Blair alumni returned to campus at the beginning of June, arriving by plane, train and car for Alumni Weekend 2022, an event during which former Buccaneers reconnected on the hilltop during three days of spirited celebration.

This year, approximately 500 alumni and their families came together to attend the events beginning Friday, June 10, and concluding Sunday, June 12. Among them were one group celebrating a special anniversary: the class of 1972’s 50th reunion. On Friday evening, members of the “Old Guard” reflected on the fact that they have raised children, watched their families grow and most have enjoyed long professional careers, and through all of that time, they have stayed connected to the School and classmates.

Blair Board of Governors President Bob Van Stone ’69, whose 50-year reunion occurred three years ago, continues coming back because, “It’s difficult to describe what Blair means. As an institution and as a community, it gets into you and lasts a lifetime. I’m more than happy to come back and help other alumni experience that.” 

While the class of 1972 kicked off the weekend of ceremony and celebration with a barbecue, other alumni took to Blair’s rolling golf course, teeing off in Friday’s golf scramble before sampling a variety of activities that included getting creative in the maker space, attending classes with veteran faculty in engineering and integrated science research before gathering with old friends for an evening under the lights with a live band. Relaxing to the music of Avenue 16 and Nicole (Nicusante) Tipton ’93, attendees capped off the evening with a fantastic fireworks display. 

Saturday’s schedule of events featured some tried-and-true Blair traditions—and a new one. Honoring a tradition that began seven years ago, alumni attended the Athletic Hall of Fame induction ceremony, recognizing John H. Dumont ’59, David Waddell ’76, Major Ray Mendoza ’87, the 1996-1997 Blair girls’ tennis team, Michael Kerrigan ’03 and Temi Fagbenle ’11 for their achievements in athletics. 

Introducing a new tradition, Head of School Peter G. Curran then welcomed the inaugural class of the School’s Arts Guild: John Sebastian ’62, Dick Boak ’68, Adam Shoenfeld ’92, Tasha Williams-Arroyo ’92, Maggie Harding ’07 and Rita Baragona P’92 ’95. To view the ceremony commemorating the legacies of these accomplished visual and performing artists, click “play” below: 

In addition to observances honoring Blair’s distinguished alumni in the fields of athletics and the arts, the reunion presented ample opportunity for former Bucs to simply spend time with friends. Whether batting once more behind home plate, lifting one’s voice in song with the alumni choir or hand-painting pottery to be donated to local nonprofit Project Self-Sufficiency, the weekend offered something for everyone.

“This weekend brought out everyone's Blair spirit,” noted Director of Alumni Relations Shaunna Murphy. “I love hearing the laughter of old friends reconnecting and realizing that, even after 50 years, Blair memories remain fresh. Blair really is so much more than a place. It is a community of friends and a lifelong experience. I loved seeing our alumni embrace that and enjoy every moment.” 

To watch additional highlights from Alumni Weekend’s Head of School Assembly and Awards Presentation, please click “play” below: