful opportunities for engagement. Your feedback is invaluable in shaping the future of alumni programming and ensuring that our efforts reflect the needs and interests of our community. We encourage you to take part in this important survey and to invite your classmates to do the same. Your voices make a difference!
Sunset Cottage To Be Taken Down
The 19th century building, which hasn’t held a class since 2018,
will be deconstructed over winter break. Making the old building accessible to all students would dramatically reduce the functional space and also be prohibitively expensive, particularly in light of other budget pressures. The English Quad now houses the department, with Keithley House and its porches and seminar rooms designed to echo Sunset.
Now Accepting Alumni Award Nominations
Each year, Kenyon recognizes certain individuals for their outstanding commitment to the College by presenting alumni awards during Reunion Weekend. We want to hear from you! Complete
this form to nominate a fellow alumni volunteer or friend who is doing outstanding work. Your suggestions will be considered by the Alumni Council and awards will be distributed at Reunion Weekend in May.
Learn more and read about last year's winners.
