2022 All-Class Reunion

Friday September 16, 2022

*Shuttle service provided by Green Mountain Express. Loop time to and from campus and the following hotels: Harwoodhill Motel, Paradise Inn, Knotty Pine, Hampton Inn 4:15-10:00 pm

Please note guest attendance in all sessions are based on capacity.

1:00-4:30 pm | Alumni Registration and Check In
Location: Welcome Tent

1:00-5:00 pm | Allana Clarke: A Particular Fantasy
Location: Usdan Gallery 
Stop by Usdan Gallery to view our current exhibition Allana Clarke: A Particular Fantasy. A Trinidadian-American artist, Clarke is known for using materials such as sugar, cocoa butter and hair-bonding glue to construct sculptural works. Many begin by pouring large, thick quantities of hair-bonding glue onto a flat surface, which Clarke stretches, pushes, pulls and molds for days, radically reincarnating the substance into objects that ripple and curl, shimmer and glisten, twist and fold. Clarke’s works examine the possibilities afforded by mutating a mass-produced material into abstract forms that recall and invoke the body. The artist’s first institutional solo exhibition, A Particular Fantasy is a partnership between Usdan Gallery and Art Omi, with complementary works in both venues. Usdan programming foregrounds ideas of process central to Clarke’s practice, with performance videos and a stage-like area in the 4,000-square-foot gallery where the artist—in residence at the College for three weeks—will construct a 25-foot-long floor sculpture with support from Bennington student assistants. Usdan Gallery is open Monday-Saturday, 1-5 pm. More information at usdangallery.bennington.edu.

2:10-3:00 pm | Open Class: Dance Intensive: Embodiment, Improvisation, Performance with Levi Gonzalez
Location: VAPA, Martha Hill Theater
This course is for students who have a serious interest in dance or a desire to explore embodied practice and cognition, whether or not you have previous dance experience. Through a broad range of cultural and artistic perspectives, we will consider many possible approaches to dance, including aspects of embodiment and performance.

CANCELED
2:10-4:00 pm | Open Class: Genres and Forms of Poetry with Michael Dumanis
Location: Cricket Hill Barn
Please note that this event has been canceled. This course will closely examine various modes in which poetry is commonly written, including the elegy, the ode, the ekphrastic, the prose poem, the pastoral, the aubade, and the litany.

2:10-4:00 pm | Open Class: Screenwriting: The Story Studio with Manuel Gonzales
Location: EAC1
A good movie begins with a good script. A good script begins with a good story. In this class, we will explore the basics of structure and format for a feature-length screenplay, but the majority of the course we will be focused on storytelling, the development and polishing of good, strong stories. We will ask what goes into a good story, and how do you take those elements and, alchemically, turn them into good scenes for a script.

2:10-4:00 pm | Open Class: Composing for Instruments with faculty member Allen Shawn
Location: Deane Carriage Barn, Fireplace Room
This class gives composers hands-on practice notating their music and hearing it played by performers playing a variety of instruments. It is meant for fledgling composers, for those who may have composed a lot of music already but have trouble writing their music down, or for those who have never even imagined composing music but would like to try.

2:10-5:50 pm | Open Class: Directing II with faculty member Kirk Jackson
Location: VAPA D207
We will address the process of discerning a text’s dramatic potential and realizing that potential in performance by developing and implementing a directorial approach through analysis and rehearsal techniques. The term is divided between exercises and rehearsal of individual projects. The work of the course will culminate in a director’s approach essay, a rehearsal log, and a public performance of student-directed scenes.

4:30-7:00 pm | Alumni Registration and Check In 
Location: Deane Carriage Barn

5:00-7:00 pm | Opening Reception and Art for Access Benefit 
Location: Deane Carriage Barn, Pit
A welcome gathering to kickoff Reunion Weekend and celebrate artistic initiatives for the community through the Art for Access program. Works from the Melva Bucksbaum collection will be on sale for purchase to benefit student scholarships.

6:00-8:00 pm | Dinner for Students and Alumni in Commons
Location: Commons Dining Hall
Alumni are welcome to join students in Commons Dining Hall to enjoy Chef Steve's Cuisine.

