Reunion 2023 Schedule of Events

3–7 p.m.
Barbara Walters Campus Center

6–8:30 p.m.
Heimbold Visual Arts Center

Artificial neural networks are at the core of today's Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems for face recognition, image classification, speech processing, language translation, text-to-image generators, self-driving cars, and ChatGPT. Join James Marshall, Computer Science faculty, for a seminar on the basic ideas underlying neural network technology, which has been the driving force behind so many of the astonishing advances made by AI over the past decade.

8:30 a.m.–7 p.m.
Barbara Walters Campus Center

8:30–10 a.m.
Barbara Walters Campus Center

9:30–11 a.m.

Giving, Taking, and Cheating: The Ecology of Symbiosis with Michelle Hersh, Biology
From gut flora of animals to fungi living in tree roots, symbioses are important and widespread throughout the natural world. We can broadly define symbiosis as different species living together in a close association of any nature, from mutualism to parasitism. In this seminar, we will explore how symbioses are developed, maintained, and broken down, and consider the scientific challenges to understanding the function of such associations. We will place a special emphasis on mutualisms, or interactions in which both partners benefit -- unless, of course, one cheats.

Ideas of Africa: Africa Writes Back with Mary Dillard, African History and Global Studies
The continent of Africa has variously been described as: the birthplace of humanity, the “Motherland”, a country, a continent, “Mother Africa” and a “heart of darkness”. All of these descriptions reflect representations of Africa, but how accurately do they reflect reality? The goal of this seminar is to study the intellectual history of what we know- or think we know- about modern Africa. Why is it that some of the most prominent images of Africa today are either negative (i.e. Africa as a diseased, hungry, war-ravaged continent) or romanticized (i.e. Africa as a mother figure, birthplace of civilization, or lush nature preserve)? A central theme of our discussions will be that ideas have a history that is as powerful as radioactive isotopes. In other words, ideas maintain a shelf-life, even when their origins have long become obscured. Unfortunately, this has profound implications for Africa’s place in a modern, media driven, globalized world where image can be as important as reality.

Narrative Strategies: Reading Fiction as a Writer with David Hollander MFA ’97, Writing Faculty
I am currently (at the time of writing this description) teaching a course titled, Narrative Strategies: Reading Fiction as a Writer. We’re breaking fiction down into various strategies (1st person strategies, 3rd person strategies, language-driven strategies, structure-driven strategies, etc.) and learning how decisions at the level of style drive and shape the content of fictional works; we’re then practicing what we’ve learned in our own weekly fictions. This one-session Reunion event will try to replicate, in miniature, this rhythm. We’ll look at two or three very short stories with unique engines and discuss how language and structure combine to generate energy on the page. And then we’ll spend some time writing, employing what we’ve learned and sharing some of the results. Bring pen, paper, and a healthy dose of playfulness!

11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.

50th Reunion Lunch with President Cristle Collins Judd
Classes of ’73 and earlier.
The President’s House

Reunion Lunch
All other classes
Barbara Walters Campus Center

1:45–4 p.m.
Departing from the Barbara Walters Campus Center

Tour of the Sarah Lawrence College Center for the Urban River at Beczak (CURB)
Explore the College’s academic research facility on the banks of the Hudson River at Habirshaw Park. The center features a welcoming riverfront lawn, an easily accessible tidal marsh and a beach used for river exploration and seining. SLC CURB provides a broad educational platform, establishes a Hudson River research program, and incorporates service learning and citizen science projects in the Yonkers community.

Tour of the Untermyer Park and Gardens
Enjoy a guided tour of Untermyer Park and Gardens, an historic 43-acre city public park, located in Yonkers, New York. The park is a remnant of Samuel Untermyer's 150-acre estate "Greystone,” with views of the Hudson River and the Palisades. The park features a Walled Garden inspired by ancient Indo-Persian gardens, the Vista, the former Color Gardens, the Temple of Love, and the Rock and Stream Garden.

2–3:30 p.m.

