Special events were held throughout the weekend. On Friday, April 25, students participated in a variety of afternoon events as varied as a reading of poetry and prose by current and former writers for the academy’s literary magazine; a historical cross-campus scavenger hunt; building and walking a labyrinth; a discussion of the portrayal of boarding schools in the movies led by an award-winning author and faculty member; and a panel discussion on women in leadership, during which alumnae talked about taking risks, following their passions and their lives beyond Andover.

Faculty and students gathered late Friday afternoon for an all-school meeting that featured voices from Andover and Abbot, past and present. David M. Underwood, Class of 1954, president of the Phillips Academy Board of Trustees since 1989, was awarded the Claude M. Fuess Award for distinguished public service. Recognized as one of Andover’s most dedicated, generous and long-serving trustees, Underwood was honored for his public service contributions beyond the academy, especially for his many years of volunteer leadership serving hospitals, health care organizations and schools in and around his hometown of Houston, Texas. The Fuess Award was established by the Phillips Academy Board of Trustees in 1964 in honor of the former headmaster to recognize the outstanding public service of alumni and to inspire public service in Andover students. Underwood also served as the chair of six-year Campaign Andover, which raised $209 million for campaign objectives, such as student financial aid, campus preservation and faculty compensation, and an additional $23.7 million in gifts, pledges and bequest intentions for non-campaign purposes. The campaign concluded in July 2002.

Friday’s ceremony also included musical selections performed by Fidelio Society, the Phillips Academy Concert Band and pianist Luis O. Friday night’s 225th celebration dinner featured music by the Phillips Academy Jazz Ensemble.

On Saturday, April 26, alumni and friends joined the festivities at a variety of morning and afternoon sessions that focused on the life of the academy today. Events included discussions, demonstrations and classes on topics such as the teaching of history, science, languages and philosophy, as well as arts, athletics and community service.

Speakers at the Cochran Chapel ceremony Saturday afternoon included former President George Bush, Class of 1942; Head of School Barbara Landis Chase; and Underwood. Saturday’s events ended with a reception, dinner, music and a presentation of "Voices of the Past." The weekend concluded Sunday, April 27, with a celebration of Catholic Mass and a celebration of the Interfaith Chaplaincy, followed by a jazz brunch.