Alumni Reconnect at Reunion 2018
Saturday’s weather may not have been the best—a sunny morning soon turned cool and rainy—but it didn’t deter stalwart alums from 1940 on from gathering for Reunion 2018. The highlight of the day was the afternoon Awards Reception and Presentation, where Chris Ehrlich ’88 received the Alumni Excellence Award, Rachel Hunter ’08 was awarded the Young Alumni Achievement Award, and Jon Wasserman ’88 was the recipient of the 2018 Rivers Cup.
The day began with an informal coffee and conversation session hosted by alumna and trustee Louise Cummings ’98. After a review by Director of Diversity and Inclusivity John Bower on the recent past and current state of diversity, equity, and inclusion at Rivers, a lively discussion ensued about future goals and their implementation. Lunch for all classes followed at the Head’s House and featured a State of the School update from Ned Parsons as well as a talk by archivist and history teacher Dave Burzillo. Dave focused on five items from the archives that marked the beginning of a period of growth for the school during the past century.
While athletic events were cancelled due to the weather, alumni had the opportunity to attend the final on campus performance of the award-winning Honors Big Band before returning to the Head’s House for the afternoon Award Reception and Presentation. Ned Parsons opened the program by honoring David Tierney for his 26 years of dedicated service to Rivers as Director of The Rivers School Conservatory and Chair of the Performing Arts Department. David will step down in June to become Head of School at Cambridge Friends School.
Receiving the Alumni Excellence Award was Chris Ehrlich ’88, Managing Director and Global Head of Locust Walk’s Biopharmaceutical Practice in San Francisco. Rachel Hunter ’08, member of Apollo Global Management’s Commercial Real Estate Team, and Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, was presented with the Young Alumni Achievement Award. Jon Wasserman ’88 was the surprised recipient of the 2018 Rivers Cup, given annually by the Alumni Association to a member of the alumni body who has shown extraordinary dedication to Rivers. Jon is currently Rivers’ Director of Finance and Operations, having previously served in the Alumni and Advancement Office, and held a number of volunteer alumni positions.
Following the Awards Presentation, alumni, faculty, and friends joined the Reunion Reception and Dinner in the Campus Center. Attendees got a first-hand look at Rivers today through an in-depth day-in-the-life video, and enjoyed a look at the Rivers of yesterday in a slide show of old yearbook and reunion photos. Conversations, class photos, a photo booth with props that also found their way into class photos, made for a lively evening.
“We were so lucky to go to Rivers,” commented Scott Feinerman ’98. “It’s incredible to see all the changes that have taken place and to take a stroll down memory lane. Thanks, Rivers, for putting this together. I can’t wait for our 25th!”
Click here for a gallery of photos from Reunion 2018.
“I heard from many alumni that they were so thrilled to be back on campus, a place where they spent some of their best years.” said Marc Stroum, Director of Alumni Engagement. “Emotions of pride and nostalgia were running high. Alumni told me they enjoyed seeing classmates and friends, and seeing some of their favorite teachers. We can’t wait to begin planning Reunion 2019.”
Click here for a gallery of photos from Reunion 2018.
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