I write my first column for this publication with pride and gratitude. I am proud to return to my alma mater 20 years after graduation to serve as the Alumni Director. I am proud theAntiochian is back in circulation after a several year hiatus. I am grateful for our alumni, who continue to support the College through the ups and downs of our unique history.
I’ve been thinking about Reunion a lot lately.. The 2025 Reunion event, specifically–since it’s my job. But also of the act of reuniting. It has been such a joy to reunite with old classmates through my work. I’ve become part of the Volunteer Work Project family, and I get to reunite with these dear friends four times a year. And I’ve met alumni along the way that I feel like I’ve always known.
I get that same joy from seeing other Antiochians reunite with each other. Being a part of the last several Reunions I’ve gotten to witness countless homecomings and tears of happiness.
Last year an alum came back for the first time for her 50th. She jumped right into the Volunteer Work Project and got her hands dirty. I’ve seen the excitement of people running into old pals who they haven’t seen since their graduation day 65 years ago. And I’ve seen younger and new alumni become friends with older alumni; discovering they had more in common than they thought.
I always say, if you come across another Antiochian out in the world you’ll have something to talk about. No matter the generation gap, regardless of which era you attended, or what kind of life you’ve led post-Antioch on your “forever Co-op,” there is always some point of connection.
Back to the literal Reunion. This year’s Reunion–Antioch & the Arts–will take place July 24-27. I could fill several columns listing the exciting events we have planned, but I’ll just share a few highlights.
Steve Moriarty ‘89 will read from his new book Mia Zapata and The Gits: A Story of Art, Rock, and Revolution. The book chronicles the formation of the legendary punk band The Gits at Antioch, and their path to the Seattle Grunge scene in the 90’s. Alan Siege ‘78 will host a “pitch show” for Antiochian entrepreneurs to win money to advance their socially conscious business ideas. Victor Nunez ‘68, the recipient of this year’s Rebecca Rice Award, will screen his new feature film, Rachel Hendrix.
Add to that a puppet making workshop and performance, walking history tour with Scott Sanders, the Alumni Art Show, movie screenings, panels, alumni award presentations, and a talk on the historical architectural significance and preservation of Antioch buildings. We’ll have wonderful meals from Antioch Kitchens, prepared with produce from the Antioch Farm. There will be a custom Antioch beer, made with ingredients from the Farm in collaboration with Yellow Springs Brewery.
Cabaret Horace delights year after year. The annual open mic talent show brings a range of talents to the stage. There is music, poetry, standup, and occasionally something that…defies categorization. Div Dance in 1965 may have looked very different than in 1990, but at the Reunion DIV we all share the same dance floor and there is no curfew.
There is, of course, a cost to putting on a four day jubilee with a tent and catering and rentals. Registration for the full event is $500. But I don’t want cost to be a barrier. In addition to the regular registration there is a discount program pass, and volunteer opportunities to attend for free are available. Alumni from 2015-2025 attend for free. And while you will hopefully be inspired to donate at the Saturday night fundraising dinner, there won’t be pressure to pull out your checkbook. Or Venmo or Zelle, or whatever it is you use these days.
The point is, I just want you to be there. To join us in celebrating the life-changing education we received at Antioch. I want to reengage alumni with the College, but that ultimately means connecting and reconnecting alumni with each other. The College is more than a collection of buildings and an unforgettable motto. The College is all of us, from all years. The College is us, sharing meals under the tent and dancing late into the night.
I’ll end by bringing this back to gratitude and pride. I am incredibly grateful to the Editorial Board of this revived publication. This group evolved from the Communications Committee of the Antioch Alumni Board. Antioch has a way of coming back. We as a community are lucky to have alumni who are committed to showing up and pitching in. I learn about the stories of our alumni every day. I can attest, as a community, we have a lot to be proud of in each other.
Shannon McCarrville
Director, Alumni Relations