Forget the holiday season, the most wonderful time of the year on campus might be Alumni Weekend, when Haverford welcomes back hundreds of Fords for three spring days of reminiscing about the past and making new memories. Last weekend, campus hosted over 1100 people from 41 states—and countries as far away as India, Kenya, England, and Sweden—for dinners, panel discussions, readings, parties, and general good times with old friends.
Though the schedule of events included the traditional class dinners and parties and the annual Family Fun Fair (for the littlest Fords), unique events at this year’s reunion included two book readings and signings with Rich Lederer ’59 (The Joy of Names) and Dave Barry ’69 (Lessons From Lucy), a tree dedication in honor of longtime employee (and founder of the Haverford Women*s Center) the late Marilou Allen, and a discussion on “Haverford Values in the
Real World” led by President Kim Benston (who was presiding over his last Alumni Weekend as College president).
Alumni Awards recipients received their honors Saturday morning in Stokes Auditorium. Bill Harris ’49 received the Kannerstein Award, Robert Riordan ’64 the Haverford Award, Ed Helme ’69 P’10 and Rick DeJesus-Rueff ’75 the Distinguished Achievement Award, Adem Bunkeddeko ’09 and Jake Weisenthal ’13 the Young Alumni Award, Tal Alter ’98 the Forman Award, Rashidah Andrews ’02 the Kaye Award, Adam Care ’09 the Perry Award, Frank Lyman ’59 the Sheppard Award, Pat Welch, 3rd ’74 the MacIntosh Award, and Sandra Johnson the Friend of Haverford College Award.
The new tradition of the All-Alumni Music and Food Truck Festival continued on Saturday afternoon on Founders green as Dingo (featuring James Pabarue ’72, Robert Sandhaus ’71, Robert Schnaars, Michael Stehney ’71, and David Yager ’71–72) , the Shameless Impersonators (featuring Ken Edgar ’69, Jim Bower ’69, Chris Lane ’69, Jim Keen ’68, and David Yager ’71–72), and the Barrel Fires (featuring Jay Carlis ’99, Josh Meyer ’98, Michael Kay ’00, and David Rodbart) provided a soundtrack to enjoy eats from several food local food trucks.
It’s never too early to mark your calendars for next year’s festivities. Alumni Weekend 2020 will celebrate classes ending in 0s and 5s from May 29-31. See you there?
Group shot of the Class of ’69. Photo by Cole Sansom ’19
Group shot of the Class of ’94. Photo by Cole Sansom ’19
Group shot of the Class of ’54. Photo by Cole Sansom ’19
Group shot of the Class of ’04. Photo by Cole Sansom ’19
Group shot of the Class of ’09. Photo by Cole Sansom ’19
Dave Barry signs books. Photo by Cole Sansom ’19
Dave Barry speaks to the audience about his latest book. Photo by Cole Sansom ’19
Adem Bunkeddeko ’09 receiving the Young Alumni Award from President Kim Benston. Photo by Cole Sansom ’19
William Harris ’49 receiving the Kannerstein award from President Kim Benston. Photo by Cole Sansom ’19
Award Winner Ned Helme ’69 and his award nominator. Photo by Cole Sansom ’19
Young Alumni Award Winner Jacob Weisenthal ’13 and friends at the awards breakfast. Photo by Cole Sansom ’19
Members of the Class of 1979 enjoy the photo booth on Founders Green.
Members of the Class of 2014 enjoy the photo booth on Founders Green.
Members of the Class of 2014 enjoy the photo booth on Founders Green.
Enjoying the photo booth on Founders Green.
Joseph Seiler ’14 and Joseph Seiler ’74
Panelists Charles Curtis ’04, Annie Karni ’04, and Andy Greenberg ’04 discuss the state of journalist with moderator Dennis Stern ’69. Photo by Cole Sansom ’19
At the Class of ’69 50th Reunion Dinner.
At the Class of ’69 50th Reunion Dinner.
The Class of ’09 had a party outside the DC.
At the Class of ’84 party in VCAM.
Picnicking on Founders Green.
Picnicking on Founders Green.
View from the cupola during the Music and Food Truck Festival. Photo by Dex Coen Gilbert ’21.
The Music and Food Truck festival featured alumni bands.
Enjoying the sunshine during the Music and Food Truck Festival on Founders Green.
Class of ’14 meets in the VCAM. Photo by Dex Coen Gilbert ’21.
Class of ’14 meets in the VCAM. Photo by Dex Coen Gilbert ’21.
Wine and dessert
Photo by Dex Coen Gilbert ’21.
Alums reunite at dinner on Friday night. Photo by Dex Coen Gilbert ’21.
Alums reunite and join one another for dinner on Friday. Photo by Dex Coen Gilbert ’21.
Alums enjoy dinner on Friday night. Photo by Dex Coen Gilbert ’21.
Alums reunite and join one another for dinner on Friday night. Photo by Dex Coen Gilbert ’21.
At the Class of ’69 breakfast with President Kim Benston.
Students reunite with Associate Professor Laura McGrane at the faculty wine and cheese reception.
Enjoying ice cream outside of VCAM
At the Class of ’64 tree dedication.
Incoming President Wendy Raymond met students and alumni at a gathering of the Rainbow Quorum.
Incoming President Wendy Raymond talked with current President Kim Benston at the MAAG Open House in the GAIC.
Watch Dave Barry’s talk in its entirety:
Photos by Dex Coen Gilbert ’21, Ruiming Li ’22, and Cole Sansom ’19.
