From the Nominator

Reunion Weekend 2024 marked the culmination of two years of planning to celebrate Kenyon College’s bicentennial, achieving the strategic goal of honoring 200 years of history and community. Held May 23rd through 26th, it became the largest reunion weekend in Kenyon’s history, with 1,437 alumni and guests gathering for connection, celebration, and tradition. Highlights included a cake modeled after Old Kenyon, a Parade of Classes led by a man portraying Philander Chase on horseback, and a keynote by U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Bridget Brink ’91, who traveled from Kyiv to deliver an inspiring address. Brink received the Humanitarian Service Award at a Saturday night soiree attended by 1,000 guests, where President Julie Kornfeld recognized the volunteers and donors who made the event possible. Traditional elements such as alumni seminars and class photos were complemented by notable achievements. The 50th reunion class of 1974 won the Peirce Cup for the highest attendance (30%) and contributed an extraordinary $22.9 million in gifts. Kornfeld celebrated Kenyon’s enduring spirit, noting that “the people of Kenyon are the reason we have two centuries to celebrate tonight.” Volunteers from the Kenyon Fund Executive Committee and Alumni Council were honored, along with the perennial reunion classes and the oldest alumni present. The weekend showcased Kenyon’s legacy of generosity and connection, blending its rich history with a forward-looking vision that underscores its commitment to community and excellence.

From the Judges

The use of alumni input and the focus on preserving history are particularly noteworthy. The high attendance and extraordinary fundraising achievement demonstrate a significant impact. The return on investment was strong.