Psychology of Food and Eating with Maia Pujara, Psychology
Why do we eat? What is the function of food? These questions seem simple on the surface, but the many possible answers reveal the complexity of our relationship with food. Food choices are shaped by our relationships with others, our culture and upbringing, our emotions, and our bodies. Explore concepts ranging from the psychological and biological underpinnings of how we sense and perceive different tastes to how we develop food preferences and eating behaviors in the context of both “normal” and disordered relationships with food. In the first half of this session, we will cover the major themes and trends that arise throughout the semester-long seminar related to our relationship with food and how we develop eating behaviors. The second half of the seminar will involve a mini-workshop that mirrors the structure of the conference work for this class.

Jazz History with Glenn Alexander, Music Faculty
Jazz music of all styles and periods will be listened to, analyzed, and discussed. Emphasis will be placed on instrumental styles and performance techniques that have evolved in the performance of jazz. Skills in listening to and enjoying some of the finer points of the music will be enhanced by the study of elements such as form, phrasing, instrumentation, instrumental technique, and style. Special emphasis will be placed on the development of modern jazz and its relationship to older styles. The crossover of jazz into other styles of modern music, such as rock and R&B, will be discussed, as will the influence that modern concert music and world music has had on jazz styles.

3:45–4:30 p.m.

3:45–4:45 PM
Barbara Walters Campus Center Gallery

During the 2022-2023 academic year, Sarah Lawrence’s History Matters series explored how the past continues to live on in each of us, often working on us in mysterious ways, molding our thoughts, sensibilities, actions, and our dreams—even when we're not cognizant of it. You, our alumni, are central to Sarah Lawrence’s history.

As the College approaches its 100th anniversary in 2026, we will be collecting alumni stories to enrich the Sarah Lawrence historical record. After you visit the Archives exhibit, we hope it inspires you to make your own contribution to the Sarah Lawrence archives.

5–6 p.m.
Heimbold Visual Arts Center

The Sarah Lawrence community remembers alumni, trustees, faculty, and staff who passed away during the academic year.

5:30–8:30 p.m.
Classes of 2013-2023
Neptune Island: 78 Fort Slocum Road, New Rochelle

Transportation departs from campus (Andrews Parking Lot) at 5 p.m.
Cruise departs Neptune Island promptly at 6 p.m.

6–7 p.m.
Barbara Walters Campus Center

7:00–8:45 p.m.

25th Reunion Dinner with President Judd
Class of ’98
The President’s House

Reunion Dinner and Drinks
All other classes
Barbara Walters Campus Center

9:00–10:00 p.m.
Reisinger Auditorium

10:30 p.m.
Westlands South Lawn

Enjoy drinks and snacks while watching this beloved classic!

9 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
Barbara Walters Campus Center

9–10:30 a.m.
Barbara Walters Campus Center

8–9 a.m.
Campbell Sports Center

11:00 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
Barbara Walters Campus Center

Join us for the Annual Meeting of the Alumni Association followed by a celebratory luncheon in honor of our remarkable Citation Award winners for Achievement and Service to the College. The luncheon will conclude with "A Year in Review" featuring President Cristle Collins Judd.

4:00–5 p.m.

5:00–6:30 p.m.
Heimbold Visual Arts Center

Celebrate the work of alumni artists during our 18th Annual Alumni Art Exhibit and Reception at Reunion. This year’s show honors the memory of artist Conrad Vogel ’77 who curated the Art Exhibit for over a decade.

Class of ’73
6:30–9:30 p.m.
Barbara Walters Campus Center, Second Floor

All other classes
6:30–11 p.m.
Barbara Walters Campus Center

11 p.m.–12 midnight
Barbara Walters Campus Center

10 a.m.–12 noon
Barbara Walters Campus Center

Close the weekend with a delicious champagne brunch, a dedication of the BWCC atrium, and a tribute to Joseph Papaleo ’49, faculty emeritus (1960 to 1992).

Michelle Hersh, Biology Faculty

From gut flora of animals to fungi living in tree roots, symbioses are important and widespread throughout the natural world. We can broadly define symbiosis as different species living together in a close association of any nature, from mutualism to parasitism. In this seminar, we will explore how symbioses are developed, maintained, and broken down, and consider the scientific challenges to understanding the function of such associations. We will place a special emphasis on mutualisms, or interactions in which both partners benefit -- unless, of course, one cheats.

