Greetings from campus!
On Tuesday, we welcomed back students to campus as Trimester 3 begins. Mt. Tom is covered with some late-season snow but there is no doubt spring is in the air. Fields are once again filled with the sounds of preseason and the campus is bustling with energy. It's a fond memory from my times as a student here—I always remember the campus coming back to life, including the desire to wear shorts and T-shirts when it's only 40 degrees out. There are snowbanks rapidly melting under warm spring sunshine and trees beginning to show signs of life. Once again, the changes of the season mark a natural transition on campus. We eagerly look forward to relaxing outside the dorms, playing some music and enjoying the day. It's spring time on Payson Avenue.
As we begin the countdown to Commencement and Reunion, we have the final push: Music and Art programs will begin their final productions, spring sports teams start their competitions, and members of the class of 2023 begin to finalize their plans for the next year.
Go Wildcats!
Steve Hoyt '95, P'25, '25 Director of Alumni Engagement
Notes from Campus
With a three-goal flurry in the second period, the top-seeded Williston Northampton Girls Varsity Hockey team secured a second consecutive NEPSAC Chuck Vernon Elite 8 championship trophy at the beginning of March—and in the process an undefeated season! Read more here
The Williston Northampton Boys Swimming & Diving team won its third-straight NEPSAC Division 2 Championship in thrilling fashion. Underdogs from the start of the meet, good fortune and fast swimming propelled the boys to an upset win in the last event of the competition. The boys embraced the team’s motto that “Attitudes Are Contagious” and helped lift each other up throughout a long and exciting night of swimming. Read more here
On Tuesday the Art Department held its Art Walk featuring the work of students that participated in the Winter Arts Intensive. The walk featured artwork as well live musical performances. Click here for photos.
Last month the Phillips Stevens Chapel was full of smiles and laughter as 33 student-athletes from the Williston Northampton School participated in the school’s college signing day, committing to play their respective sports at the next level. Read this feature in the Daily Hampshire Gazette.
Spotlight on: Ceara Mahoney '98
What advice would you give to a girl graduating from Williston today?
Find your own unique path and make education and career choices based on what excites you and not on what others are doing or expect of you. Try things outside of your comfort zone—you may stumble across something you love. On your way, visit new places and meet new people, but don’t forget the ones who knew you first—the friendships I made at Williston have guided, supported and celebrated me through my most important moments in life and without them I wouldn’t be the person I am today.
Spotlight on: Jennifer Dubois '02
Tell us about a woman who is your hero and why?
I’m sure this is a common answer, but my mom is a pretty special lady and a very tough nut. She’s incredibly resilient, terrifyingly hardworking, smart, and wickedly funny. If I’m ever having a rough day, thinking about what my mom has accomplished—and what she’s overcome—puts things in perspective quickly.
Spotlight on: Susan E. Jackson '80
What do you think is next for women in your professional field?
Politics may be one of the most difficult, male dominated, professions. Simultaneously, there are many more female heads of government than ever before. In the same instance, women entering politics remains a struggle due to the systemically male dominated model of governance. Women in politics face the challenge of establishing equity by advocating for fair and innovative advancements if governmental procedures. It is also through the example of women to have our voices heard and received in a tone that resonates with male colleagues and by the broader community.
Alumni Events
The Alumni Basketball Game made its triumphant return at the end of February. The game included alums and current students in a spirited contest. The Blue team took home the trophy with a 10 point victory. The games MVP went to Adey Adams '14 who led the Blue team as they held off a late comeback.
The Boston Networking event is returning! Join us Tuesday, March 28 6 p.m. at the Boston College Club for this professional gathering. We will feature keynote speakers and a speed networking session with a cross section of professions represented. RSVP here today!
Reunion Registration is live! Join us June 9-11 as we celebrate the 3's and 8's class years and are also hosting our first cluster reunion for 2016, 2017 & 2018! Registration is open! Visit the reunion page and register today!
As always, keep up to date with upcoming alumni events here. On April 13 we are in Washington, D.C. at the Cosmos Club for a nighttime event, and April 30 there is a brunch reception in Los Angeles at Shutters on the Beach.
Send us notes or photos for the next issue of the Bulletin! Click here to Submit!
WOW—what an incredible Founders Day!! Thanks to the collective generosity of 1,350 supporters, you helped raise more than $480,000 for the Williston Northampton Fund.
Bragging rights were on the line for the alumni class with the most donors on Founders Day…and the winner is class of 1983 with 44 classmates making a gift. We painted the lion on their honor! The classes of 2022 and 1973 came in second with 28 each.
The class of 2023 had an impressive senior gift with 109 classmates making their first gift to Williston during Founders Day. In addition to winning the NEPSAC championship, girls hockey topped the athletic/program leaderboard with 123 contributors—amazing!
The women of Williston, a challenge for women by women, soared past the goal of 250 alumnae supporters with more than 385 women contributing on Founders Day!
Thank you for coming together on Founders Day in support of our students and faculty —we are so grateful to our alumni for showing their pride of the Green and Blue!
Reunion Is Coming!
Join us on campus for Reunion 2023, June 9-11, for a weekend of reconnecting, reminiscing, and rediscovering with your classmates and friends! We will be celebrating the classes ending in 3’s and 8’s, but as always, all alumni are welcome to attend. Early-bird discount is available through May 12. We can’t wait to welcome you to campus! Click Here to register today!
View the Reunion schedule here (check back for updates and additions)!
Wondering how the Williston Northampton professional network works? Search our alumni LinkedIn or join WillistonConnects to find alumni who share your professional and personal interests. On WillistonConnects, members of the community are ready and willing to offer advice and perspective no matter where you are in your career journey. And with nearly 1000 members and growing, the Williston Alumni LinkedIn group and affinity groups like the Alumni of Color LinkedIn and the Women of Williston LinkedIn are your go-to resources for professional contacts. Tap into the power of your Wildcat Networks!