Campus & Community Notes: Shay Totten '91

Hello! 

I thought I’d introduce myself now that I’ve been in this role for a whole month.

Congratulations that your student found Bennington (or Bennington found them). In my first month back, I’ve had time to connect with some of the current students and parents, as well as fellow alumni. 

I can’t express how excited I am for your student to be part of the Bennington experience. So much has changed from when I first started classes in the fall of 1986. At the same time, some things have changed little—the campus still buzzes with creativity, Commons Lawn, the End of the World, the walk to Jennings, the flyers—so many flyers. It’s nice to see that even in our hyperdigital world that student-created posters dominate the bulletin boards and all available doors leading in and out of Commons.

My love for this place has endured. I’ve been a student, an alum, and the spouse of an alum—whom I met at Bennington. I’ve also been a Bennington parent (shoutout to fellow alumni parents!) and am now the parent of a student at a college that is not Bennington (harumph). It’s these latter roles that help me understand the desire to keep tabs on your student’s campus and life away from home, while not wanting to be too involved. You want to know they are safe, supported, and thriving. 

That said, what would you like to know more, or less, about? Please drop me an email and let me know.

For those who had the opportunity to visit campus during Fall Weekend, you couldn’t have picked a better time to visit. The semester is in full swing and… the weather! Gorgeous!

We also welcomed Michael Pollan ’76 to campus along with his wife Judith Belzer ’78 for a daylong visit with students, families, faculty, and staff, which culminated in a packed Tishman Q&A. In his talk, Michael gave a master class on how his Bennington experience shaped his career as a journalist and culture changer—all starting with his first Field Work Term working at The Paris Review under the legendary editor and writer George Plimpton. He made connections and friendships that opened doors for him after graduation.

If you did not get to hear his talk, please email me. I’d be happy to share a recording. While not every student achieves Michael Pollan’s level of success, we all end up shaping the world around us in meaningful and fulfilling ways.

New parents, welcome to Bennington, and welcome back, fellow alumni and returning families.

Onward,

Shay Totten '91 
Director of Alumni and Constituent Engagement