Here's our final schedule for Commencement/Reunion Weekend, updated May 13.  If you'd like to download a .pdf copy that you can print now, click the symbol at the right.

We haven't included everything that's going to be happening on campus; for that, the College will print a handy "Red Book."  It's also available as an app, and here it is in .pdf form.

However, the asterisks below denote events specifically for the Class of 1969 50th Reunion group.  The icons link to a few additional details about particular events.

 

SCHEDULE OF CLASS EVENTS
50th REUNION
CLASS OF 1969

Reunion Headquarters: Kahn Hall, 169 N. Professor St.
The Kahn Hall lounge is available for informal visiting throughout the weekend.

Friday, May 24

FRI  10:00 A.M. – 7:00 P.M.
Welcome Refreshments at Class Headquarters*
Kahn Hall, First Floor Lounge
(First official Oberlin reunion event)    

FRI  10:00 A.M. – 4:30 P.M.
Archives Open House and Exhibition for 1969 and 1994
Mudd Center, Goodrich Room (Room 410)
(Exhibit will be closed from noon – 1:00 p.m.)

FRI  1:00 – 3:00 P.M.
1969 Class Service Project*
Oberlin Public Library, 65 S. Main St.

FRI  3:00 – 4:30 P.M.
1969 Reunion Kickoff Reception*
Conservatory, Stull Recital Hall (Bibbins 339)
Come join all the 69ers in attendance for a kickoff meet and greet reception. We’ll go through all of what’s happening throughout the weekend, have light refreshments as we schmooze with each other, and hope to have a welcome back from a special guest! (The room is open until 6 p.m. for those who don’t attend the next two events.)

FRI  4:30 – 6:00 P.M.
Leadership Donor Reception
The Hotel at Oberlin, Peter B. Lewis Ballroom
Members of the John Frederick Oberlin Society, the Luminary Society, and the Charles Martin Hall Society are invited for a reception and short program honoring them for their support of Oberlin. Sponsored by the Office of Development.

FRI  5:00 – 6:00 P.M.
Choral Sing Rehearsal 
Conservatory, Rehearsal Room (C25)
Rehearsal for the choral sing performance on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. The Brahms German Requiem will be sung in memory of Robert Fountain and the losses to our Obie class families. All choral singers welcome.

FRI  6:30 P.M.
Champagne Social for Alumni and Graduating Seniors ($)
Wilder Bowl, Big Top
Enjoy plenty of food in an interactive and intergenerational setting, toast the Class of 2019 as you welcome them into the Alumni Association, celebrate the alumni community, and join the fun by playing Oberlin Bingo. Reserved seating has been arranged for members of the Class of 1969. The 1969 & 2019 Little Booklet of Advice will also be distributed.

FRI  8:30 P.M.
The Grand Piano Extravaganza ($)
Conservatory, Warner Concert Hall

FRI  9:00 P.M.
1969 Social Gathering*
Kahn Hall, First Floor Lounge
Join us for an informal gathering of friends in the Kahn Hall Lounge for catching up with classmates or performances by musicians in the class (jazz, folk, etc.) and a sing-along. Light refreshments will be provided for the evening.

Saturday, May 25

SAT  7:00 A.M.
Breakfast for Reunion Alumni
Stevenson Hall, Biggs Commons
Alumni and their guests with official name tags are invited to enjoy a continental breakfast in Stevenson Hall, right next door to Kahn Hall. Coffee, tea, whole fruit, and granola bars will be available in Kahn Hall for your convenience.

SAT  8:00 – 9:30 A.M.
Get to Know Each Other Again – or for The First Time*
Samoan Circle 
First Church, Fellowship Hall (106 N. Main St.)  
We will begin the first full day of the reunion with an unusual event that will allow as many of us as possible to talk (very briefly) about whatever it is that’s on our minds. In what is known as a Fishbowl in the trade union world or a Samoan Circle in the conflict resolution community, this technique (whatever you choose to call it) is a way for a large and diverse group of people to raise a lot of issues they want to talk about in a very brief period of time. We actually did one at a reunion with great success. Alas, the historical record is a bit murky as to whether it was our thirtieth or thirty-fifth. Whenever it happened, it was fun, slightly chaotic, and useful.

