Nearly 400 guests returned to Chapin for the Alumnae Reunion festivities held on April 11 and 12, 2019. The two-day event began on Thursday when alumnae had the opportunity to tour the School with a current Upper School student, attend a class, spectate at a Badminton practice, and observe Clubhouse, Chapin’s after-school program. They were also invited to attend several special programs: a remembrance of Jane Rinden, the beloved former English teacher who shared her many talents with the Chapin community from 1981 to 2006, an overview of the Building Project from Associate Head of School M.J. Quigley, and Individual Study presentations by current Class 12 students, moderated by Director of Academic Program Ilana Pergam ’86. The fun-filled day ended with a lively cocktail reception for alumnae (along with their guests and some of their former teachers) in the Assembly Room, complete with a photo booth, a photo slideshow prepared by Chapin’s Archives volunteers, and a performance by the Later Gators, Chapin’s alumnae/parent/professional community singing group.
On Friday, an adorable chorus of “Welcome back to Chapin!” – courtesy of several energetic Kindergartners – greeted alumnae as they returned to 100 East End Avenue for the Alumnae Association’s Annual Meeting. There, they heard remarks from 50th Reunion Class Speaker Celia Clark Gentry ’69; Head of School Dr. Patricia T. Hayot; Board Chair LeeAnn Black; Alumnae Association President Kim Karetsky Krinsky; and President of Self-Government Lana Gesinsky, a member of Class 12. Meeting highlights included the induction of Chapin’s Class 12 students (members of the Class of 2019), some of whom were specially welcomed by an alumna relative, into the Alumnae Association, the honoring of this year’s Chapin retirees (Kam Allen, Karen Katz, Barbara Lutz, and Dianne Spillios), and the singing of the School Song.
Following the meeting, alumnae from the Classes of 1944 through 2016, and current Class 12 students, gathered in the Gordon Room for the traditional Reunion luncheon. Their Green and Gold spirit and joyful conversations filled the School for all to hear.
*If you are interested in joining the Later Gators next fall, please contact Inés Gómez-Ochoa at igomez-ochoa@chapin.edu.
Browse photos from Reunion below (photography by Virginie Carolina and Chapin staff):