Alumni Return to Campus for Reunion 2019
Last Saturday’s perfect weather set the tone for a festive Alumni Day and Reunion gathering on campus. From sporting events to musical performances to alumni awards to convivial meals, a full slate of fun kept returning alums busy as they reconnected with one another and celebrated their visit to campus.
Before lunch, a group of alumni attended a session on diversity, equity, and inclusion, with the conversation led by Alex Gamez ’14. Others watched boys’ varsity tennis, lacrosse, and baseball take on Belmont Hill School. Following the morning events, alumni from all classes gathered at the Head’s House for lunch, where they were welcomed by Head of School Ned Parsons. Parsons reminded the assembled group that relationships are central to the Rivers experience. “Our students have very real partnerships with their teachers and advisors and coaches, people who know them well enough to encourage them to take risks, help them discover their passions, and then support them in the hard work it takes to find success,” he said. He then introduced former faculty member Jack Jarzavek, who spoke about his time at Rivers.
Campus tours, a performance by the honors big band, and a varsity softball game followed. Members of the Class of 2004 gathered in the afternoon to honor the memory of classmate Ian Greenblatt, who passed away shortly after graduation.
A highlight of the day was the awards ceremony held on the patio behind the Head’s House, late in the afternoon. Bob Hohler ’69 received the Alumni Excellence Award, given to an alum who displays “extraordinary achievement within their career field or through an outstanding commitment to social, political, or other volunteer causes.” Hohler is a reporter for the Boston Globe whose award-winning stories have had a powerful impact and led to social change.
Alison Freed ’04 was given the Young Alumni Achievement Award, recognizing her accomplishments as a musician, performer, and voice-over artist. The Rivers Cup, given annually by the alumni association to a member of the alumni body who has shown extraordinary dedication to Rivers, was awarded to Cary Corkin ’69.
Alison Freed ’04 was given the Young Alumni Achievement Award, recognizing her accomplishments as a musician, performer, and voice-over artist. The Rivers Cup, given annually by the alumni association to a member of the alumni body who has shown extraordinary dedication to Rivers, was awarded to Cary Corkin ’69.
After the awards presentation, alumni, faculty, and friends gathered under a tent outside the Campus Center for the reunion reception. Conversation was lively as a DJ spun tunes and attendees enjoyed the last of the day’s sunshine while sipping, snacking, and reminiscing. The gathering adjourned for dinner in Kraft Dining Hall, where guests enjoyed a lavish buffet, a video made by Tyler Day ’20 documenting a year in the life of Rivers, a slide show, and more. Alumni were delighted to catch up with classmates and former teachers and to revisit some of their old haunts.
“Reunion is a time to celebrate and strengthen ties to Rivers,” says Marc Stroum '98, director of alumni engagement. “So welcoming back to campus alumni spanning 78 years, to spend time with faculty members, coaches, and classmates, was a wonderful sight. It truly was a spectacular day.”
To visit our SmugMug gallery of reunion photos, click here.
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