8:30-10:00 pm | Storiented by Mitchell Lichtenstein ’78, directed by Judy Dennis ’78
Location: Margo Tenney Theater
A Play Reading featuring alumni, faculty and students Ever try to tell a story at a party? How'd that work out for you? At a small New England college, a diverse group of students and teachers vie to tell their stories, oblivious to an approaching danger that they maybe ought to have seen coming... Join playwright Mitchell Lichtenstein'78, director Judy Dennis '78, stage manager Deborah Teller '76, actor Carolyn Brooks ’76 , faculty Jennifer Rohn and Kirk Jackson and 6 students for this lively reading.

Saturday, September 17, 2022

*Shuttle service provided by Bennington College. Loop times to and from campus and the following hotels: Harwoodhill Motel, Paradise Inn, Knotty Pine, Hampton Inn 8:30am - 9:30am and 4:15pm - 10:00pm.

9:00-10:30 am | 50th and Beyond Breakfast

Location: Commons 326
Alumni from the classes of 1973 and before are invited to reconnect with one another and reflect on their time at and since Bennington. You must register for this event in advance on your registration form.

9:00 am-2:00 pm | Alumni Registration and Check In
Location: Welcome Tent 

9:30-10:30 am | Beyond Plastics with faculty member Judith Enck
Location: Tishman
Plastic pollution is on the minds of many people who want to live a more sustainable lifestyle. Attend this workshop to learn about not only what you can do to reduce your reliance on plastics, but also what are the systemic changes that are needed to address this gigantic issue. The presentation will touch on how plastics is an environmental justice issue, a climate change issue, a health issue, a recycling failure and how we are turning our ocean into a landfill - one plastic bag at a time. Presented by Judith Enck, Visiting Professor at Bennington College, President of Beyond Plastics and former EPA Regional Administrator, appointed by President Obama.

10:45-11:45 am | Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Bennington
Location: EAC1
The Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is central to the College's commitment to developing a comprehensive infrastructure for the advancement of inclusion, equity, and pluralism at Bennington. Join Dr. Alfredo Medina, Jr. Ph.D., Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Li-Chen Chin Ph.D., Dean of Student Life in a conversation on how the College affirms the intersecting identities of all its community members—students, faculty, staff, and alumni—and recognizes their contributions to the vitality of our unique living and learning environment.

12:30-2:00 pm | BBQ Lunch
Location: Commons Dining Hall

1:00-1:45 pm | Student-led Walking Tour of Campus
Location: Flagpole

2:00-3:00 pm and 3:15-4:15 pm | MFA Writing Literary Reading 
Location: Barn 100
Join Megan Galbraith '15, Director of the Bennington Seminars for a special reading by faculty members Michael Dumanis, Monica Ferrell, and Manuel Gonzales. *Note this session will be one hour long from 2:00-3:00 pm and then repeated from 3:15-4:15 pm.

 2:00-3:00 pm and 3:15-4:15 pm | FWT Story Swap with Lisa Noble
Location: Commons Atrium
Share your journeys and FWT hijinks and heroics with current students, who can reciprocate with stories of their own. This is a no-preparation and casual event, where alumni are paired with a handful of students to allow for comfortable and candid conversations. We hope that through this story swap, students will expand their thinking about the power of a well-designed FWT and also solicit your thoughts about what may come next for them, in plenty of time to design a great experience for Winter 2023! We know that alumni and students alike will emerge inspired and eager to learn more! Presented by Lisa Noble, Associate Dean of Career Development and Field Work Term. *Note this session will be one hour long from 2:00-3:00 pm and then repeated from 3:15-4:15 pm.

2:00-3:00 pm and 3:15-4:15 pm | Bennington Campus: Historical Evolution and Future Planning with Andy Schlatter
Location: Downstairs Barn Classroom 124
The session will include a brief overview of the evolution of the campus from its earliest days to today, and a chance for alumni to join the discussion around our newest planning effort, the Adaptive Framework Plan. Presented by Andy Schlatter, Vice President for Facilities Management and Planning. *Note this session will be one hour long from 2:00-3:00 pm and then repeated from 3:15-4:15 pm.

