Reunion 2001

On a rainy weekend in June, the Class of 1951 had much to celebrate. Not only did they come to mark the 50th anniversary of their graduation from Vassar, but they also came to celebrate and congratulate each other. At its memorable 50th reunion - a grand party organized by Reunion Chair Jean McKee - Vassar's Class of 1951 presented a record-breaking gift to the college: $15,830,285. Perhaps even more impressive than the monetary total, however, was the class's participation rate. Persuaded by a core team of 57 volunteers led by 50th Reunion Gift Chair Virginia Cretella Mars, Class of 1951 President Eugenie Aiguier Havemeyer, and that sweeping Vassar spirit, 96 percent of the Class of 1951 contributed to the gift.

Some of the gift went to unrestricted gifts, but the money raised for designated categories went toward three projects adopted by the class. They created a 1.5 million dollar Class of 1951 Endowed Faculty Chair. Their generous gift also funded the recently dedicated Class of 1951 Athletics Fitness Center, and the newly opened Class of 1951 Library Reading and Periodical Room in the Martha Rivers and E. Bronson Ingram Library.

Congratulations, and Vassar thanks you!

"A superb weekend!" - '41