September 10, 2025

This month has been a busy one. I was selected by my staff peers to deliver the staff Convocation remarks, which was a real honor. You can watch the entire Convocation here and read my remarks. 

The Reunion schedule is mostly intact at this point (and listed below). Times and locations will be emailed to registrants next week, along with a sign-up form so we know what workshops and activities you’ll attend. Signing up helps us ensure we have enough space (and know what to have ready for meals).

Want to see who’s coming? Scroll to the bottom of the Reunion page and you can see–by decade–who’s signed up so far.

It’s not too late: register for Reunion here! 

FYI: Tickets for the 24-Hour Plays are a separate purchase and are not included in the Reunion pricing. We did this because it is a fundraiser for two student scholarships. Can’t be there? You can purchase tickets for students to attend! 

Weekend highlights: 

FRIDAY

• Opening Reception: Join fellow alumni in the VAPA Galleria to kick off the weekend!
• 24-Hour Plays: Watch an incredible performance—written, directed, and acted by alumni and friends—make its debut on campus! All proceeds go toward two student scholarships: The Spencer Cox Scholarship and The Nicky Martin Memorial Scholarship. 
• Friday Night Party: Hosted by alumni from the 80s/90s at Deane Carriage Barn. (Open to all alumni.)

SATURDAY

• Milestone Celebration Breakfast: Celebrate alumni marking major milestones—from their 50th to their 80th reunion year!
• Life after Bennington: Hear from Bennington alumni about their post-graduation journeys. This session is open to alumni, families, and students.
• Lunchtime discussions with students! Grab lunch and join a cross-section of students for a discussion of what life is like at Bennington today.
• Alumni-student speed networking session designed to pair up students with alumni (or alumni with other alumni!) for career advice and insights. If you’d like to participate as an alumni advisor, email me.
• Workshops & Performances: Alumni, student, and faculty-led workshops and performances happening throughout campus. (Here’s a sample of what’s in the works. Pre-session sign-ups will be emailed to attendees next week.)
  • Aluminum Pour: Leather, noise, and sweat with Sculpture students.
  • Brain Coaching with AI: A 45-Minute Play Lab with Adnan Iftekhar ’97
  • Bennington Writing Seminars: Life After the MFA (panel of MFA alumni)
  • Campus Sound Walk with Edmund Mooney ’93 
  • Distinctly American: Book presentation with Rafe Churchill ’91 & Heide Hendricks (P '25, '28)
  • Room for Great Ideas: Tales from the advertising world. Join Nathan Thompson '86, lead editor at McCann Erickson, Betsy Yamazaki '84, VP Talent Acquisition at Manifest, and Editor/Animator Matt Ranson '87 for a run through of some of the most successful advertising campaigns of their last 40 years in the business. In a world dominated by talk of AI and technology, the advertising world demonstrates there is still room for great ideas.
  • History, Herstory, Ourstory: An alumni story share, Moth-style. Come hear alumni share stories from their time as students.  

• Bennington Networks Presentation: Be the first to hear about this exciting new initiative launching in 2026 to pair alumni mentors with 7th-term students.
• Remembering Stanley Rosen & Barry Bartlett: Join ceramics alumni for a remembrance of these two longtime faculty members.
• State of the College: Get a behind-the-scenes look at how Bennington is meeting today’s challenges and seizing new opportunities.
• Life after the MFA: A panel discussion and Q&A hosted by the Bennington Writing Seminars. Reception to follow at Cricket Hill..
• Alumni Dinner: Open to all alumni, this special event will feature the presentation of the Hudas Schwartz Liff '47 Award for outstanding volunteerism.
• Alumni Bands Showcase: A high-energy performance featuring Bennington alumni musicians, including the indie-rock band Winterpills, led by Philip Price '85.
• Film Screening: Love, Brooklyn: Join two Bennington alumni who worked together on this major motion film that is in theaters now. The film was directed by Rachael Holder (who attended the Bennington Summer Writing program), was written by Paul Zimmerman '77, and edited by Shawn Paper '90. Join Shawn and Paul for a discussion following the movie.

SUNDAY

• Yoga at End of the World: Start your Sunday with a relaxing, alumni-led yoga session at one of the most picturesque spots on campus.
• Bird Walk: Join the "Bennington Birders"–Biology faculty member Blake Jones and Director of Grants Fred Baumgarten–for a stroll around the campus to look for and identify the Birds of Bennington, including fall migrants that will be passing through. All levels welcome. Dress appropriately for the weather. Binoculars will be provided.
• Meditative Rhythms for All: Join Bennington Music faculty member Michael Wimberly and percussionist Sarah Tenney ’71 for a creative, meditative musical experience. Whether you want to play, sing, share poetry, or just listen, this is your chance to tap into the rhythm of the weekend.
• Alumni Coffee Hour: Join Director of Alumni Engagement Shay Totten '91, alumni trustees, and alumni from around the country to discuss the relaunch of an Alumni Association and other ways for alumni to volunteer in support of students and the College.

OFF-CAMPUS ON SUNDAY

• Tours of the Walloomsac Inn (1:00 pm): Explore this historic property—recently purchased by Rafe Churchill ’91—and learn about its exciting renovation plans.
• Memorial for Walter "Gator" Dunnington '84 (2:00 pm): A memorial will be held at Salem Art Works, in Salem, NY. (30-45 minutes from campus).

Reunion weekend, as it has in the past, will coincide with the College’s Fall Weekend festivities, designed for students and families. That gives us, as alumni, a chance to connect with students and families and share insights into what life is like “after Bennington.” Not all Reunion activities are open to families and students, however, because we know it’s important for alumni to have their own time together.

Again, here is the registration link. 

You can book a discounted room at Hotel Vervana or the Knotty Pine. (I believe there are a few rooms left at Vervana). Let them know you’re part of the Bennington College Reunion group to get a discounted rate.  

Here is a handy list of additional places to stay, but please note these places are not offering special rates for alumni. 

See you all soon,

Shay Totten ’91
Director of Alumni and Constituent Engagement