50TH REUNION

Nov 5 - 8, 2026

The Big weekend

You will not want to miss your 50th reunion weekend on the Mountain. Whether you come back every year or haven't been back in 50, this is a special weekend for the Class of '76. From the Thursday night welcome party to the Saturday class banquet, there are so many fun events and activities, with opportunities to renew old acquaintances and make new friends. Our 50th will be the most fun if you attend. Please make your plans now, and please register HERE for the weekend so we'll have your nametag ready for you when you arrive.

Class Project

For over 25 years, Sewanee's 50th reunion classes have been raising support for a special class gift to honor this milestone event. The Class of 1976 50th reunion committee considered many University projects and gained consensus around supporting the new First Year Experince (FYE). Our goal is to raise at least $1.5 million to create an endowment for the First Year Experience , a comprehensive orientation program for all new first-year students, and one of Vice Chancellor Rob Pearigen’s top priorities. 

Ways to give

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 Terri Williams at 50threunion@sewanee.edu. You can also take a photo of the completed form with your cell phone and email it to 50threunion@sewanee.edu, or mail the completed form to:

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

For additional information on planned or estate gifts, contact Allison Cardwell (aacardwe@sewanee.edu)

REUNION WEEKEND INFORMATION 

Reunion Weekend Registration and event arrangements are handled through Sewanee's Office of Alumni and Parent Engagement. You can find a preliminary schedule for Reunion 2026 HERE. Online registration for the weekend will open in August. Here's a brief rundown of our class events:

  • Thursday night, Nov. 5
    • 5:30 p.m. Welcome Party at Rhea & Nancy Bowden's Home in Sewanee (Shuttles Provided) 
  • Friday, Nov. 6 
    • 10:30 a.m. 50th reunion driving tour of campus (ride in University vans; narrated by staff)
    • Noon Casual lunch at Deb & Rick Ball's Home in Clifftops (Shuttles Provided)
    • 2:30 p.m. Showing of The Whiskey Speech: Soggy Sweat, Prohibition, & the Power of Storytelling, a film by David Crews, C'76. Short Q&A and discussion to follow.
    • 6:30 p.m. Dinner at Chen Hall
  • Saturday, Nov. 7  
    • 10 a.m. All-Alumni event in All Saints', followed by 50th reunion class photo
    • 6 p.m. Reception and Banquet at the Sewanee Inn
  • Sunday, Nov. 8
    • 8 a.m. Holy Eucharist (All Saints' Chapel)
    • 9 a.m. Farewell Brunch at McClurg (Upstairs)

    • 9:30 a.m. Memorial service (St. Augustine’s)

    • 11 a.m. Holy Eucharist (All Saints' Chapel)
Lost and Deceased classmates

Please help us find lost classmates! HERE is a list of LOST classmates and HERE is a list of members of the class who are DECEASED. If you have contact info for any classmates on the LOST list, or if you know of anyone who should be on the DECEASED list but is not, please send this information to us at 50threunion@sewanee.edu. You can also provide updated contact information using this Update Form.

accommodations

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

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.
STAYING IN TOUCH WITH US AND OTHERS

To ensure you receive the latest updates about Homecoming & Reunion Weekend 2026 and other Sewanee events, update your contact information by clicking HERE. 

Photograph and Song Request Submissions

We would love to have photos and song requests from you for our banquet and reception! Please email those to us at 50threunion@sewanee.edu.

CLASS COMMITTEE

Rhea Bowden, co-chair
Michelle Mauthe Harvey, co-chair
Sandy Sanderlin Baird
Kathie Clemons Bennett
Robert Clark
Cathy Ellis
Brad Gioia
Mike Graham
Marian McClure Taylor
Bruce McMillan
Robert Miller
Benton Williamson

All class zoom

On June 9, 2026, about 50 members of the Class of 1976 gathered via Zoom. Our classmate and Vice Chancellor Rob Pearigen gave a brief update on happenings at the University and encouraged everyone to attend the reunion and support our 50th reunion class project to create an endowment for the new First Year Experience (FYE). Betsy Sandlin, Professor of Spanish and FYE Director, provided an overview of the program and why it is so important. Jeff Zivan, Director of Alumni Engagement, offered a summary of events during reunion weekend. Please note that our class will have a Welcome event on Thursday night, November 5, so plan your travel plans accordingly. Towards the end of the Zoom, Allison Cardwell, Director of Gift and Estate Planning, talked about ways to give. You can find information about giving HERE or you can reach out to Allison at aacardwell@sewanee.edu or  931.598.1751. Finally, if you missed the Zoom, you can watch a recording HERE.