On Thursday July 16 Antiochians from far and wide gathered on the Yellow Springs campus for Reunion 2026: Antioch Feast. The reunion actually began days earlier with the Volunteer Work Project, those tireless souls that came together to get the campus in shape for the reunion. They helped with the program and setup, pulled weeds, planted flowers, and helped with projects big and small. They also gathered to say farewell and plant a tree for long-time member David Vincent.
When we arrived on campus, the place was buzzing with anticipation. The weather was warm but not too hot. There was actually a breeze. The rain did not appear until Friday afternoon, a typical on and off downpour.
The first night Thursday, was highlighted by the Welcome dinner at the Foundry Theater. Before we sat down to eat, we were entertained by Chris Westhoff, Director of the Foundry Theater who gave an impromptu performance while we ate appetizers and enjoyed beverages. I think we all appreciated getting to meet Chris, a true asset to the college. Chris has worked in museums as an art handler, in schools as an educator, with construction and carpentry crews, and in many theaters across the country as a performer, musician, and manager. Chris has worked as the Managing Director of Mad River Theater Works since 2009 and recently became the Development Coordinator for the Antioch School, a celebrated democratic elementary school in Yellow Springs.
The dinner included faculty who stood up to introduce themselves and briefly talk about their specialties; a very impressive group. After dinner, we chanced upon 2 musicians, llanera superstar Larry BellorĂn (Venezuela) and Latingrass GRAMMY-nominee Joe Troop (North Carolina) who just happened to be passing by and performed for us as well. They were amazing. It was a lot of fun reconnecting with old classmates too!
After dinner, there were 2 presentations in the building which used to be the science building but is now the arts and sciences building. Everything all in one building. There was a film about former Professor John Ronsheim and a film about former Dean of Students Stephen Schwerner.
Friday there were walking tours of the Glen Helen,
the Antioch Farm,
and the main building. Peter Townsend led the Glen tour. I visited the farm, the chickens and the sheep.
Main building is undergoing a remodel/renovation. We met with the architect Earl Reeder, project manager from Yellow Springs. The air handling system (cool and heat) is up and running, the elevators are functional, and the rooms are under renovation. Kelly hall is still a work in progress but it was great to be able to check it all out.
Later that afternoon, Susanne Johnson presented a slide show/listening event dedicated to Kelly Hall - think concerts, midnight movies, and talks - which was nothing but great.
The evening was spent in the Foundry with an amazing BBQ dinner prepared by the Antioch staff. Slabs of beef brisket and ribs. Yummy. Horace Mann Recipient Wendy Ewald ’74 shared with us excerpts of her life’s work. As a photographer and educator, she has travelled the world, giving cameras to children, helping them with photography and capturing all this in books dedicated to the children she met. Her photographs were amazing and her presentation was inspiring.
Cabaret Horace was a gas. So many crazy, accomplished performers. Why didn’t I take pictures!
Saturday began with serious discussions of the state of Antioch with President Jane Fernandes followed by an afternoon/evening filled with wine and food. There were talks reflecting on the life of John Ronsheim and the aesthetics of food and wine. This was followed by an amazing wine tasting comparing wines from Europe led by expert sommelier alums Jeff Treistman ’76 and David Ramm ’91.
Dinner with a fundraising silent auction followed by Div Dance ( with many alums socializing outside on the Foundry steps!) concluded the evening.
Alumni award recipients offered many interesting talks, and with tours, meetings, films, meals, and more, the weekend was a full banquet! Overall, the attendance was small but this year’s reunion was well worth the trip. Thank you to all who helped make this a wonderful event.