SAT  10:00 – 11:30 A.M.
Progressive Activism: What Do We Do Now?*
First Church, Fellowship Hall (106 N. Main St.)   
This workshop is a place for participants to share and discuss what people are doing to promote justice in our society. We will meet in a format which is intended to give everyone a chance to speak. Everyone is welcome. We want to explore what we have learned over the years, what activism we feel works and what activism we feel has not worked well, without casting recrimination or blame on others. Our hope is that people will leave the workshop feeling energized, with a better understanding of how to be effective in our activism now and in the years ahead.

SAT  Noon – 1:30 P.M.
Half-Century Club Luncheon ($)
The Hotel at Oberlin, Peter B. Lewis Ballroom
Special event featuring President Carmen Ambar for alumni who have celebrated their 50th reunion. The Class of 1969 will be welcomed into the Half-Century Club by the President of the Class of 1968.

SAT  1:30 – 3:00 P.M.
Get to Know Each Other Again – or for The First Time! (continued)*
First Church, Fellowship Hall (106 N. Main St.)
We will have a series of tables, each with a theme — like: “I try not to be an old crank, but seeing all of these incandescently young people makes me want to...”; “What ticks me off /makes me fond of this college, now that time has passed, is....”; “Death doesn't scare me yet, except. . .” Anyone who sits down at a table is obliged to talk about the topic sentence, but you don’t have to stay — you can float, pick up and drop down at another table whenever you want. We hope this format provides a counterbalance to more formal speeches and other front-of-the room events.

SAT  1:30 – 3:00 P.M.
Concurrent Sessions on Various Topics*
First Church, various rooms (106 N. Main St.)
— How to care about and for family members without getting eaten up in the process: Some of us find ourselves in “helping” roles with aging parents, adult children, impaired siblings, and/or partners or spouses. The drain may be emotional, financial, or physical. In this session we will share our experiences, hope, and strength as we face these challenges.
— Climate change and racism: This session will provide opportunities for personal reflection and connecting with former classmates about our experiences, challenges, hopes, and plans related to these key issues. During the past few years, it seems that the veil that had been covering racism in our nation is being gradually removed, and many are feeling empowered to express and act-out their racial bias. At the same time, climate change poses an immense threat to humans and other life forms.  In this session we will invite participants to share how these issues have affected each of us directly or indirectly and look at some of their interconnections. We will explore how we as Obies of '69 might help bring about racial justice and contribute to stopping climate change. The session will be interactive and participatory.

SAT  3:30 – 4:45 P.M.
Choral Sing
Conservatory, Warner Concert Hall
All reunion attendees, parents, and friends are invited to attend or join in singing the Brahms German Requiem. We sing in fond memory of our departed classmates and faculty, and to honor Dean Robert Fountain’s tremendous musical influence on generations of Oberlin students, faculty, Musical Union townies, and the world community via College Choir tours and recordings.  (NOTE: Singers warm up on stage at 3:15 p.m.) 

SAT  4:00 P.M.
Conservatory Reception
Conservatory, Stull Recital Hall (Bibbins 339)
A celebratory reception congratulating the Class of 2019 and recognizing families and alumni of the Conservatory and College music degree programs. Hosted by Acting Dean of the Conservatory William Quillen and conservatory faculty.

SAT  5:00 P.M.
1969 Class Photo*
Severance Hall Steps (Rain location:Wilder Hall lobby)

SAT  6:00 P.M.
Class of 1969 Soirée ($)*
Carnegie Building, Root Room
Heavy hors d’oeuvres/buffet with beer and time to mingle with classmates and emeritus faculty guests.

SAT  8:00 P.M.
Commencement Recital Part I
Finney Chapel
Outstanding conservatory seniors will perform. Free admission.

