Bearcats from far and wide converged on Salem to reconnect with classmates and friends at Willamette's largest Alumni Reunion Weekend on record.
After a two-year hiatus and despite unseasonably wet weather, the return of Alumni Reunion Weekend gave alums an opportunity to finally gather together in person and celebrate the strength of their connections to each other and to Willamette.
At reunion dinners, campus and museum tours, lectures, and fun gatherings across campus, alumni took the time to catch up and exchange hugs or elbow bumps.
Throughout the weekend, Bearcats could be seen exploring the Willamette campus — some for the first time in fifty years. Some even chose to relive the full college experience by lodging in Doney or Lausanne, where celebrations continued late into the night.
MARKING MILESONES
At the center of the celebration were the 50th reunions of the classes of 1970, 1971, and 1972. Each class shared memories over dinner and were inducted into the Heritage Club in recognition of this significant milestone.
In addition, thirty reunion classes — from the class of 1959 to the class of 2020 — marked reunion milestones and enjoyed dinner under the big tent on the quad.
The College of Law and Atkinson Graduate School of Management were also represented at events throughout the weekend. The College of Law held celebrations for the classes of 1976 and 1990. Atkinson also welcomed back its inaugural class of alumni, the class of 1976. Some reunions for Law and Atkinson are planned for later this year.
EXCEPTIONAL ALUMNI RECOGNIZED
During the 2022 Alumni Awards ceremony, eight distinguished alumni were recognized for their exceptional work in scientific research, education policy, business, and more. The awards were given to Bearcats for their professional accomplishments, service to the Willamette community, and for living out the Willamette motto, “Not unto ourselves alone are we born.”
The Lestle J. Sparks Medallion was awarded to Martin Wolf BA’57, JD’60 for his lifetime loyalty and service to Willamette.
“Receiving the Sparks Medallion is something I did not expect. And it’s an honor,” Wolf said. “I plan to contribute to the law school as long as — at my tender age — I can.”
Five alumni were also inducted in the Athletic Hall of Fame in recognition of their athletic performance on campus and off. Four entered the Hall of Fame as student-athletes and Melvin Henderson-Rubio BA’74 was awarded for meritorious service to the university.
A SPECIAL WEEKEND
Other highlights of the weekend included a discussion on public health with former Oregon governor John Kitzhaber, Jeff Heatherington BA’65, and Professor Sammy Basu; a special Bistro Reunion and open house; a Theatre reunion, an alumni version of the Wulapalooza arts and music festival; the Winning Hand Casino, and much more.
“The entire university was honored to play a part in this special weekend for so many alums,” said Tyler Reich BA’06, associate vice president for advancement and executive director of university relations.
“There's nothing quite as special as seeing classmates reconnect, delve into intellectual and artistic opportunities, cut a rug on the dance floor, and relive their college days with such joy. It's the best time of the year for the alumni engagement office!”
All Willamette alumni are invited to next year’s Alumni Reunion Weekend, June 15-18, 2023.
Source: https://willamette.edu/news/library/2022/06/record-turnout-for-alumni-weekend.html
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