Reunion Weekend 2020 is postponed until further notice due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Our top priority is the well-being and safety of you, your classmates, families, and all members of the Mercersburg Academy community.
We are exploring options for celebrating with you in different ways and/or at a later time or times. We will do this work in consultation with our Alumni Council, reunion volunteers, and class leaders. We’ll share updated details as we have them, and we’ll continue to update the Reunion Weekend webpage.
June 4-7, 2020:
Come home to Mercersburg!
Classes ending in 0 or 5 will celebrate reunions June 4-7, 2020, but all alumni are invited.
A preliminary schedule of events has been posted below; please check back for updates. For more information (or if you have questions), email reunions@mercersburg.edu or call 800-588-2550.
10 a.m. (depart) to 3 p.m. Antietam National Battlefield Tour with Jeff Driscoll ’68, history faculty member Maggie Howes, and faculty emeritus Ray Larson P ’97, ’01, ’06
Meet in front of Ford Hall
11 a.m. (depart) to 3 p.m. Whitetail Resort Golf Scramble with head golf coach Doug Smith P ’23 and current and former coaches Paul Galey P ’00, ’02 and Andy Schroer P ’07, ’08
Meet in front of Ford Hall
Noon to 7 p.m. Check-In and Registration
Simon Student Center
1:30 p.m. Campus Tours with Young-Alumni Hospitality Crew
Meet in front of Ford Hall (Sign up at registration)
2:30 p.m. Mercersburg Theological Tour with local minister Rev. Ron Martin-Minnich and School Minister Rev. Will Whitmore
Meet in front of Main Hall at 2:15 p.m.
6 p.m. Faculty, Staff, and Alumni Recognition Dinner
Hosted by the Alumni Council recognizing Alumni Award recipients and faculty/staff honorees
Please join us to celebrate this year’s Class of ’32 Award recipients and the six 2020 Alumni Award winners.
*Recommended dress for this event is semi-formal or business dress.
Ford Hall
9:30 p.m. Mercersburg Movie Night
M4 Theatre, Simon Student Center
7 to 10 a.m. Breakfast
Ford Hall
8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Check-In and Registration
Simon Student Center
8 a.m. to noon Alumni Council Meetings
Hershey Chorale Room, Burgin Center
8 a.m. (depart) to 12:30 p.m. Tour one of the largest providers of service solutions to aggregate companies in the Eastern U.S. with Paul Mellott Jr. ’70, chairman of the Mellott Company, Warfordsburg, PA
Departure location TBA
9 a.m. Rock climbing with Sarah Bozzi, assistant director of Mercersburg Outdoor Education, and Leela Woody, English faculty
Masinter Outdoor Education Center
9 a.m. Stories of the Chapel’s Stained Glass Windows with School Minister Rev. Will Whitmore
Irvine Memorial Chapel
10:30 a.m. LifeLong Learning Sessions
Innovation in Education discussion with David Frantz ’60, Board of Regents president emeritus; Jennifer Miller Smith ’97, P ’23, dean of academics; and John David Bennett P ’12, ’19, ’23, dean of curricular innovation
Location TBA
1983 Arctic Expedition reunion with Faculty Emeriti Frank Rutherford ’70, P ’03, ’06, ’06 and Shawn Rockwell Hardy ’80 with Jeff Daily ’83, Kurt Neilsen '84, and Faculty Emeriti members Tim Rockwell P ’80, ’86, and Brent Gift
Location TBA
History of the Mercersburg swimming program with Rick Hendrickson P ’03, ’06, ’19, director of athletics, Glenn Neufeld, head swim coach, and Mike Collins, athletic facilities operations supervisor
Meet in the center Nolde Gymnasium lobby
11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Lunch
Prentiss-Zimmerman Quad
1 p.m. Keynote: Resilience Savings: Investing in Safe Housing Equity by Peg Hacskaylo ’85, founder and CEO of NASH
Simon Theatre, Burgin Center for the Arts
Hands-On Robotics demonstration with Andy Brown, science faculty, Julia Stojak Maurer ’90, P ’18, ’20, ’22, ’23, associate head of school for school life, and Brandon Lamer-Connolly ’20
Irvine Hall, Robotics Lab
2 p.m. LifeLong Learning Sessions
Young Entrepreneur panel with Julianna Dahbura ’10, Taria Griffin ’10, Ethan Keiser ’10, Nikolai Paloni ’10, Leigh Saner ’10, Paul Suhey ’10, and moderator Lois Findlay ’80
Location TBA
Arts and Entertainment Panel with Dave Koch ’85, Samantha Lumby Seiple ’85, Steve Miko Burns ’85, Stewart Walker ’85, and moderator Marca Armstrong Ewy ’85
Simon Theatre, Burgin Center for the Arts