SAT  8:00 P.M.
Class of 1969 Talent and Variety Show*
Conservatory, Kulas Hall 
Come One, Come All! This 90-minute Entertainment Extravaganza of Divertissements and Attractions hosted by Class President Wayne Alpern features a marquee roster of classmates extraordinaire presenting a cornucopia of stage and screen, song and storytale, poetry and piano, classics and comedy, jazz and jokes, showtunes and sonatas, dashed with doo-wop, guitar, oboe, electric bass and haiku. Caveats: 1. No tomatoes. 2. If you miss anything this weekend, it shouldn’t be this.

SAT  9:30 P.M.
1969 Social Gathering*
Kahn Hall, First Floor Lounge
Join us for an informal gathering of friends in the Kahn Hall Lounge for catching up with classmates or performances by musicians in the class (jazz, folk, etc.) and a sing-along. Light refreshments will be provided for the evening.

Sunday, May 26

SUN  7:00 A.M.
Breakfast for Reunion Alumni
Stevenson Hall, Biggs Commons
Alumni and their guests with official name tags are invited to enjoy a continental breakfast in Stevenson Hall, right next door to Kahn Hall. Coffee, tea, whole fruit, and granola bars will be available in Kahn Hall for your convenience.

SUN  8:00 A.M.
Oberlin Shansi Breakfast ($)
Stevenson Dining Hall, Longman Commons

SUN  8:00 – 10:00 A.M.
Women’s Breakfast*
Asia House, Library
We will convene as a large group with healthy food, begin with a few minutes of Qi Gong warm up led by Debby Roosevelt, followed by singing led by Rhonda Liss. We will then break into small groups to discuss focused topics, reconvene as a large group for report backs, and end with singing. Non-Oberlin women spouses, significant others, daughters, and granddaughters are welcome.

SUN  8:00 – 10:00 A.M.
Men’s Breakfast*
Asia House, Shipherd Lounge
As we have at each reunion since our 30th, we will have a men’s breakfast. These have always been informal opportunities to discuss the way our lives have changed as men, and we assume that the same thing will happen this time, too. Our lives, of course, have changed a lot since that first breakfast a generation ago. Now, we expect the discussion to touch on some issues that weren’t on our agenda then (aging, retirement, health) as well as issues that still preoccupy us (relationships, addiction, what the future looks like). Both healthy (and less than healthy) food will be available. All men are welcome, including partners/spouses.

SUN  8:00 A.M.
5K Fun Run and Walk
Tappan Square, Memorial Arch

SUN  10:30 A.M.
Presidential Address and Crimson and Gold Convocation
Finney Chapel
A special Commencement/Reunion Weekend convocation featuring President Carmen Twillie Ambar's state-of-the-college address; the announcement of reunion class gift totals; the presentation of Alumni Association awards; and an organ recital by Eunjae Park ’19. Reserved seating will be available for members of the Class of 1969.

SUN  12:00 P.M.
Box Lunches and Ice Cream Social ($)*
Kahn Hall, Front Lawn (Rain Location: Stevenson Hall, Biggs Commons)
The ice cream social will feature novelties from Cowhaus Creamery, owned and operated by Josef Bomback ’76.

SUN  1:00 – 4:00 P.M.
Archives Open House and Exhibition for 1969 and 1994
Mudd Center, Goodrich Room (Room 410)

SUN  1:30 P.M.
Multifaith Baccalaureate Celebration
Finney Chapel
A multifaith celebration with blessings and reflections in honor of the Class of 2019, alumni, families, and friends, including musical tributes by Conservatory musicians. The Baccalaureate address, “12 Years, What Now?” will be given by Matthew Fox, who will respond to the 2019 United Nations Climate Report with an urgent call to action. Sponsored by the Office of Religious and Spiritual Life and the Office of the President.

