REUNION WEEKEND JUNE 4-7, 2015
Thursday
• Gettysburg Part I (Stories with Tim Rockwell) • Golf Scramble • Robotics with Julia Stojak Maurer ’90 • Photography Part I with Kristen Pixler • Wine Tasting with Peggy Raley Ward ’85 • Volunteer Recognition Reception
Schedule at a Glance
• Simon after Dark: Outdoor Movie
Friday
• Gettysburg Part II (Battlefield Tour) • Masters Swim Workout with Tim O’Brien ’85, Kim Lloyd ’90, and Glenn Neufeld • Hiking with Mercersburg Outdoor Education • Green Thumb Tour with Avery Cook • Photography Part II with Kristen Pixler • College Counseling with Sally O’Rourke • Art Reception with Maremi Hooff Andreozzi ’90 • Hidden Spaces with Frank Rutherford ’70 • Swing Dancing with Denise and John David Bennett • Television Tales with Larry Mirkin ’65 • Campus Tours • Faculty Celebration with the Alumni Council • Simon after Dark: Jam Session
Saturday
• Yoga • Biking with Mercersburg Outdoor Education • Conversation with Head of School Douglas Hale • Garden Tour with Todd McGuire • Remembrance and Awards Ceremony • Train Museum Tours • Odds vs. Evens Kickball Game • Field Biology with Brent Gift • Blueprints with John Prentiss ’65 and Bill Gridley ’69 • Beer School with Nate Fochtman ’03 • Birds of Prey with Jim Malone • Class Photos and Reception • Class Dinners • Photo Booth • Simon after Dark: Fire with S’mores
Sunday
• Head of School’s Breakfast for the Class of 1965 • Chapel Service
Register by May 1 for special pricing.
Thursday, June 4 Gettysburg Part I: Stories of Battle with Tim Rockwell – 2:30 p.m. Fewer than 50 miles from Mercersburg lies one of the most famous battlefields in the world. Emeritus faculty member Tim Rockwell will bring American history to life as he shares stories from Gettysburg. Learn about the Civil War’s bloodiest battle and pivotal confrontation. Golf Scramble – 2:30 p.m. Break out your polo shirts and clubs and play nine holes with some of your favorite faculty members at Whitetail Resort. (Please register by May 26.) Robotics with Julia Stojak Maurer ’90 – 2:30 p.m. From HAL to R2-D2, robots were once the stuff of science fiction; now they’re part of Mercersburg’s curriculum. Hear from Academic Dean Julie Maurer how the robotics program has expanded in recent years, and try operating a small robot yourself.
Wine Tasting with Peggy Raley Ward ’85 – 4 p.m. Enjoy samplings from Peggy Ward’s award-winning Nassau Valley Vineyards, the first winery in the state of Delaware, established nearly 30 years ago. Volunteer Recognition Reception – 5:30 p.m. Head of School Douglas Hale and the Alumni Council invite reunion committee members, event host committee members, class agents, and all other alumni, parent, and faculty volunteers to a reception in gratitude for their service during 2014-2015. Dinner – 6:30 p.m. Dinner will be served at stations throughout the Simon Student Center. Simon after Dark: Outdoor Movie – 8:30 p.m. Catch a big-screen movie on Spider Field while enjoying snacks and beverages, or chat around the fire pit outside the Simon Student Center.
Photography Part I with Kristen Pixler – 4 p.m. Bring your digital camera—or borrow one that’s provided—and capture the beauty of Mercersburg’s campus as art faculty member Kristen Pixler gives pointers on landscape photography. (All experience levels welcome. Limited to 12 participants.)
Friday, June 5 Breakfast – 7 a.m. Gettysburg Part II: Battlefield Tour – 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Gettysburg National Military Park spans nearly 4,000 acres and attracts 1 million visitors every year. Spend time exploring the Gettysburg Museum & Visitor Center, then board a bus with a National Park Service guide to tour the battlefield. (Please register by May 22.) Masters Swim Workout with Tim O’Brien ’85, Kim Lloyd ’90, and Glenn Neufeld – 8 a.m. Nitro Swimming coach Tim O’Brien, Denison University assistant swimming and diving coach Kim Lloyd, and Mercersburg swimming coach Glenn Neufeld invite you to join them for a morning swim practice in the pool. (For adults only.)
Hiking with Mercersburg Outdoor Education – 8 a.m. Mercersburg Outdoor Education faculty member Marcus Jaiclin will lead a four-mile roundtrip hike over gently rolling hills on the Tuscarora Trail. The turnaround point will offer spectacular views of the valleys west of campus. (This hike will last approximately three and a half hours.) Green Thumb Tour with Avery Cook – 9 a.m. Since Mercersburg’s founding, the campus has grown from four acres to 300 and is known for its beautiful landscaping, magnificent trees, and panoramic views. Hear from Head of Grounds Avery Cook how the Mercersburg staff maintains William Mann Irvine’s vision for a picturesque campus and discover little-known facts about the campus design.
