UMass Amherst Alumni Association

News

Reunion Recap

Alumni from across the country came back to campus to celebrate their past, present, and future affiliation with UMass Amherst this past June. The Alumni Association hosted the 50th Reunion Class of 1959, along with all Emeriti alumni who graduated in previous years. A committee of volunteers from the reunion class worked with the Alumni Association for over a year to organize this memorable event.

A highlight of the weekend was the presentation of the Class of 1959 Nursing Scholarship Endowment. As the sun shone brightly upon the new Skinner Hall Courtyard, class representatives Marilyn (Doering) Marr ’59 and David Margolis ’59 announced their 50th reunion gift—an endowed scholarship for PhD candidates pursuing their degrees in nursing. “It was very gratifying to know how pleased the School of Nursing is to receive our gift,” said Margolis. “We know we’re making a major contribution to nurses getting their PhD and going on into teaching at the university.” Dean Jean E. Swinney and Chancellor Holub were on hand to acknowledge the gift to the university.

The celebrations went on to include: welcome receptions, breakfast with Chancellor Holub, campus tours and lectures, school, college and Greek reunions, and a wonderful evening banquet with live music and dancing! “This has been a wonderful event,” said Mary-Lou (Burgess) Sanderson ’59.  “It’s so much fun to be back on campus and to reunite with old friends!” View the photo gallery from Reunion Weekend 2009.