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It’s spring in Vermont, which means increasing sun, hints of green, and the occasional mix of snow/sleet/freezing rain/rain.

In short, that feeling of hibernation is lifting, and the campus seems busier every day. Though, as I write this, students are mostly off-campus enjoying a well-deserved long weekend as we hit the mid-term.

The questions I most hear from alumni these days are: “Is there a reunion this year?” and “Is registration open yet?” The answers are, respectively, yes and no. 

I appreciate the anticipation and urge to return home to campus—especially since these get-togethers only happen every three years. Reunion planning is humming along, and my goal is to have a program and registration page ready by summertime.

I’ve been meeting with alumni, faculty, and staff to brainstorm interactive activities, panels, workshops, and events, as well as plenty of time for alumni to connect with each other. 

One of the most exciting developments is that we are bringing 24 Hour Plays to campus this fall with a Friday night performance! I’m very excited, and if you’d like to be involved in 24 Hour Plays, email me. I’ll be reaching out to past volunteers and participants soon to get the ball rolling.

If you would like to be part of a group of alumni volunteers who are stepping up to think about ways to ensure this fall’s All-Class Reunion is a success, . I’m convening some virtual meetings this month to get the discussions started with a goal of having key programming elements ironed out by the end of April. The ones I held earlier this month sparked some great ideas for us to spend time together.

The official Reunion registration process will open by June, but I would recommend reserving a place to stay now if you plan to attend, as fall is a busy time in Vermont. 

A couple of places have set aside rooms for us: You can book a room at (formerly the Paradise Inn). Just let them know you’re part of the 51�������� Reunion group to get a discounted rate. You can also call and mention “Alumni Reunion" when booking the room. 

We are working to reserve blocks of rooms at additional area hotels and will add them to this list as we secure spots. Here is a handy list of additional places to stay, if you don’t want to wait. 

Alumni Gatherings

There are also plenty of opportunities for us to spend time together before Reunion. 

There’s still time to RSVP for our all-alumni gathering in Los Angeles on Sunday, May 4, from 4:00–7:00 PM PST at the iconic Mack Sennett Studios. The event is hosted by Trustee Bryn Mooser ’01 and a handful of alumni from across the decades! If you live in or near Los Angeles or will be visiting the area around that time, I hope you’ll join us. President Laura Walker will be there to give updates on the state of the College, and I’ll be there to talk about this fall’s Reunion and plans to revive an Alumni Association. .

If you live in, or near, Portland, Oregon, three Bennington folks–Liza Stillhard ’00, Vivian Robbins ’14, and Bree Oswill MFA ’26–will host a gathering at Bar Loon on Wednesday, May 7, from 5:00–7:00 PM. .

If you’re within a quick drive of campus, or visiting the area in the next couple of months, there are incredible readings and performances happening on campus. Even if you can’t be here in person, a number of events have virtual options for anyone to tune in. To make sure you don't miss an event, I recommend that you sign up for our monthly public events newsletter email.

When available, we will share recordings of these performances and events in the alumni newsletter. Stay tuned!

If you would like help hosting a pop-up alumni gathering near you before October’s reunion, just let me know.

Onward,

Shay Totten '91 
Director of Alumni and Constituent Engagement