Friday night also featured a wonderful cocktail reception hosted by President Simmons in the Maddock garden to recognize gift committee volunteers and philanthropic leaders. Several classmates were on hand to toast our record-breaking annual-fund effort. For those who have yet to participate in the reunion class gift, you have until June 30 to help us smash the participation record!
Saturday’s Field Day had a record turnout in spite of the chill in the air. Everyone reconnected, enjoying a fine cookout, while the kids played on the athletic fields.
Darius Scott entertained us with music at our class dinner on Saturday night. The company, the music, and the food could not have been more inviting. Children danced to numerous songs, entertaining all. Many classmates stayed until after midnight, talking and listening to the great music.
Harry Connick Jr. was another sell-out for the pops concert. His performance lived up to expectations, and he engaged the audience with many jokes at the expense of Buddy Cianci.
The class seminar was a smashing success. Three perspectives on politics from a politician (Providence Mayor David Cicilline), an editor and writer for the Wall Street Journal (Peter Waldman), and a comedian and comedy writer (Jonathan Groff) made everyone think and laugh.
Our class clambake, a “taste of Newport” on Wriston Quad, was another sell-out. Imagine enjoying a lobster, steamers, and clam chowder in the shadows of the Ratty! Mayor Cicilline hosted us for cocktails and dessert after the clambake in his office in City Hall. After the party, our walk to WaterFire was quick and easy. What a phenomenal finish to a marvelous day.
Of course, the highlight of any reunion is the Commencement March. The class of ’83 was out in record numbers, despite the rain. Walking through the gates and down the hill remains an inspiring moment. How privileged we all are to be members of the Brown University class of 1983. Thanks to reunion gift committee co-chairs John Atwater, Daniel Mintz, Carmen Garcia Rodriguez, and Kent Swig; reunion gift committee members Jan Phillips Davis, Sara J. Dioguardi, Marcia Fusilli, John Hare, Dana D''Alessandro Haseotes, Joan Macleod Heminway, Dorsey James, Henrik Jones,Elizabeth Manko, W. Bradford Middlekauff, Noreen Drexel O''Farrell ’88 A.M., Marianne Chelovich Quoyeser, Beth Rattner, and Jonathan Spencer; and activities committee members Brenda Balon, Sara J. Dioguardi, Marcia Fusilli, Joan MacLeod Heminway, James Hunt, Elizabeth Manko, Alexandra Garbers Pruner, Carmen Garcia Rodriguez, and Jonathan Spencer.
—Class of ’83 Reunion Activities and Gift Committees