Parallel Histories: A Story of Alumni Connections across the Generations in celebration of diversity, equity, and inclusion with Charlie Guy ’65, P ’88, ’93 and John David Bennett P ’12, ’19, ’23, dean of curricular innovation
Location TBA
3 p.m. “Calling All Cars”: Car Show on the Quad
Prentiss-Zimmerman Quad
3 p.m. Meet Mercersburg’s newest faculty members
Christian Bancroft (English), Andy Brown (math), Jessica Doubell (theatre), Cindy Fowler (college counseling), Tim Kerr (history/lacrosse), Bill Kissick (advancement), Justine O’Connell (foriegn language), Jen Sipes (counseling), Ryan Tyree (English), Leela Woody (English), Rudy Wise (admission)
Traylor Hall
4 p.m. Hawk and Owl Biology class with science faculty member Jim Malone P ’01, ’03
Location TBA
4 p.m. AA/AL-ANON Gathering
For those who would like to support one another during Reunion Weekend
Chapel Undercroft, Irvine Memorial Chapel
4 p.m. Wine Tasting with Peggy Raley Ward ’85, Owner of Nassau Valley Vineyards
Cofrin Gallery, Burgin Center for the Arts
5 p.m. Artist Reception with Don Freas ’70
Cofrin Gallery, Burgin Center for the Arts
5:30 to 11 p.m. Childcare Provided by First United Daycare
First United Methodist Church
6 to 7:30 p.m. Dinner
Prentiss-Zimmerman Quad
9 p.m. Late-Night Lounge
Simon Student Center
10:30 p.m. S’mores
Simon Student Center
7 to 10 a.m. Breakfast
Ford Hall
8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Check-In and Registration
Simon Student Center
9 a.m. Workouts Led by Faculty and Alumni
Various locations
- Fun run with retiring faculty member Sue Malone P ’01, ’03, Meredith Glah Coors ’95, and Alec Harris ’00 (Meet in front of Goldthorpe Athletic Complex)
Squash with faculty members/coaches Ryan Tyree and Mike Sweeney P ’07, ’13, ’19, ’21, (Davenport Squash Center) Lap swimming with coaches Glenn Neufeld and Steve Fowler, Jeff Bryan ’70, and Chris Greene ’80 (Furnary Pool)
Tennis hit-around with head coach Eric Hicks P ’16, ’19, Matt Diller ’05, Ann Kaguyutan ’90, and Nina Porter ’80 (Smoyer Tennis Center)
Road biking with faculty members Austin Curwen P ’17, ’19, ’20 and Jeremy Thompson P ’18, ’20 and Michael Pedersen ’95 (Meet at the Masinter Outdoor Education Center; come early if you need to be fitted for a bike!)
HIIT workout with track & field coach Nikki Walker (McDowell Fitness Center)
9 a.m. Campus Green Thumb Tour with Head of Grounds Avery Cook and faculty emeritus Ray Larson P ’97, ’01, ’06
Meet in front of Ford Hall
9:30 a.m. Health and Wellness for Today's Students with Chris Howes, assistant head of school for student life and culture and Jo Wrzesinsky, dean of students
Location TBA
9:30 a.m. Back-to-School Alumni and Faculty Classes
Please check back later to find topics and locations
10:30 a.m. to noon Train Museum Tour with staff member Avery Cook
McFadden Model Railroad Museum
11 a.m. State of the School Address with Head of School Katie Titus P ’20, ’23 and Alumni Council President Sassan Shaool ’91
Simon Theatre, Burgin Center for the Arts
11:30 to 1 p.m. Lunch
Prentiss-Zimmerman Quad
1 p.m. Keynote Speaker: Tonya Rutherford ’90: A History of Black Student Integration at Mercersburg Academy
Simon Theatre, Burgin Center for the Arts
2:30 p.m. Quad Games and Snack Food Summit
Family-friendly quad games sponsored by Mercersburg Summer Programs along with snacks by Utz Quality Foods sponsored by Stacie Rice Lissette ’85 and Beer Nuts sponsored by Andy Shirk ’00
Prentiss-Zimmerman Quad
2:30 p.m. AA/AL-ANON Gathering
For those who would like to support one another during Reunion Weekend
Chapel Undercroft, Irvine Memorial Chapel
3 p.m. Class Tent Judging
Prentiss-Zimmerman Quad
5:30 p.m. Legacy Campout Drop-Off
Simon Student Center
5:30 to 11 p.m. Childcare Provided by First United Daycare
First United Methodist Church
5:30 p.m. Class Photos
5th Reunion: Prentiss Alumni and Parent Center at North Cottage - Time TBA
25th Reunion: Burgin Center for the Arts - Time TBA
50th Reunion: Edwards Room, Keil Hall - Time TBA
All other classes: Ford Hall - Time TBA
6 p.m. Class Receptions* and Dinners
*Reception for classes in Ford Hall will be on the residential quad between Tippetts and Ford Hall
5th Reunion: Prentiss Alumni and Parent Center at North Cottage
25th Reunion: Burgin Center for the Arts
50th Reunion: Edwards Room, Keil Hall
All other classes: Ford Hall
8:30 p.m. Dancing with the Odyssey Band of D.C.