2:00-4:15 pm | Alumni Dance Performance Space
Location: VAPA Martha Hill
Open space for Alumni to perform and collaborate.

2:00-4:15 pm | Acoustic Alumni Performance Space
Location: Downcaf
Open space for Alumni to bring their instruments and jam together.

3:15-4:15 pm | Urban Farming Discussion with Visionary Leadership Award Recipient Margaret Morgan-Hubbard '67
Location: EAC 2
Join Visionary Leadership Award Recipient Margaret Morgan-Hubbard '67 as she talks about her work as Founder and CEO of ECO City Farms. Margaret is an organizer, educator, activist and life-long environmentalist. ECO City Farms is a nonprofit urban teaching and learning farm in Prince George's County, Maryland that grows great food, farms and farmers in ways that protect, restore and sustain the natural environment. Working with area children, youth and adults, ECO educates and trains the area's next generation of area urban farmers and eaters.

4:00-5:30 pm |  Decolonial Campus Tour
Location: Package Pick Up at Buildings & Grounds (Meet at Flagpole for shuttle to Package Pick Up)
Students from Decolonial Approaches to Settler Colonialism in American Visual Arts (Spring 2022) invite the campus community to learn about the Indigenous and colonial histories of several sites on campus. Enter into a conversation with us about how Bennington can heal colonial legacies and establish reciprocal relationships with Abenaki and Mohican peoples. 

Accessibility: The campus tour route contains some uphill and downhill sections, some unpaved sections, and stairs. The route can be made more accessible as needed. For access support, please email Jade Costello.

5:45-6:30 pm |  Dressing the Activist Fashion Show
Location: Outside KinotecaWearable Art: Intersections of Art, Activism, Fashion students and visiting faculty, Michael Sylvan Robinson '89, will showcase activist fashion art in Dressing the Activist. Student Designers: Tristan Archibald ’23, Alexandra Brkic ’24, Ayla Connor-Kirshbaum ’24, Luca Daly ’25, Emma Fitzsimmons-Brann ’25, Emily Gutierrez ’24, Sarah Krekel ’25, Effie Ludke ’24, Nico Migdal ’25, Alice Schwechheimer ’24, Bryan Sorto-Guzman ’25, Julie Winger’24, and Luciana Figliulo’24. 

7:30-9:00 pm | All-Class Reunion Dinner and Presentation of the Hudas Liff '47 Award
Location: Tent on Commons Lawn | Virtually, via Livestream
Dine with your decade at the All-Class Reunion Dinner under the tent on Commons Lawn as President Walker addresses the audience and presents the Hudas Liff '47 Volunteer Award. Don't miss the opportunity to celebrate in person with our community.

9:30-10:30 pm | Student / Alumni Fireside Jam Session: Unplugged
Location: End of the World
Alumni and students are welcome to bring their instrument and sit around the bonfire and jam together to end the night.
 

Sunday, September 18, 2022

*Shuttle service provided by Green Mountain Express. Loop times to and from campus and the following hotels: Harwoodhill Motel, Paradise Inn, Knotty Pine, Hampton Inn and Robert Frost House 9:30am - 4:15pm.

8:00-9:00 am  | Morning Yoga play with Adnan Iftekhar ’97, P26
Location: End of the World
This 45 minute session is open to all levels of participants. The session will be tailored to the folx that are present. Requirements: An open mind, readiness to be involved in play.

8:00-10:00 am | Alumni Send Off Breakfast
Location: Commons Dining Hall

1:00-3:00 pm | Robert Frost House Museum Open House and Performance by Michael Wimberly & Friends
Location changed due to weather to the Student Center
Join us for an afternoon with internationally renowned musician Michael Wimberly and friends playing selections from his expansive world music repertoire.

COVID-19 Protocol

Do I need to be vaccinated and boosted to attend reunion?

All Reunion attendees - alums and guests - must be fully vaccinated, boosted and complete the Guest Registration form so that their COVID vaccination card is on file.

Will we need to wear masks?

Indoor masking will be required at all times, except when eating or drinking. 

Registration & Payment

Registration 

How do I register?

Registration is available for Reunion. Register by August 19 to receive the early bird special $20 off your ticket. 

