45th reunion
2022 Reunion 2
May 27th -29th, 2022
- Summary of Our 4th Reunion
- Our 45th Book Recommendation
- Our 45th Reunion Survey Results
Mount Holyoke College Class of 1977 Reunion Weekend, May 27-29, 2022
It is an honor to be writing a recap of our memorable 45th reunion which took place over the 2020 graduation weekend, May 27-29, 2022. A total of 72 classmates and 14 guests were registered; 69 classmates and 14 guests attended. Two classmates were not able to be there in person due to testing positive for covid. We did have virtual participation, as well, for the knit-along gathering, book discussion, and class meeting. A mask was required for all indoor locations. Being together in person, for all those who were able to, was more precious than ever.
Many of the class officers and our amazing committee arrived on Thursday to take care of the myriad of last-minute details to ensure a great reunion experience for all. Kudos to our Reunion Chairs, Susan Granahan Colgan and Janet O’Neill Connell, and all who helped in the reunion planning.
We were fortunate to be housed in Creighton Hall, built in 2008, the first newly-built residence hall on campus in roughly 40 years. On Friday there were several scheduled events including State of the College with President Sonya Stephens and two Back to Class Programs: “Cultivating Inclusive and Affirming Spaces” and “The Path to Sustainability”. Our class also had a class golf tournament, a hike at Skinner State Park, tennis, and a fun run/walk around Upper Lake. An enjoyable cocktail hour was held at The Odyssey Book Store; we took a few minutes to remember Romeo Grenier who established the store in 1963.
A dinner for all classes was held at the Dining Commons- this was our class’s first experience with centralized dining at MHC. We sat at some lovely tables looking out over Lower Lake and also enjoyed time on the patio that had the same beautiful view. Dinner was followed by a spectacular dorm “Gather and Graze”. It was a perfect spring day on our exceptionally beautiful campus!
Saturday morning started with breakfast before the parade.
Our class wore our whites with bright green accessories: green sneakers and beads. Our parade costume was bright green umbrellas with our class logo. The parade snaked through campus as usual but with a heightened joy to celebrate this tradition with the class of 2020 who could not celebrate their graduation until now.
Some of our creative signs included “We Streaked. Just Not Our Hair!” and “Daily Fashion: Painters Pants, Clogs and Bandanas”.
We felt like celebrities with all of the cheering from parade-goers but the applause was deafening for the Class of 2020 who wrapped Mary Lyons grave with the laurel chain.
Many alums proceeded to Mary Wooley Hall for the 150th annual meeting of the Alumnae Association. Cathy Gibson, was awarded with an Alumnae Association Achievement Award for outstanding achievements and service to society that exemplifies the values and virtues set forth by the college. Congrats, Cathy!
Our class then enjoyed a barbecue on the green, after which we gathered on the steps to Skinner Hall for the annual class picture. It was taken quickly due to loud, rumbling thunder!
A choice of activities for the afternoon included a tour of the Mount Holyoke College Art Museum, and Open Houses at The Asian Center, Betty Shabazz, Eliana Ortega, Jeannette Marks, and Zowie Banteah Centers. Our class had a Knit Along Gathering and a Book Club Discussion of the book The Last Confessions of Sylvia P with the author, Lee Kravetz, joining us by zoom! Your scribe toured the library and loved the Chihuly sculpture; I also treasured being able to visit our amazing greenhouse.
At 5 o’clock we met at Creighton Hall for our class meeting. At one point we had to continue the meeting on the patio outside due to a quite unexpected fire alarm going off! Our class President, Liz Gershon, highlighted for us some accomplishments towards her two goals of Communication and Connection. There is a Communication Committee who has worked on Mission/Vision; created a new logo for our class; established a new website https://new.alumnae.mtholyoke.edu/1977; made our Facebook page active and interesting; and who got us on Instagram and Flickr. Please look at the website and note the section Our Voices which was created so that we can all be resources for one another. The committee is Alex Woody, Nancy Jarrett, Susan Saxe, Avice Meehan, Kim Cogswell, Nancy Mathiasen and Merry Hampton.
Connection: we had 11 zoom class meetings/mini-reunions over the last 2 years. We are looking for ideas for future class zoom calls.
Our longtime treasurer, Sue Pardo Hardy has been in this role for 43 years and we are indebted to her! Sue presented the class financials. It was proposed, seconded, and approved that the class dues be raised to $100 (total) for the next 5 years. Dues can now be paid online. The balance in our account as of reunion weekend was $11,033.15 with a number of reunion expenses outstanding.