Photography Part II with Kristen Pixler – 10:30 a.m. Learn how to perform basic digital editing on photographs using Adobe Photoshop. Enhance your images or transform them into specialized art with a few clicks of a button. (Limited to 12 participants. Photos will be provided for those who missed Part I.) College Counseling with Sally O’Rourke – 10:30 a.m. What should you know about the college application process as your child or grandchild begins his or her search for the right school? Sally O’Rourke, Mercersburg’s director of college counseling, will share some of the trends in college admission and answer your questions. Lunch – 11:30 a.m. Art Reception with Maremi Hooff Andreozzi ’90 – 1 p.m. Join Maremi Andreozzi for refreshments in the Cofrin Gallery and examine “Here and There,” an exhibit of her paintings of contemporary landscapes that focus on nuances of the sky. Maremi’s play between organic and inorganic subject matter creates powerful, minimal compositions. Hidden Spaces of Campus with Frank Rutherford ’70 – 1:30 p.m. Faculty member Frank Rutherford will give you a less-than-traditional tour of campus, exploring some of Mercersburg’s hidden treasures: the old swimming pool in Nolde Gymnasium, the tower in Nolde, and the bell tower in the Irvine Memorial Chapel.
Swing Dancing with Denise and John David Bennett – 3 p.m. Learn the basics of this popular dance style from faculty member J.D. Bennett and his wife, Denise, and see why it’s loved in both social and competitive circles. (All experience levels welcome.) Television Tales with Larry Mirkin ’65 – 3 p.m. Larry Mirkin has been the driving force behind more than 200 television programs over the past 30 years, including shows like Fraggle Rock and The Jim Henson Hour. Hear from this independent producer how Mercersburg roots prepared him for the world of television and film entertainment. Campus Tours – 3 p.m. Enjoy a walking tour with a member of the Student Alumni Association or a recent graduate. See how the campus you remember compares to today! Faculty Celebration with the Alumni Council – 5 p.m. The Alumni Council will host a special send-off for this year’s retiring faculty members: Jim Applebaum, Larry Jones, and Karl Reisner. Come wish them well in their adventures post-Mercersburg. “Down on the Shore” Dinner and Entertainment – 6:30 p.m. Enjoy a seashore-themed dinner of steamed shrimp, lobster rolls, hushpuppies, burgers, hand-dipped ice cream, and more, with musical entertainment by the Bachelor Boys Band. Simon after Dark: Jam Session – 10 p.m. Drop by the Simon Student Center for live music provided by David Koch ’85 and fellow classmates.
Saturday, June 6 Breakfast – 7 a.m. Yoga – 8 a.m. Start your day with a yoga session in the Burgin Center for the Arts. (All experience levels welcome.) Biking with Mercersburg Outdoor Education – 8 a.m. Tackle the trails around campus on a mountain bike with Mercersburg Outdoor Education faculty member Matthew Caretti. (Bicycles and helmets will be provided.)
Conversation with Head of School Douglas Hale – 9:30 a.m. Doug Hale will share the latest news from 300 East Seminary Street and discuss what’s on the horizon for Mercersburg. Garden Tour with Todd McGuire – 10 a.m. Faculty member Todd McGuire will explain how the community garden came about, what crops the garden produces, and how the garden is integrated into school life.
Remembrance and Awards Ceremony – 11 a.m. Join faculty member Paul Galey in honoring the memory of alumni who have passed away in the last year and in recognizing this year’s recipients of the Class of ’32 Award (John Prentiss ’65), Alumni Council Achievement Award (Jim Lampl ’70 and Michael Davies ’85), and Alumni Council Service Award (Phil Lloyd ’65 and Stacie Rice Lissette ’85). Train Museum Tours – 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Opened in 1973 behind South Cottage, the McFadden Model Railroad Museum features hundreds of Lionel train engines and cars, some dating to the 1920s. Children and adults alike will be fascinated by this charming model railroad. Lunch – 11:30 a.m. Odds vs. Evens Kickball Game – 1:30 p.m. Relive your elementary school days with an ol’-fashioned game of kickball on Spider Field. Field Biology with Brent Gift – 1:30 p.m. Indulge your inner biologist with emeritus faculty member Brent Gift for a “field trip” to the nearby Conococheague Creek. Dressed in a pair of waders, you’ll collect water samples, check small mammal traps, and experience a local ecosystem. Blueprints with John Prentiss ’65 and Bill Gridley ’69 – 1:30 p.m. How does Mercersburg decide what kinds of facilities to build—and where? Board of Regents member John Prentiss and Bill Gridley of Bowie Gridley Architects will talk about the campus master plan and several new construction projects.