If I didn’t pre-register, can I still attend/

We are excited to welcome guests back to campus after putting in person events on pause due to the pandemic. We are only able to do this with caution and an abundance of advance planning. For this reason, we ask that all guests pre-register. Registration closes on September 9.  

Payment

In order to attend the weekend, you must register using this website. If you are having trouble please email alumnirelations@bennington.edu

What is the cost of the ticket?

Early Bird Special $130.00 - Register by August 19 to receive $20 off your ticket! 

General Admissions $150.00

Children $15.00 Ages 0-18

2022 Alumni $20.22 Graduates from the class of 2022

Recent Graduates $75.00 Graduates from the classes of 2017 - 2021

Can I register now and pay when I arrive for Reunion?

No, payment must accompany the registration.

If I register and can’t attend, can I get a refund?

Registration fees are nonrefundable. 

Check-in/ Check-out

Everyone who plans to attend programming throughout the weekend must check in. This is when you will receive your welcome bag and packet - this will include all your dining tickets for the weekend. 

When can I arrive for check-in?

Reunion check-in runs as follows:

Friday: Campus Flagpole 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., Deane Carriage Barn 5:00 p.m. -  7:00 p.m.

Saturday: Campus Flagpole 8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

What do I do if I arrive outside the check-in hours?

You may only check in during the scheduled times. 

Accommodations & Meals

Fall in Vermont is a busy time of year. Make your accommodation arrangements ASAP! The college has reserved blocks of rooms at the following places: 

• Best Western: 802.442.6311
• Paradise Inn: 802.442.8351
• Harwood Hill Motel: 802.442.6278 

Other places to stay 

AirBnBs

• See AirBnB's website for vacation rentals in Bennington, VT and surrounding areas.

Inns

Approx. 10 minute drive from campus

• Four Chimneys Inn. 21 West Road, Bennington.
• South Shire Inn. 124 Elm St, Bennington.
• Safford Mills Inn and Cafe. 722 Main St. Bennington.

Approx. 20 minute drive from campus

• Arlington Inn. Includes American Breakfast. 3904 VT-7A, Arlington.

Bed & Breakfasts

Approx. 5 minute drive from campus

• Eddington House Inn. 21 Main St, North Bennington.
• Historic Henry House. 1338 Murphy Rd, Bennington.

Hotels and Motels

Approx. 5 minute drive from campus

• Hampton Inn. 51 Hannaford Square, Bennington.
• Knotty Pine Motel. 130 Northside Dr, Bennington.

Approx. 10 minute drive from campus

• Bennington Motor Inn. 143 Main St, Bennington.

Approx. 30 minute drive from campus

• Williamstown Motel. 295 Main St, Williamstown, MA.
• Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott 430 Main St, Williamstown, MA.
• The Williams Inn, 101 Spring St, Williamstown, MA.

Meals

Meals included with a purchased ticket:

Friday:

6:00 pm - 8:00 pm Dinner in Commons Dining Hall

Saturday: 

9:00 am- 10:30 am  Private Breakfast in Roz’s Cafe for alums celebrating their 50th and higher. If you graduated in 1973 or earlier and would like to attend, you must indicate so on your registration form 

11:30 am - 1:00 pm BBQ Lunch on Commons Lawn

6:00 pm- 8:00 pm All-Class Dinner 

Sunday:

9:00 am- 10:30 am Breakfast buffet send off with faculty and staff

Guests

Can I bring a guest/spouse/partner/child?

Guests of alums will be able to attend as long as they meet participation requirements at the time of reunion. All guests are required to demonstrate that they have been vaccinated and boosted; masking is required indoors. All guests must also have a ticket in their name.                

Are guests/children allowed to attend class meals?
Yes, as long as they have registered.

Parking & Transportation

Where should I park?

All parking campus lots will be available for guest parking. Handicap spaces will be available in front of Crossett Library.  

Will there be shuttles to transport me back and forth from my hotel to campus?

No.

Accessibility

I will be in a wheelchair or need  special assistance for a medical condition.

Please reach out to Dr. Cathy Anthofer-Fialon, Director of Campus Safety to communicate any disability accommodations you will need throughout the weekend.