Prentiss-Zimmerman Quad
10 p.m. Class Tent Cup Presentation
Prentiss-Zimmerman Quad
7 to 10 a.m. Breakfast
Ford Hall
8:30 a.m. Breakfast with the Head of School for the Class of 1970
1893 House
9 a.m. Legacy Campout Pick-Up
Ford Hall
10 a.m. A Service of Worship and Remembrance
Irvine Memorial Chapel
Noon Dorm Check-Out
Simon Student Center
Prentiss Alumni and Parent Center at North Cottage
Thursday: 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Friday: 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Class of 1960 School Store
(Simon Student Center)
Thursday: Noon-7 p.m.
Friday: 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m.-7 p.m.
Sunday: 8 a.m.-noon
Irvine Hall
Thursday: 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
Friday: 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Nolde Gymnasium - Goldthorpe Athletic Complex
(Plantz Basketball Courts, Davenport Squash Center, and McDowell Fitness Center)
Thursday: 7 a.m.-4 p.m.
Friday: 7 a.m.-5 p.m.
Saturday: 7 a.m.-4 p.m.
Llyod Aquatic Center - Goldthorpe Athletic Complex
Friday: 1-3:30 p.m.
Saturday: 7-10 a.m. and 1-3:30 p.m.
Smoyer Tennis Center
Dawn to dusk
Lenfest Hall
Thursday: 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
Friday: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Saturday: 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
Alumni
The Class of ’32 Distinguished Alumni Award
Paul Mellott Jr. ’70
Deborah Simon ’74
Alumni Council Medal for Distinguished Achievement
Rick Witmer ’70
Alumni Council Medal for Distinguished Service
Jim McClelland ’55
Ivon Rohrer ’60
Alumni Council Prize for Achievement
Maj. Gill Tatman-Tyree ’95
Alumni Council Prize for Service
Andrew Miller ’00
Alumni Council Young Alumni Leadership Award
Alexis Imler Gray ’05
Faculty and Staff
Retirees
Sue Malone P ’01, ’03
Paula Moran
Richard Rotz
25 years or more of service
Avery Cook
Jeff Goetz
David Grady
William Hege
Rick Hendrickson
Eric Hicks
Trini Hoffman
David Holzwarth
Jyl Hoover
Peter Kempe
Jim Malone
Sue Malone
Linda McCombie
Amy Mohr
Susan Rahauser
De-Enda Rotz
Andy Schroer
Susan Simar
Allison Stephens
Tom Thorne
A. No—all alumni, their guests, and friends of the school are welcome to join in for a day or for the whole weekend.
A. Dorm rooms cost $30 per person per night, a la carte meal options range from $10 to $65 per person per meal (including alcoholic/nonalcoholic beverages), and children younger than 18 eat for free. An all-inclusive meal package is available; it includes early-bird savings and special discounts for the 5th, 25th, 50th, and post-50th class reunions.
A. Stop by check-in in the Simon Student Center (below Ford Hall). You'll receive an updated schedule for the weekend, your dorm room assignment/room key (if applicable), and other materials.
A. We anticipate hundreds of guests on campus throughout the weekend, and to help us plan accordingly, we strongly encourage you to register online in advance. Online registration will close two weeks prior to Reunion Weekend, on Thursday, May 21. Walk-ins will be welcome, but we can't guarantee availability of lodging in the dorms. If you arrive after registration closes, you will not be provided a room on campus. Please visit check-in in the Simon Student Center to register on-site.
A. Refunds will be issued through May 15. If you cancel after that, you will have the option to credit the registration fee as a reunion gift to the 2019-2020 Annual Fund.
A. Please plan to arrive by 7 p.m. Thursday, 8 p.m. Friday, or 6 p.m. Saturday. If you arrive after the Registration table has closed, contact Campus Safety at 717-328-1111 to gain access to your dorm room. If you arrive after hours, you won't be able to gain access to a dorm room until the next morning when registration is open.
A. If you don't have a guest or didn't pay the fee for single occupancy, you will be assigned a roommate, and every effort will be made to house you with one of your classmates. If you're a late registrant or a "walk-in," please note that dorm accommodation will likely be unavailable.
