Things got under way at Reunion 2001 early Friday morning, in a light fog and drizzle, as Olympic cyclist Deirdre Murphy ’80 and President Peggy R. Williams led an intrepid group of alumni, faculty, staff, and students on a bicycle ride around Ithaca. The air cleared during their ride, making for a good run and good conditions for other athletically minded attendees, who played at the eighth annual Butterfield Golf Tournament.

Music professor Mary Arlin ’61 led her popular driving/ walking tour of downtown Ithaca. Those who hadn’t been back for a while toured some of the College’s newest additions, as well as the neighboring Longview residential facility. Business dean Bob Ullrich brought people up to date on the new M.B.A. program.

On Saturday a memorial concert was held for Craig McHenry ’30, M.M. ’46, former professor and longtime dean of the School of Music, who passed away in January. Other morning events included an open house in the Office of Career Services and an inspiring talk by keynote speaker Deirdre Murphy ’80, who spoke of sacrifice, pain, and commitment --- all of which she experienced during her training for and during the 2000 summer Olympics in Sydney (ICQ, 2000/no. 2 and 2000/no. 4).

At noontime the traditional picnic on the quad offered a great chance to get together with classmates to nosh and reminisce under the tents. Afterward people took a variety of on-campus tours, visited the Ithaca Commons downtown to enjoy the Ithaca Festival, stopped by some old haunts, took a Cayuga Lake boat cruise, or checked out the physical therapy program’s new technology.

At the annual awards banquet on Saturday evening, alumni association president David Fleischer ’91 honored four individuals for their contributions to the College: Arnold Broido '41 received the Distinguished Alumni Award; the late Lewis Gallo '51 was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award; David Boreanaz '91 was presented (in absentia --- the well-known TV and film actor sent a videotaped message of acceptance) with the Outstanding Young Alumni Award, and longtime College administrator William Scoones was given the James J. Whalen Meritorious Service Award. Local swing band the HotFoot Club revved things up until late that evening, capping off a weekend full of music and parties and laughter --- and new memories.