Class Get-togethers, WESeminars, Graduation at 2011 Reunion & Commencement Weekend

Celebrate graduating seniors and reminisce with former classmates during the 2011 Reunion & Commencement Weekend May 19-22.

This year, classes ending in “1” and “6” will celebrate their reunions, and the Class of 2011 will become Wesleyan’s 179th graduating class.

“As always, I’m looking forward to R&C – it’s such a fun and celebratory time for the entire Wesleyan community, with over 150 events during three days,” says Gemma Ebstein, associate vice president for external relations in University Relations. “In addition to another incredible array of WESeminars, we’ll enjoy great live music from Grammy-nominated Jazz singer Tierney Sutton ‘86, performances by WEStand-up alumni comedians and the Wesleyan Spirits and – of course – the traditional Friday and Saturday night parties. With reunion class gatherings, academic department open houses and the Festival on Foss Hill, there’s literally something for everyone. And the weekend culminates with Commencement where we’ll hear from legendary anthropologist and physician, Paul Farmer. If you haven’t made plans to join us for this memorable Wesleyan weekend, it’s not too late to register.”

Registration begins at 10 a.m. May 19 in Usdan University Center. Alumni, parents, students and families should check in for a final weekend schedule, meal tickets, a welcome packet, campus maps and more. Campus tours begin at 9 a.m. and noon on May 20 at the Office of Admission. The entire May 19 schedule is online here.

Wesleyan’s interactive and inspiring WESeminar program begins at 11:30 a.m. May 20 with the topic “How to Learn to Like the Art You Love to Hate.” WESeminars provide opportunities to revisit the classroom and experience firsthand the academic excellence that is the essence of Wesleyan, with presentations by scholars, pundits, and other experts in their fields. Programs run approximately 60 minutes, followed by audience Q&A.

Other topics this year include Immigration Policy, Principles and Politics; Space Weather; Community Partnership and Scholarship at Wesleyan; Re-Branding Russia; The Ocean’s Oddest Creatures; The Wesleyan Media Project’s 2010 Analysis of Political Advertising; Thinking Critically about the Environment; The State of Queer Connecticut; Negotiation Skills; Japanese Printmaking; Wesleyan Alumni in Philanthropy and Public Service; and many more.

Other key events on May 20 include a Welcome Picnic Lunch at 11:30 a.m.; Wesleyan Farmers’ Market at noon; WESU 88.1 FM Open House at 2 p.m.; a champagne reception for seniors at 4 p.m.; a Donor Associates reception at 5 p.m.; an All-College Dinner at 5 p.m.; and WESstand-Up comedy at 7 p.m. The evening will conclude with several reunion receptions and a performance by Russian major and jazz vocalist Tierney Sutton ’86, flutist Hubert Laws, and guitarist Larry Koonse at 8:30 p.m. Ticket sales benefit Wesleyan’s Green Street Arts Center After School Arts & Science Program. Stargazing at Van Vleck Observatory and a reunion party at Eclectic begin at 9 p.m. Friday’s full schedule is Events begin on May 21 with an annual family swim at 8 a.m.and a Cardinal Loop Fun Run at 8:30 a.m. Several academic programs and departments will host open houses starting at 9 a.m. The Parade of Classes begins at 11:15 a.m.; a tour of Wesleyan’s Green Street Arts Center begins at 11:30 a.m.; and the All-College Picnic and Festival on Foss Hill begins at 1 p.m. The Class of 2011 will reflect, share and recap their Wesleyan experience at 6 p.m. All attendees are invited to the Traditional All-College Sing at 9 p.m. The day concludes with an All-Campus Party Featuring Bands Mamarazzi and Mad Wow at 10 p.m. The entire May 20 schedule is online here.

The 179th Commencement Ceremony begins at 11 a.m. May 22. Dr. Paul Farmer, known worldwide for co-founding Partners In Health to serve the world’s poor, will receive an honorary degree and deliver the commencement address. President Michael Roth will host a Commencement Celebration immediately following the ceremony. The entire May 21 schedule is online here.

Several exhibitions will be open during R&C Weekend, including “Collecting Photographs: Ellen G. D’Oench and the Growth of a Collection” at the Davison Art Center; “The Great Sichuan Earthquake” at the Mansfield Freeman Center for East Asian Studies Gallery; “Poetry at Wesleyan” in Olin Library; Senior Art Theses Exhibitions in Ezra and Cecile Zilkha Gallery; and “Peace Wanted Alive,” featuring the work of professional photographer Bella Zanesco, as well as photos taken by students of the Kibera School for Girls, at the Zelnick Pavilion. Learn more about the exhibits online here.

Register now for Reunion & Commencement Weekend. Online registration is available through midnight on Friday, May 6.