The Class of 1980 was reunited, at least partially, in a weekend bacchanal of eating, drinking and oratory reminiscent of many past celebrations on Mayflower Hill (well, sort of). Although we sorely missed those who did not make it, we had a pretty good turnout, particularly if you include
the many attendees in utero.
Aside from the many opportunities given to parents to chase their children across the campus's vast green expanses, highlights of the weekend included a boating party on Henry Kennedy's boat, a cookout at the Gould Music Shell field and a dinner in the Student Union's new pub. I understand that only a small group made it to the boat, but they had enough fun for everyone else. The cookout was pretty laid back, with the best entrance being made by an
impressive contingent of KDRs, whose unplanned meeting at the road's edge resulted in their ambling across the field in a loose formation, shoulder-to-shoulder, like something out of an old Western.
The class dinner on Saturday night was the formal climax of the weekend. Bev Nalbandian Madden presided over the evening with her usual unassuming grace. Drinks before dinner were followed by a new drinking game at
dinner in which all of the expecting mothers ordered double shots of milk for
those who also were drinking for two.
Thus fortified, we were addressed in turn by President Bill Cotter, whose
remarks noted the 50th anniversary of the end of World War II; dean and coach
Mark Serdjenian '73, who recalled some of the events of our years at Colby
(despite the absence of his inspiration, Elliott Pratt); and Professor
Sandy Maisel, who took some tough questions from a politically astute crowd.
Well-deserved praise and gratitude were heaped upon the following members of
the class who have performed years of excellent and selfless work on behalf of
their classmates: Bev Madden, president; Joanne Shannon O'Donnell, vice
president; Patty Valavanis Smith, class correspondent; and members of
the reunion planning committee: Cynthia Auman (who produced the reunion
tape with Bev), James Coull, Linda Davis, Lynn Collins
Francis, Andrew Goode, Lisa Paskalides Grimmig, Anne
Hussey, Elizabeth Martin Hutchinson, William Jackson,
Steven Kirstein, Mimi Brodsky Kress, Joanne Shannon O'Donnell,
Elliott Pratt, Nancy Reed, Carol Sly (Alumni Council
representative and designer of the reunion T-shirt), Patty Valavanis Smith,
Joanne Lynch Thorndike (who put together the reunion handbook), Diana
Herrmann and Leslie Mitchell (class agent). As a result of the
generosity of these and many other class members, our class gift to the College
totaled $84,509
And because nature (and some things unnatural) abhors a vacuum, new class
officers were announced, as follows: president, Elliott Pratt; Alumni Council
representative and vice president, Anne Hussey; class correspondent, John
Veilleux. These people are now your representatives, for better or for
worse, so let them (us) know what you think.
Notable awards also went to Sara Crisp (most changed) and to Anne
Hussey (best knee scars). Finally, Bill Jackson was the winner of the coveted
Pink Flamingo. Road trips to the Jackson residence are encouraged to ensure
that the noble bird is properly displayed (and to confirm that, as Bill
reported, it matches the rest of the decor).
A supply of Reunion 1995 memorabilia is still available. Please call the
Alumni Relations Office if you would like to purchase a Class of '80 T-shirt.
--John Veilleux