Mary Dillard, African History and Global Studies Faculty

The continent of Africa has variously been described as: the birthplace of humanity, the “Motherland”, a country, a continent, “Mother Africa” and a “heart of darkness”. All of these descriptions reflect representations of Africa, but how accurately do they reflect reality? The goal of this seminar is to study the intellectual history of what we know- or think we know- about modern Africa. Why is it that some of the most prominent images of Africa today are either negative (i.e. Africa as a diseased, hungry, war-ravaged continent) or romanticized (i.e. Africa as a mother figure, birthplace of civilization, or lush nature preserve)? A central theme of our discussions will be that ideas have a history that is as powerful as radioactive isotopes. In other words, ideas maintain a shelf-life, even when their origins have long become obscured. Unfortunately, this has profound implications for Africa’s place in a modern, media-driven, globalized world where image can be as important as reality.

David Hollander MFA ’97, Writing Faculty

I am currently (at the time of writing this description) teaching a course titled, Narrative Strategies: Reading Fiction as a Writer. We’re breaking fiction down into various strategies (1st person strategies, 3rd person strategies, language-driven strategies, structure-driven strategies, etc.) and learning how decisions at the level of style drive and shape the content of fictional works; we’re then practicing what we’ve learned in our own weekly fictions. This one-session Reunion event will try to replicate, in miniature, this rhythm. We’ll look at two or three very short stories with unique engines and discuss how language and structure combine to generate energy on the page. And then we’ll spend some time writing, employing what we’ve learned and sharing some of the results. Bring pen, paper, and a healthy dose of playfulness!

Maia Pujara, Psychology Faculty

Why do we eat? What is the function of food? These questions seem simple on the surface, but the many possible answers reveal the complexity of our relationship with food. Food choices are shaped by our relationships with others, our culture and upbringing, our emotions, and our bodies. Explore concepts ranging from the psychological and biological underpinnings of how we sense and perceive different tastes to how we develop food preferences and eating behaviors in the context of both “normal” and disordered relationships with food. In the first half of this session, we will cover the major themes and trends that arise throughout the semester-long seminar related to our relationship with food and how we develop eating behaviors. The second half of the seminar will involve a mini-workshop that mirrors the structure of the conference work for this class.

Glenn Alexander, Music Faculty

Jazz music of all styles and periods will be listened to, analyzed, and discussed. Emphasis will be placed on instrumental styles and performance techniques that have evolved in the performance of jazz. Skills in listening to and enjoying some of the finer points of the music will be enhanced by the study of elements such as form, phrasing, instrumentation, instrumental technique, and style. Special emphasis will be placed on the development of modern jazz and its relationship to older styles. The crossover of jazz into other styles of modern music, such as rock and R&B, will be discussed, as will the influence that modern concert music and world music has had on jazz styles.

A limited number of on–campus residence hall rooms are available to reunion alumni only on a first-come, first-served basis. Registering for on-campus housing gives you the use of your room for the entire weekend. Unlike a hotel, we are unable to turn around rooms on a daily basis.

Campus housing at Sarah Lawrence means returning to dormitory living. Please keep in mind that the rooms are basic, with little furniture. There are no private bathrooms. Rooms are singles and beds are twin–sized. Basic sheets, a light blanket, a pillow, and a towel are provided, but we recommend that you bring an extra blanket, pillow, towel, toiletries (soap), etc. You may also want to bring hangers, an alarm clock, a hair dryer, an iron, or other amenities. There are no phones, desk lamps, air conditioners, or fans.

Alumni and their guests may use the gymnasium, squash courts, running track, and pool. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

Tours of the campus will be available on Friday at 3:45 p.m. and Saturday at 4:00 p.m. Revisit familiar spaces and discover new campus additions.

Shuttle service around campus and to/ from the Bronxville train station is available throughout the weekend.

Alumni are welcome to visit and use the library during their stay.

All visitors to campus must be fully vaccinated OR provide proof of a negative COVID test taken within 48 hours of arrival on campus. PCR and rapid tests, including home test kits, are acceptable.

We are mindful of the rapidly changing health guidelines and are regularly reviewing and updating our policies & procedures to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.