Reunions

Join BlueLink, and then join your Class Page

Join the rest of your classmates in BlueLink, Andover's online alumni community. Be sure to join your Class Page so you can see your Class Photo taken during Reunion Weekend.

Reunions at Andover are a festive occasion – a chance to connect again with classmates, meet their families, and make new friends. It’s also an opportunity for learning and for reflecting upon our varied journeys.

Over the past few years, there have been changes to improve the program and help control costs. From faculty-taught classes to alumni speakers and panels, reunions at Andover now reflect what Phillips Academy is all about—excellence in education.

Of course, it would not be Reunion Weekend without fun, relaxing times, and places to revisit. Class receptions and dinners are a highlight of Reunion Weekend. All receptions and meals are now “ticketed” via colored bracelets, and to help control reunion costs and minimize waste, drink tickets--sold throughout the weekend—are required for all alcoholic beverages.

While the 50th Reunion will begin on Thursday, most other classes begin to gather on Friday afternoon to reconnect, visit familiar haunts, or attend a presentation or class. The following morning, the selection of classes is even greater, and many alumni enjoy joining a favorite faculty member for an hour’s lesson in history, science, or philosophy. The colorful Alumni Parade steps off at 10:30 a.m., followed by the Reunion Celebration in the Chapel -- a wonderful gathering with brief updates from key school officials, special recognitions, historic photos, and student musical performances.

Saturday afternoon includes a potpourri of class activities, panels, presentations, and sports, including the induction of alumni into the Andover Athletics Hall of Honor. Class photos, special dinners, and late-night reminiscing wraps up the day. Sunday features an informal brunch in Paresky Commons.

For more information regarding Reunion Weekend, please contact Gail Wozniak.

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SAVE THE DATE
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Reunion Weekend 2014: June 13-15
For those in Classes: 1944, 1949, 1954, 1959, 1964, 1969, 1974, 1979, 1984, 1989, 1994, 1999, 2004, 2009
Class of 1964 arrives June 12.

SCHEDULE

See the events that are planned for Reunion Weekend 2013:

Reunion Weekend 2013 General Schedule of Events (PDF)

FAQ

REGISTRATION

Where is registration, and what are the hours?

Registration takes place at Steinbach Lobby in George Washington Hall on Friday from noon to 10 p.m. and on Saturday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. If you will be arriving late on Friday, please have a friend pick up your room assignment at registration before 10 p.m., or make arrangements in advance with Gail Wozniak.

If I arrive before noon on Friday, what is there to do?

Registration opens at noon. The Andover Inn offers a luncheon special at Samuel's, the Inn's new restaurant, or you may enjoy a walk around campus or lunch on your own in town.

What is there to do after I register but before dinner on Friday evening?

At registration, you will receive a full schedule of events in your reunion packet. Here's a copy of the 2013 Reunion Brochure.

How do I sign up for a class on Friday afternoon and Saturday morning?

Complete the Friday and Saturday class sign-up sheet when you register for reunions, or contact Gail Wozniak. These classes are offered at no cost, and some have limited seating, so sign up early. In the event that the class you select is oversubscribed, you will be contacted by Lisa to choose a different class. Your confirmed class will be included in the reunion packet that you receive at registration.

MEALS and DRINKS

Do I have to purchase a bracelet to attend the receptions and meals?

Yes. You must purchase bracelets in advance, with a limited number available at registration. Each is color-coded to correspond to a particular meal. If you have not registered in advance, we may not be able to accommodate you since the seating is limited and catering counts are based on advanced registrations.

What beverages are included in the cost of the meal?

A selection of complimentary, non-alcoholic beverages is available.

Where do I purchase drink tickets for alcoholic beverages?

You may purchase drink tickets at registration and at other locations near the dinner venues. Please note that the bartenders accept only tickets for alcoholic beverages; no other forms of payment are accepted.

TRANSPORTATION

Is parking available?

Yes. There are seven parking lots for extended parking, as shown on this parking list and map.

