Wheaton News

More than 300 Wheaton alumni made their way back to Norton May 15–17 to congratulate the Class of 2026 and celebrate their reunion. Bright sunny skies and warm temperatures provided a perfect setting for the traditional procession to the Dimple for Commencement.

The Class of 1976 celebrated its golden anniversary with 54 members in attendance and 20 alums from the Class of 2001 alums returned for their 25th reunion. The Class of 1986 welcomed 57 members back to campus—the most of any class to take part in the weekend’s events.

Overall, 307 alumni from 30 states (including Alaska) and three countries—China, Israel and the United Kingdom—participated in Reunion Weekend.

Among a packed schedule of weekend activities, the Annual Meeting of the Alumni Association featured the presentation of Alumni Awards to four distinguished graduates.

Trustee Indira Henard ’03 received the Sharon Levine ’70 Memorial Volunteer Leadership Award for her leadership and enduring service.

Ryan Parker ’01 was presented with the Heather Corbett ’86 Fostering Community Award for his 15 seasons as a volunteer assistant baseball coach.

Former Trustee Tony Laing ’96 received the Sharon Howard ’87 Outstanding Wheaton Service Award for 30 years of supporting his alma mater.

This year’s Alumni Leadership Award was presented to Margo Walsh ’86, founder and CEO of MaineWorks. Since 2011, she has provided stable employment and benefits to more than 2,500 individuals who were either recovering from substance abuse disorder or recently incarcerated.

Among the weekend’s events, the Nursing Suite and the Life and Career Design Institute held open houses and a Voices Concert featured The Wheaton Whims, The Wheatones, The Blend and The Gentlemen Callers. Provost Jonathan Millen and Professors Hilary Magruder Gaudet ’09 and Jonathan Chow gave a lecture on The Evolution of the Liberal Arts. Professor Alex Bloom hosted a talk about his new book, 1968: The Year the World Shook. The Fab Lab held an interactive hands-on activity and while celebrating its 25th reunion, the Class of 2001 opened its time capsule.

So far, nearly 500 alumni have raised over $4.2M in honor of their reunion. This vital support is fueling incredible growth in our annual impact funds and endowment.  A small but mighty group have also generously chosen to include Wheaton in their estate plans.

To contribute to your Reunion Class Gift, please donate by June 30 so your gift is added to your class total.

(Photos by Keith Nordstrom, Nicki Pardo and Amy Strom)