Class of 1974

50TH REUNION

Oct. 31 - Nov. 3, 2024

The 50th reunion is a big milestone that deserves a special celebration! Since 2000, Sewanee has honored 50th reunion classes with a series of exciting events. Usually, the festivities begin with a reception at a classmate's home. 50th reunion alumni are treated to a driving tour of campus and a peer lecture or presentation on a timely topic. The Vice-Chancellor then hosts an evening gathering, often at Chen Hall.

On Saturday, during an all-alumni event at All Saints' Chapel, members of the class are inducted into the Exornati Society and recognized for their 50 years of upholding Sewanee's charge to graduates. Later in the day, the University hosts a formal 50th Reunion Banquet, which includes a cocktail reception, dinner, and a program designed by the class's 50th reunion committee. The weekend concludes with a farewell brunch for class members.

In advance of the fall celebration, the 50th reunion committee launches a project to significantly advance the University's mission and support current and future Sewanee community members. Class members are encouraged to consider multiple pathways for giving—including multi-year pledges, stock gifts, monthly recurring gifts, charitable gift annuities, IRA distributions, and bequests—and to make their best gifts.

In past years, 50th reunion projects have included endowed funds for scholarships, research, and internships, as well as brick-and-mortar projects. (Need to get inspired? Click HERE to read how the Class of 1967 pushed their reunion giving above $1 million!)

CLASS PROJECT

The Class of 1974 Reunion Committee has selected two projects as the focus of the class reunion gift: raising funds to establish the Class of 1974 Endowed Fund for the Bonner Leaders Program and raising funds to establish the Class of 1974 Endowed Fund for the Carey Fellows Program. You can find more information about the Bonner Leaders Program HERE and the Carey Fellows Program HERE.

Recently, the class committee hosted an all-class Zoom call to inform class members about these meaningful co-curricular programs. Robin Michaels, who leads the Bonner Program, spoke about how students engage with the community, and several Bonner students offered insight into their Bonner experiences at Sewanee. Myles Elledge, who directs the Babson Center for Global Commerce, provided details about the Carey Fellows Program, and several students spoke about their experiences as Carey Fellows.

To view a recording of the Zoom, click HERE.

CLASS OF 1974 50th REUNION COMMITMENT FORM

To make your pledge for the 50th Reunion Class Gift, please complete the commitment form HERE. You can scan your completed form and email it to Heather Brewer at hebrewer@sewanee.edu. You can also take a photo of the completed form with your cell phone and email it to Heather, or mail the completed form to:

Office of Advancement
The University of the South
735 University Avenue
Sewanee, TN 37383

QUESTIONS?

If you have any questions about the 50th reunion, the class projects or how to make a gift, please contact us at 50threunion@sewanee.edu

WHO'S COMING?

To see a list of classmates who have registered for reunion click HERE and if you haven't already done so you can register HERE.

REUNION WEEKEND INFORMATION FROM ALUMNI OFFICE

Registration and event arrangements are handled through Sewanee's Office of Alumni and Parent Programs. You can register and find the most up-to-date information on events and "Who's Coming" by clicking HERE.

PHOTOS

To see photos from the 50th Reunion, click HERE. To see photos from the entire Reunion & Homecoming Weekend, click HERE.

REUNION EVENTS

Thursday, Oct. 31

6:30 pm --- Class of 1974 Reunion Kick-off Party at Tom C'74 & Marilyn Phelps' home, 156 Morgan's Steep Road (shuttle provided with pickup at the Sewanee Inn at 6:20pm)

Friday, Nov. 1

9:30 am -- Special 50th Reunion Narrated Driving Tour of Campus (Meet at McGriff Alumni House)
noon -- Lunch at the home of Sally Jackson Hardee C'74 & Jim Hardee C'71, 199 Cloudcroft Place (Shuttles provided from McGriff Alumni House)
5:30 pm--Welcome Home All-Alumni Reception, Alumni Tent next to McGriff Alumni House
7:00 pm -- Reunion Party at Chen Hall (hosted by Vice-Chancellor and Phoebe Pearigen)

Saturday Nov. 2

9:25 am--Meet on the Quad to form 50th Reunion walk into All Saints' Chapel
9:30 am -- All Alumni Celebration in All Saints' (where the Class of 1974 will be inducted into the Exornati Society); Class of '74 photo immediately following
10:30 am--Pre-Game All-Alumni Tailgate Party, Alumni Tent next to McGriff Alumni House
11:30 am -- Homecoming Parade, Front of McGriff Alumni House, Find your 1974 Banner
noon -- Sewanee Tigers Football vs. Southwestern
3:30 pm--Portrait Unveiling and Dedication to Honor Former Professor of English Willie Cocke, C'51, McGriff Alumni House Patio
6:00 -- 50th Reunion Cocktail Reception & Banquet at the Sewanee Inn

Sunday Nov. 3

9:30 am -- Farewell Breakfast for 50th -- on balcony in McClurg

To view the program from the Class of 1973's Reunion Banquet, click HERE.

ACCOMMODATIONS

Local accommodations fill up quickly during Homecoming & Reunion Weekend, so it's advisable to book ASAP! For more information, click HERE.

DECEASED CLASSMATES

To view a list of deceased classmates from the Class of 1974, click HERE.

STAYING IN TOUCH WITH US AND OTHERS

To ensure you receive the latest updates about Homecoming & Reunion Weekend 2024 and other Sewanee events, update your contact information by clicking HERE.

Also, Sewanee has lost touch with 27 members of the Class of 1974. If you know someone on this list, use this update form to provide us with any good contact info you have.