What if I park in a lot that is far from campus?

There are white shuttle vans that run on Friday from noon until midnight, Saturday from 7 a.m. to midnight, and Sunday from 8 to noon. Please see the map in the reunion booklet for the locations of the shuttle stops.

LODGING

Are discounted rates available at nearby hotels?

Yes. We have negotiated discounted rates with many local hotels. Please see the list of participating hotels. Be sure to mention Reunion Weekend at Phillips Academy to receive the discounted rate. Directions to local hotels from campus.

I’ve registered to stay in the dorms on campus. What should I bring?

The beds are equipped with a pillow, pillow case, sheets, and a blanket. Every bed has one set of towels (bath towel, hand towel, facecloth). We regret that additional pillows, towels, and blankets are not available.

Are any of the dorms designated as a quiet area?

Yes. Double Brick Dorm is the quiet dorm.

CHILDREN

Are children welcome?

Yes. We look forward to seeing many families with their children of all ages. Please register early for childcare or for the children's program, as no reservations are accepted on site or after May 28. Please contact Gail Wozniak for more information.

What care is available for children during the weekend?

Professional childcare is available on Friday and Saturday evenings for children aged 3 months to 6 years. Arrangements must be made through the Children’s Place in advance of Reunion Weekend. For children aged 7 to 12 years, there is a supervised children’s program on Saturday from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 11 p.m. that includes crafts, games, pizza, and movies. For either program, you must register in advance by May 28.

Are there any events geared toward children?

Yes. Children are welcome to attend Friday dinner in the Case Memorial Cage from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., visit the observatory open house from 9 to 10 p.m. at the Gelb Science Center, and stay overnight in the dorms. On Saturday, children may participate in the Alumni Parade at 10:30 a.m. and attend the cookout lunch from 12:15 to 2 p.m.

Are cribs and highchairs available for children?

Dorms have cots but no cribs. There are no highchairs.

ABBOT REMINDERS

Are there special gatherings only for Abbot alumnae?

Yes. On Friday evening there is a welcome buffet dinner for all Abbot Academy reunion classes, and on Saturday afternoon there is the Abbot Tea. Both events are on the Abbot campus.

SPECIAL NEEDS

Are all buildings handicapped accessible?

All buildings open during reunions are properly equipped for wheelchair access.

I have trouble walking and would like to use a golf cart on campus. Is this possible?

Golf carts with drivers are available for the parade on Saturday only. Otherwise, white shuttle vans will run on Friday from noon to midnight, Saturday from 7 a.m. to midnight, and Sunday from 8 to 11 a.m. Please see the map in the reunion booklet for the locations of the shuttle stops.

GENERAL

What time, and where, is my class photo?

Times and locations are included in the reunion booklet and on the class card in the back of the booklet, which you’ll receive at registration.

What is the attire?

Attire has been predominantly business casual, although some choose to wear jacket and tie for Saturday dinner. Our suggestion is to dress comfortably and be prepared for the weather, which might fluctuate from cool to warm, sunny to rainy. Also be aware that there usually is a fair amount of walking, so comfortable shoes are advised. Friday and Saturday daytime attire is casual.

I have special needs. Whom may I contact?

For those with special needs that we should be aware of to make your stay more comfortable, please contact Gail Wozniak.

What will the weather be like that weekend?

Please check weather.com for the local Andover, MA weather forecast. The weather is usually pleasant with temperatures in the 70s, but New England weather often changes fairly rapidly. It could be cooler or warmer, sunny or rainy.

What if it rains?

Alternative rain locations are noted in the reunion booklet that you receive at registration. As weather is apt to change quickly, flyers will be posted with notices about rain plans for Friday, Saturday a.m., and Saturday p.m. Please come prepared for all weather.

Are there designated areas for smoking?

No. Phillips Academy is a non-smoking campus.

Are pets allowed on campus or in the dorms?

Only guide dogs are permitted.