A: Each room will have basic amenities: a twin bed (or two if it's a double room), sheets, a blanket, a small pillow, a towel, and a washcloth. Toiletries and hangers are not provided. There are no phones or fans in the rooms. All bathrooms are communal. Sleeping bags, air mattresses, and pillows are allowed for young children, and children not using a bed will not be charged the dorm fee when they stay with a paying adult. Remember: this is dorm living! If you have room in your car or suitcase, we would recommend bringing an extra blanket or pillows to add some comfort. The rooms have central air; as you aren’t able to control the temperature in your room, we recommend that you bring extra bedding or some layers for sleeping.
A. At least one dorm will be designated for families with young children, providing the option of a quieter stay. Please indicate that you would like the family-friendly dorm option when you register. Another dorm will be designated for guests who wish to abstain from alcohol consumption.
A. Yes. RV parking is available in the lot next to the Hale Field House, though there are no water or electricity hook-ups. You may also want to consider bringing a tent and camping out!
A. Check out a list of local hotels and beds-and-breakfasts.
A. Not at all. Each meal will include gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options. If you have other dietary restrictions, please provide them when you register online—or email reunions@mercersburg.edu.
A. Absolutely! Many of the weekend's events are family friendly, and Mercersburg Summer Programs sponsors a Legacy Campout on Saturday night. Your child or grandchild (age 7-14) can have an overnight experience on back campus that will give them a taste of Mercersburg Adventure Camp.
A. Childcare is available for children up to 12 years of age at First United Daycare on Thursday from 5:30 to 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 5:30 to 11 p.m. The fee of $30 per child (per evening) includes dinner and snacks. You'll be able to sign up for childcare on the Reunion Weekend registration form, and you’ll be required to complete an information form and waiver provided by the Daycare.
A. The pool, basketball courts, squash center, fitness center, and tennis center will be available for use. Be sure to pick up a schedule with facility hours of operation when you visit check-in in the Simon Student Center or find the hours posted at mercersburg.edu/reunionweekend.
A. Mercersburg Academy is a tobacco-free, marijuana-free, and drug-free campus. Smoking and e-cigarette use are not permitted anywhere on campus. Practice reasonable alcohol consumption at all times. Alcohol consumption is not permitted in the hallways of dormitories and no glass containers are permitted on campus. At events hosted by the school in which alcohol is served, licensed bartenders are required by law to limit consumption and will do so should you appear to be inebriated. Should you choose to bring alcohol to campus, you are fully responsible for outcomes related to any and all cases of over consumption of said alcohol.
A. In the case of inclement weather, alternative locations for outdoor events will be posted at mercersburg.edu/reunionweekend.
A. Feel free to park behind Traylor Hall, next to the Burgin Center, along Sycamore Lane, in the spaces next to the Irvine Memorial Chapel, next to the Hale Field House, or in any other spaces on campus not marked as reserved or handicapped. Handicapped parking will be available in designated spaces around the quad. (Please observe the signs that restrict parking in the grass in certain areas.) If you haven't been back to campus in a while, please note that the traffic flow around the quad is one-way.
A. Most of campus has wireless Internet. The wireless network is called "Mercersburg," and you'll be prompted to register your device and review the terms of service before you log on. Please pick up information at check-in in the Simon Student Center about how to access the network.
A. Plan to dress comfortably throughout the weekend, and don't forget athletic attire if you plan to swim, play tennis or squash, or participate in the morning workouts. Alumni and their guests typically dress in business casual or semi-formal attire for the Alumni Council kickoff dinner on Thursday and the class dinner on Saturday.
A. Sunscreen, refillable water bottle, lawn chair for class tents, umbrella, Pack 'n Play or air mattress (if bringing infants or toddlers), decorations for your class tent, and athletic equipment (if you plan to bike). Remember that dorm rooms are not like hotel rooms ... basic linens will be provided (pillow, sheets, blanket, towel, and washcloth), but please bring your own toiletries and personal items. Extra linens are not available.
A. Pets are not allowed in classrooms, office areas, dorms, or other school buildings. Pets are permissible on campus for Reunion Weekend if you are coming for the day or have off campus lodging. If you’re bringing your pet to campus, it should be licensed and have a current immunization record. Damage done by pets to Academy property will be the financial responsibility of the owner of the pets. Please remember, you must clean up after your dog. In addition, all pets on campus must be on a leash with their owner at all times. Pets should not be left unattended.
A. We'll miss you! Various aspects of the weekend will be covered on the @mburgalumni social media channels (Facebook and Instagram, plus @mercersburgacademy on Facebook and @mercersburg on Instagram and Twitter) and with the hashtag #mburgreunion.
Share the weekend! #mburgreunion #mburgalumni