Win Hotchkiss ’46 added: “The six of us here have had a wonderful time reminiscing about the middle ’40s. It was wartime when we were here.” During his headmaster’s welcome, Bill spoke about his more than three decades on campus and how he has been able to see the school at both a personal level with his family and on a professional level in the various roles he held before becoming headmaster six years ago. “For me, the opportunity to spend time with alumni who I taught, coached or advised is so gratifying,” he said. He also gave highlights of the academic year related to the arts, athletics, student chapel talks, community partnerships in Hartford, new academic technology, and construction of the new dining hall, the student and faculty residence, and the student center. He then responded to questions about community service activities, family-style lunches in the new dining hall and what Westminster needs to do to compete with other schools. He concluded by saying, “Thank you for being here and caring so much about Westminster.”
50th Reunion Twenty-six members of the Class of 1966 celebrated their 50th reunion starting with a dinner in Hinman Reading Room that was attended by alumni, spouses and special guests, including Geoffrey Wilbraham P’76, and Ann and Larry Gilman P’78, ’80. Headmaster Philip welcomed the group, and Tad Ebling ’66 gave the blessing. Head prefect Chris Williamson ’66 read excerpts from newspapers from the 1960s, and Jody Vaill ’66 spoke about some things he learned during his five years at Westminster, emphasizing that the most important was “brotherhood is forever.” He commented about how he and his classmates probably spent more time together during their time at Westminster than they did with their siblings and parents. “Over the last 50 years since we graduated, each time I’ve had the pleasure of spending time with any one of you, I have been exhilarated by the renewed acquaintance with the bond that we share,” he said. “And the fact that you have all rallied so vigorously and enthusiastically to support and encourage this weekend’s gathering is high testament to the very great value that you place on your own Westminster experience.” Others also shared reflections at the dinner. D.G. Van Clief ’66 was pleased to be back for his 50th reunion saying, “A core of class leaders have kept people connected over the years and have been networking since last year. Our class has always been fairly irreverent and feels fierce pride.” George Kirschbaum ’66 added, “We might not see each other for years, but there is always camaraderie.” Members of the reunion committee included Jeff Cook, Derek Fahey, Will Holbrook, Brian O’Donnell, Dick Stewart and Jody Vaill.
25th Reunion The Class of 1991 had a great showing for its 25th reunion with alumni traveling from as far away as London, San Francisco, Texas and Sun Valley. Its reunion dinner was held at the home of faculty members Kathleen Devaney P’19 and Mark de Kanter ’91, P’19, where people enjoyed catching up. The night continued at the Old Well Tavern and then at an off-campus home. Members of the reunion committee included Christopher Campbell, Jason Clark, Alison Duxbury-Shadwick, Mark Frahm, Laura Guthrie Lear, Kelly Miller Lilly, Bo Webster, Matt Warner and Sara Whiteley. Fall 2016
43