Anniversary Celebration-- Alumni Reunion Weekend

This is it – the big celebration, when we all come together to celebrate the achievements of the last five decades. We invite the public and the entire New College community to share in an amazing weekend showcasing New College’s unique strengths. The annual alumnae/i reunion has been moved from its traditional May Commencement Weekend to coincide with the 50th anniversary celebration. Expect to have a lot of fun!

NCAA Reunion Weekend: Alums of the College will gather in Sarasota for their annual reunion, which has been moved from its traditional May Commencement Weekend to coincide with the big anniversary celebration. We expect a record number of Novo Collegians to participate in the anniversary events, as well as reunion activities that have been scheduled exclusively for alums. Details regarding travel, hotel rooms and other plans can be found on the NCAA anniversary webpage. Make your reservations today for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!

Friday: Golden Anniversary Dinner at the Ritz Carlton – a formal dinner and after-party to honor and celebrate the first 50 years of New College. This is our signature fundraising event for the anniversary. Tickets are $275 per person or $500 per couple. Those who give over $2,500 to the 1960 Society receive two complimentary tickets. For reservations and information, contact Brittany White at 941-487-4685.

Saturday: Celebration on the Bay – an evening of fun and festivities with the Sarasota Orchestra led by Leif Bjaland – our gift to the community featuring the premiere of a new composition by New College alum Silas Durocher, followed by fireworks over the bay and bands, bands and more bands. Paul Wolfe, conductor laureate of the orchestra and founder of both the New College Summer Music Festival and the New College String Quartet (now the Sarasota Music Festival and the Sarasota String Quartet), will conduct a movement of the Mozart Symphony No. 40 – the same piece he conducted at the dedication of the campus in 1962. It’s all free!

Friday and Saturday: Open houses, student and faculty academic fairs, mini-classes, panel discussions, student and alum art exhibits, student performances, history displays, poetry and scientific posters, campus tours – all open to the public and all free. Also: showing of a special documentary on the history and future of New College. A detailed schedule of events will be forthcoming.

Sunday: Sailing and kayaking fun at Old Caples, a frisbee/kickball tournament and an alum farewell brunch are just some of the activities we are considering to cap off the Anniversary weekend.