Class officers for the next five years were also proposed and elected. Continuing in their roles are: President, Liz Lewis Gershon; Vice President, Merry Galassi Hampton; Secretary, Susan Saxe; Scribes, Nancy Hermann Jarrett and Andi Popik Taber; and Communications Chair, Alex Woody. New officers include the following: Reunion Chairs, Chris Bryce Sass and Cathy Gibson; Head Class Agents, Meredith Jacob and Avice Meehan; Treasurer, Susan Clark; Nominating Chair, Susan Granahan Colgan. We thank the outgoing Reunion Chairs Susan Granahan Colgan and Janet Connell, the outgoing Head Class Agents Susan Schofield Graves and Susan Rittenhouse Sokoloski, and the outgoing Nominating Chair Lisa Perreault Ireland for all of their support.
Dinner was in a private room for our class at The Dining Commons. The decorations were beautiful, the food was delicious but the chance to all be together and visit was priceless.
The night continued back at the dorm where we enjoyed the lower level of Creighton with a Piano Bar: a pianist and vocalist, songs from the 70’s and 80’s, champagne, chocolates, strawberries and shortbread.
A few intrepid classmates closed their day at the canoe sing on Lower Lake.
Sunday morning brought a breakfast buffet, a bird-watching walking tour and many promises to stay in touch. I encourage each of you who are able to come to our 50th reunion. We missed you!
Submitted by Maryann Curley O’Connell 06.02.2022
- Our 45th Book Recommendations
We compiled an impressive list of recommended books for our 45th reunion. It is too long to post to the page so please download it so you can use it. Click here.
- Our 45th Reunion Survey Results
Submitted by Susan Granahan Colgan
166 classmates began the survey and 138 saw it through to the bitter end! The survey allowed for any questions to be skipped. On average, each question received 140 responses.
At the time of the survey, 47 classmates planned to attend the reunion, while another 59 were still deciding. Scheduling conflicts and covid concerns impacted the decision of many, while 22 classmates had no interest in returning. The majority of respondents are looking forward to a nostalgic visit to campus including time with college friends, learning about the college in 2022 as well as participating in class-sponsored activities.
Many of us (60%) are living in the suburbs or small towns, while some have opted for an urban (23%) or rural (15%) lifestyle. Most of us have not downsized.
75% of our class are married or are in a long-term relationship and have children. Half of us have welcomed at least a first grandchild. Approximately 25% of our class have assumed the role of caretaker for either an aging parent, spouse, child, or grandchild.
Many classmates consider themselves quite happy, while others acknowledge challenges associated with health, finances, and pandemic isolation. Their reasons are summarized in the graphic below.
During our professional careers, over 80%of those responding, report having switched careers infrequently or never. 20% of respondents experienced professional obstacles including ( but not limited to) compensation, advancement, ageism or gender. 50% of us are currently employed full or part-time while half have retired. About 80% of respondents consider themselves financially secure as we reach our mid-60s. 70% of classmates volunteer at least 2 hours a week! 30% of our class are serving in leadership positions on nonprofit boards while another 4% are serving on corporate boards. 80% of us consider ourselves to be tech-savvy.
We are a healthy group with over 80% reporting excellent or very good health while 15% report experiencing some health challenges. We remain active through a variety of physical, artistic, and cerebral pursuits. Our hobbies are as diverse as we are as a class!
We travel enough that it deserves its own graphic!
In addition to our family and professions, many classmates (80%) consider spirituality and/or religion important in their lives. This personal expression varied greatly from regular services, holiday observances, to meditation. About 10% of the respondents consider themselves atheist or agnostic.
At this time, 50% of our classmates are pessimistic about the future of the United States while another 30% consider themselves neutral (survey closed 2/28/2022). Of those responding, 65% consider themselves liberal, 28% middle of the road, and 4% conservative. Regardless of our political beliefs, we are active politically and care about many issues.
We have found inspirational figures in political, artistic, and athletic arenas.
Regardless of the different roads, we have traveled during the 45 years since graduation, our fondness for our college experience shines through. During college, we loved attending class, reading in the reading room as well as hanging out with our friends. We have fond memories of milk and cookies, afternoon teas, department socials, and gracious dinners. We loved our campus and frequently walked or ran around Upper Lake. It is these memories that bind us and ensure that “Mount Holyoke Forever Shall Be.” It is no surprise that those attending the reunion look forward to reconnecting with friends while meeting other class members. We are also interested in learning about the college in 2022.