SUN  1:30 – 3:00 P.M.
Westwood Cemetery Walking Tour*
Meet outside of Kahn Hall 
Take a historic tour of Oberlin’s only cemetery, Westwood Cemetery (located near the west end of Morgan Street). If Mother Nature cooperates, we will walk from Kahn Hall to the cemetery—a distance of 1.4 miles (about half an hour)—while viewing historic sites along the way. For those who prefer not to walk or if the weather is poor, a shuttle will be available to transport us to and from the location. (Shuttles will leave from Kahn and return attendees back to First Church for the Class of 1969 Memorial Service.) As we wend our way through the cemetery, we will visit the gravesites of former faculty members, college presidents, individuals involved in the Underground Railroad, and other memorable citizens, some with very unique gravestones.
A shuttle will leave Kahn Hall at 1:15 p.m.  for those who do not wish to walk to Westwood Cemetery. The same shuttle will leave from the cemetery at 2:45 p.m. to drop you off at First Church for the Class of 1969 Memorial Service.

SUN  1:30 – 3:00 P.M.
Class of 1969 Storytelling Event*
Conservatory, Kulas Recital Hall
Come hear stories from your classmates—of all different types, from all kinds of sources, about all kinds of subjects. Although the allotted time has essentially been filled with classmates’ stories, you are most welcome to join in as a listener. Sharing is a conversation. Both ends are important!

SUN  1:30 – 3:00 P.M.
Concurrent Sessions on Various Topics*
First Church, various rooms (106 N. Main St.)

SUN  3:15 – 4:30 P.M.
Class of 1969 Memorial Service* 
First Church, Meeting House (106 N. Main St.)
This service of music, readings, quiet time, and the naming of our deceased classmates will provide an opportunity to remember and reflect on the friends we have lost.

SUN  4:45 – 5:45 P.M.
Private Tour of the Allen Memorial Art Museum for the Class of 1969*
Allen Memorial Art Museum

SUN  6:00 P.M.
Class of 1969 Dinner ($)* 
The Hotel at Oberlin, Peter B. Lewis Ballroom
Professor of Music Theory Brian Alegant and Professor of Psychology and Environmental Studies Cynthia Frantz will be guest speakers. Professors Alegant and Frantz have also served on the Administrative and Academic Program Review (AAPR) steering committee.

SUN  8:00 P.M.
Commencement Recital Part II
Finney Chapel
Outstanding conservatory seniors will perform. Free admission.

SUN  7:00 – 10:00 P.M.
Social on the Square
Tappan Square
This old-fashioned ice cream social has become a mainstay of Illumination night. An assortment of pies as well as locally produced ice cream and assorted beverages provided by Oberlin IGA will be available for purchase. (Rain location starting at 8:00 p.m. in Wilder Bowl, under the Big Top Tent)

SUN  9:30 P.M.
Campus Illumination and Commencement Concert
Tappan Square, Finney Chapel Plaza (Rain Location:Wilder Bowl Big Tent)
Tappan Square at its most beautiful, with hundreds of colored Japanese lanterns strung across the green. An Oberlin jazz ensemble will begin performing at 9:30 p.m. Immediately following the jazz performance, Oberlin Steel will perform on the steps of Finney Chapel in the tradition of great steel bands of Trinidad with arrangements of salsa, calypso, and jazz tunes, as well as original compositions and arrangements by band members.

Monday, May 27

MON  7:00 A.M.
Coffee & Tea Available
Kahn Hall, First Floor Lounge
(No continental breakfast available in Stevenson Hall)

MON  9:30 A.M.
Academic Procession and Commencement Exercises 
Tappan Square
The ceremony will feature Lisa Jackson, former EPA administrator from 2009-2013 and current vice president of environment, policy, and social initiatives at Apple. Classmate Robert Krulwich '69 will receive an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Fine Arts. (Note: A live AV feed of the commencement ceremony will take place in Warner Concert Hall, beginning at 9:15 a.m. Doors open at 8:15 a.m.)

MON  12:30 P.M.
Farewell Brunch for the Class of 1969 ($)*  
Kendal at Oberlin, Fox & Fell Dining Room
(Transportation available to Kendal starting at 11:30 a.m. in front of Kahn Hall. A return shuttle will be available at 2:00 p.m. Please note that the shuttle will make multiple trips to accommodate everyone).

MON  Following Farewell Brunch
Tour of Kendal at Oberlin
Kendal at Oberlin
Tour arranged by Gael Treesiwin ’69