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!

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. 

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)

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.

accommodations

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

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 Welcome Party -- usually held at someone's home on campus
  • Friday morning -- 50th reunion driving tour of campus (ride in University vans; narrated by staff)
  • Friday noon -- lunch at a classmate's campus home
  • Friday evening -- 50th reunion party at the Vice Chancellor's Home
  • Saturday morning --  All-Alumni event in All Saints' (VC presentation, alumni awards) followed by 50th reunion class photo
  • Saturday evening -- 50th reception and banquet -- Sewanee Inn
  • Sunday morning -- 8 & 11 services in All Saints'; Farewell Brunch for 50th at 9 a.m. (Balcony of McClurg)
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.

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. 

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