Alumni Weekend September 27-29, 2024
Gould welcomed alumni back to campus amidst beautiful fall foliage for our annual Alumni Weekend. It was a time for reconnecting, celebrating shared experiences, and enjoying time together. The weekend began on Friday under the tent with a community dinner, and then alumni took to the dance floor, posed for photos in the booth, and shared stories from their time at Gould.
Saturday morning started with a light breakfast in the newly completed Alumni Courtyard. Families then gathered in Bingham Auditorium for an assembly featuring student performances and speeches, followed by a welcome from Head of School Tao Smith ’90, P’23, ’28. Afterward, a remembrance ceremony at the Bell Tower gave everyone a moment to reflect on those no longer with us. The Parade of Classes and class photos outside Hanscom Hall brought out plenty of smiles and laughter before heading into lunch at Ordway Hall.
One of the highlights of the weekend was the Alumni Awards Ceremony, where the community came together to honor two prestigious award winners. Colonel Alan C. Chase, Retired ’54, T’99-’05, received the 2024 Distinguished Alumnus Award for his outstanding loyalty and service to Gould Academy, as well as his contributions to his profession and community over the years. In addition, the Nathaniel Tuckerman True Award—Gould’s most prestigious award, presented only 14 times in the past 50 years—was given to Lawrence T.P. Stifler, PhD, and Mary McFadden, J.D., for their distinguished contributions to the community through their professional, civic, and philanthropic efforts.
The afternoon included the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Alumni Courtyard, followed by a casual reception. Alumni then had the opportunity to explore Bethel, enjoying everything from hiking trails to local museums. The day concluded with a happy hour under the tent, dinner, dessert, and a fireworks display. Later, alumni gathered off-campus for smaller class reunions, while the Class of 1974 celebrated their 50th reunion with a special dinner in the Ordway Living Room.
On Sunday morning, alumni participated in the Frank Vogt Memorial Fun Run, followed by “Art & Mimosas” at the Owen Art Gallery featuring work by Hal Hirshorn ’85 and Jeremy Hutchins ’84. The weekend ended with a farewell brunch at Clough Dining Room, where goodbyes were exchanged, and plans for next year were already being made.
It was a memorable weekend, filled with sunshine and blue skies, along with moments of connection and reflection as alumni re-engaged with the school community.