Reunion 2011 brought more than 1,300 alumnae and guests to campus for a weekend-long celebration of all things Barnard – in the classroom, on stage and around the world.
Alumnae attended a variety of lectures and discussions, including a presentation of “Reacting to the Past,” an innovative teaching method developed at Barnard that brings history to life through elaborate games. Acclaimed author and Barnard English professor Mary Gordon ’71 held a literary salon to discuss her latest novel The Love of My Youth and shared thoughts about the writing process. A panel discussion, “Are the Kids Alright? The Crisis of Education in America,” brought together alumnae educators for a conversation on the current state of education and its far-reaching effects on the nation’s future.
Hilary Link, Associate Provost and Dean for International Programs, hosted an event highlighting Barnard's global outreach efforts. Alumnae heard from Reni Calister ’11, one of the student representatives to this year’s Global Symposium “Women Changing Africa,” as she talked about her experience working with high school students at the African Leadership Academy in Johannesburg, South Africa. The event also highlighted Barnard’s Visiting International Students Program, which this year brought almost 60 students to campus from seven countries.
Other highlights of the weekend included a student performance showcasing Barnard’s thriving dance program; June Omura ’86 of the Mark Morris Dance Group also took to the stage. For the seventh year in a row, current students and alumnae participated in a Moth Storytelling event, reliving their Barnard experiences through tales of “Monsters, Muses and Mentors.” And, on the occasion of their 50th Reunion year, members of the Class of 1961 heard from renowned writer Erica Jong, who shared thoughts on “agelessness.”
For photos of the weekend and videos of all the panels and performances, visit the Alumnae Network.