Beer School with Nate Fochtman ’03 – 3 p.m. Nate Fochtman, vice president of craft and business development at Ace Distributing, will present a selection of beverages from Lagunitas, the fifth largest craft brewery in the United States. Learn about this rapidly growing company and sample a few of their fine ales. Birds of Prey with Jim Malone – 3 p.m. Learn about predators of the skies from faculty member Jim Malone, who will give a lesson on hawk and owl biology and may even introduce you to baby barn owls and kestrels. Class Photos and Reception – 6:15 p.m. Pose on the quad for your class photo and capture this special moment for posterity. Enjoy a pre-dinner reception while you wait. Class Dinners – 7 p.m. This semi-formal dinner with classmates is the culmination of Reunion Weekend. Live music and dancing with the Odyssey Band of D.C. will follow on the quad. (This is a 21-and-older event. Dinner for alumni from the 5th reunion, 50th reunion, and Loyalty Club is complimentary.) Photo Booth – 8:30 p.m. Grab your classmates for formal, funny, or candid photos in the Burgin Center’s north gallery. Stony Batter props will be available to accessorize your Kodak moment. Simon after Dark: Fire with S’mores – 10 p.m. Cap the night with freshly made s’mores around the fire pit outside the Simon Student Center.
Sunday, June 7 Breakfast – 7 a.m. Head of School’s Breakfast for the Class of 1965 – 8 a.m. The Class of 1965 is invited to enjoy breakfast with Doug and Peggy Hale at the 1893 House. Chapel Service – 10 a.m. The Rev. Dr. Lawrence A. Jones, school minister, will lead an ecumenical service in the Irvine Memorial Chapel.
How to Register
Tell Your Story Lounge
Registering for Reunion Weekend is quick and easy: visit www.mercersburg.edu/reunionweekend or call 800-588-2550.
Join your classmates in the Jane Ford Lounge to record your Mercersburg memories on video: from favorite teacher or first love to best win or craziest prank.
When You Arrive Stop by the Simon Student Center to check in and receive your dorm assignment and room key (if applicable) and an updated schedule for the weekend. Check-in will be open from 2 to 7 p.m. Thursday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, and 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Saturday.
Dormitory Accommodations Lodging is available in the dorms at a cost of $25 per bed per night, plus a $25 refundable security deposit. This fee includes linens, towels, and a blanket. You may bring sleeping bags or air mattresses for children, and a family-friendly dorm will be available.
Campus Facilities The Plantz Basketball Courts, Davenport Squash Center, McDowell Fitness Center, Flanagan Pool, and Smoyer Tennis Center will be available for your use throughout the weekend. (Pick up a schedule with hours of operation when you check in.)
Guests staying in dorms are encouraged to check in by 7 p.m. Thursday, 8 p.m. Friday, or 6:30 p.m. Saturday. If you plan to arrive after check-in, payment is due in advance, and you will be able to pick up your registration materials by contacting the Security Office upon arrival at 717-328-1111.
School Store Browse for your favorite Mercersburg merchandise in the school store in the Simon Student Center. The store will be open from 2 to 8 p.m. Thursday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Sunday.
Accommodations and Restaurants For a list of local hotels, bed-and-breakfasts, and restaurants, contact the Office of Advancement & Alumni Relations at 800-588-2550 or visit www.mercersburg.edu/reunionweekend.
Tobacco and Alcohol Policy Mercersburg is a smoke-free campus; tobacco is not permitted at any time. Consumption of alcohol on campus may only take place when provided by the school at designated events. Responsible consumption is expected, and failure to observe this policy may result in dismissal from campus.
For a list of reunion frequently asked questions, visit www.mercersburg.edu/reunionweekend.
Reunion Weekend
FAMILY FUN Reunion Weekend isn’t just for adults—it’s for kids too.
Consider making Reunion Weekend a mini-vacation for the whole family by bringing along your children or grandchildren! Many of the weekend’s events— from the robotics class to the train museum tour—will appeal to kids and offer them an introduction to the Mercersburg campus. A family-friendly dorm will be available, and the following programs will be offered:
Kids 12 and younger eat free all weekend.
Legacy Camp Kids age 6 to 12 will have their own Mercersburg experience in a fun environment offered by Mercersburg Summer Programs. The directors and counselors are all Mercersburg faculty, staff, or alumni who create an exciting lineup of activities for every camper. Legacy Camp will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. Rates are $75 per child per day or $125 for both days. (Please register by May 4. A minimum of 10 children is necessary to hold the camp.) Childcare Childcare for all ages will be offered at the nearby First United Methodist Church Daycare on Friday and Saturday from 5:30 to 11 p.m. The fee of $25 per child per evening includes dinner and snacks. Families with more than one child will be charged an additional $5 per child per evening. (Please register by June 3.)
Family-Friendly Highlights • • • •
Kickball Swimming Hiking and Biking Field Biology
• Outdoor Movie • Train Museum • Birds of Prey
Mercersburg Academy 300 East Seminary Street Mercersburg, Pennsylvania 17236-1551
REUNION WEEKEND JUNE 4-7, 2015
www.mercersburg.edu/reunionweekend