Hobert & William Smith Colleges: Reunion 2012 Kicks Off

Alums from across the country are parking along the familiar landscape of South Main Street and making their way to the recently renovated Scandling Campus Center - acting this weekend as Reunion Headquarters - where members of Alumni House, Reunion staff and students are helping to check in eager attendees.

"Reunion is already off to a great start," declared President Mark D. Gearan, welcoming alums and their guests to campus and to his home on Thursday night. "This weekend presents a wonderful opportunity to see campus, to meet the Deans of the Colleges and to visit with students and old friends. This is your home."

The weekend promises to be an unforgettable one, with an activities roster filled with a wide variety of events designed to give alums a taste of what life is like on the HWS campus now - and to relive their time spent at the Colleges.

In addition to Reunion favorites such as mini-college sessions taught by beloved professors, a historic tour of Geneva and a ride aboard the William Scandling on Seneca Lake, this year's schedule includes some new and exciting events. On Friday, be sure to check out the Distinguished Faculty Awards panel, which will precede this year's DFA presentations, and the evening barbecue dinner.

Saturday will open with a greeting from President Mark D. Gearan, who will speak about the State of the Colleges. The day will continue with such activities as a Family Festival, a tent dedicated to favorite tavern The Oaks, and an evening gala to conclude Reunion and to celebrate the success of the Campaign for the Colleges.

Reunion celebrations opened up with the inaugural HWS Classic Golf Tournament held at the Bristol Harbour Golf Club in Canandaigua on Thursday. The event was hosted by actor Christopher McDonald '77, who appears as Tommy Jefferson in NBC's hit show "Harry's Law." McDonald is well known for his role as pro-golfer Shooter McGavin in the 1996 film "Happy Gilmore." Bennett Baritell '06 and a group of his closest friends emerged as victors.

Festivities continued into the night on Thursday, as alums who had graduated more than 50 years ago were invited to the President's House for a 50th Plus Welcome Reception and Dinner. Among those at the gathering were the Kirchner triplets - Catherine, Frances and Marguerite - who graduated from William Smith in 1942 and are celebrating their 70th Reunion this weekend. They are thought to be the oldest triplets in the United States.

University Press Release here.