From exploring memories in the Emma Willard School Archives to rediscovering the evolution of costumes in the Revels room, those gathered shared fond memories of tunnels, towers, and ye gray walls. Behind-the-scenes tours provided insight into what’s new and different, as well as what remains the same. There were moments to visit the Back 40 to reconnect with the beauty of nature on Mount Ida, and time to see the progress on restoring the Lafayette mural in Sage.

Attendees enjoyed experiencing some of the current curriculum through Emma Academy sessions. English Instructor Kathleen McNamara focused on Circe from Homer’s Odyssey, while Mathematics Instructor Judy Price guided her students to take a deeper look at how to read, interpret, and detect flaws in the statistics presented to them daily. Visual Arts Instructor Lindsay Slaughter led an experiment in color mixing and application in The Science of Color: Where Art Meets Perception. Experiential Learning Department Chair Jon Calos introduced Emma’s STEAM, Practicum, and Signature programs, inviting students to share their capstone presentations: “When Mom Has Cancer: A Guide For Little Helpers” by Emma O. ’27, “Designing Berry Hollow Golf Course” by Emma A. ’27, and “Empowering Engineering: Stories of Women in STEM” by Stacy Chen ’26.

 

Director of Facilities Construction Management and Planning Scott Kosnick was on hand to give tours of the newest additions to campus: faculty housing at Tangeman Commons and the Alice Dodge Wallace ’38 Center for the Performing Arts. Director of Facilities Management Ken McGivern provided behind the scenes tours, and Dennett Page ’69 gave a glimpse of the work on the Lafayette mural.

 

The Parade of Classes took on a new path this year; although last year was the first year to gather in Klingenstein Concert Hall, the rain had moved the parade inside. This year, the weather held out, and classes followed the new parade route around Senior Triangle, passing between the Wallace Center and Kellas Garden, and entering the building through LeFort Atrium.

 

Head of School Dr. Karen Lassey delivered her first State of the School address, updating alumnae on the state of enrollment, academics, student life, strategic initiatives as laid out in Leading with Purpose, and the closing days of Infinite Horizon: The Campaign for Emma Willard School. She closed by expressing her appreciation for how she was welcomed as the 18th head of school.

 

Following Karen’s remarks, the Alumnae Recognition Awards were presented, honoring alumnae who embody the spirit of Emma Willard School, have made significant career achievements, have shown themselves to be great humanitarians, and have served the school in significant ways. Each honoree shared remarks in accepting their award. 

• Distinguished Alumna: Page Hill Starzinger ’76
• Distinguished Young Alumna: Fae MacChesney Jencks ’06 
• Career Achievement: Dr. Molly K. Mulligan ’01
• Humanitarian and Global Service: Rachel Gerrol ’96
• Humanitarian and Global Service: Dr. H. Hughes Evans ’76
• Service to Emma Award: Jane Freedman ’86

Alumnae Association Council President Maggie Bownes Johnson ’83, Co-Vice President Dr. Molly K. Mulligan ’01, and Dr. Lassey shared in presenting the awards; we invite you to read the full citations for each award on our website. 

 

Women in Philanthropy panelists encouraged engagement with causes you care deeply about and building relationships within organizations you want to support with both time and gifts. Director of Planned Giving Polly Lyman led panelists Arlene Mainster Holtzman ’81, Linda Glazer Toohey ’66 P’00 ’03, and Vicky Thompson Winterer ’61 in a conversation about learning the practice of philanthropy, determining where to direct your gifts, and finding causes that connect with your passions. 

 

In the final hour of Reunion, the community came together to enjoy the beautiful sounds of the Alumnae Choir. They remembered those in their classes who had passed on with El Malei Rachamim, a Jewish mourning prayer led by Karin Tanenabum ’76. Lucy West Marczak ’16 shared reflections on how the sisterhood of Mount Ida has seen her through life beyond. 

Reverend Stephanie Chase Bradbury ’81 closed with sharing thoughts on the possibilities of a “fourth dimension” as described in the novella “Flatland” by Edwin Abbott. “Although you may not recognize it, we are connected both physically and spiritually,” she exhorted. “As you leave here today with full hearts, I encourage you to be open to the transcendent. Pay attention to your intuition. What energies are bubbling up? What other dimensions are trying to get your attention? You are a greater Being than you give yourself credit for, as are all other Beings on earth. Embrace it!”

In coming to the end of her first year as head of school, Dr. Lassey remarked, “I find myself moved by something I did not fully anticipate—not just the history of this place, but its living continuity. You are that continuity. The generations gathered here this weekend are proof that Emma Willard does not simply educate. It endures—in you!”

 

Thanks to all of you who returned to Mount Ida to make the 2026 Reunion an amazing weekend!  Mark your calendars now for Reunion 2027! We’ll celebrate the 2s and 7s on June 11–13, 2027.

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See our SmugMug for photos from Reunion by Liz Lajeunesse ’91, and check back often for more as they are available!