Yale Class of 1957

55th Reunion – May 31-June 3, 2012

February 2012

Gentlemen and Friends of Yale ’57:

In 1565, prior to the final battle for Malta, Jean Parisot de la Valette said, “It is crunch time.”

Our 55th Yale Reunion is scheduled to begin on 31 May, less than two months from when you receive our registration packet in the mail. And yes, it is crunch time. Register now using the link on this Web site. For hotel reservations, “early” is the operative word. We are negotiating for space for our various activities. The AYA needs to know how many of us are going to show up.

For those of you who attended the 50th reunion, I promise you another joyful experience. For those of you who missed the 50th because of family obligations or illness, we urge you to take this opportunity to keep that promise to see that old friend you have lost touch with. Tempus fugit.

Jonathan Edwards College, beautifully renovated, will be our reunion headquarters. Both Yale and the Class of 1957 have lots of planned activities, including built in free time to talk, share and catch up.

Class highlights include a talk to the Class by David Swensen, Yale’s Chief Investment Officer; an evening of entertainment by Bud Trillin (unless he decides to run as Stephen Colbert’s vice-president); and after-dinner dancing and a jazz concert by the original Eli’s Chosen Six. We will have a panel on “life issues,” moderated by Murray Biggs, Associate Professor of English and Theater Studies. (As of this writing, we are working out the details.) You will have an opportunity to hear from Michael Jaffe, Associate Dean  of the Yale School of Music, and a small brass ensemble of students who participate in the “1957 Music in Schools Initiative.” There will be a Memorial Service at St. Thomas More Chapel. And, if you like to start the day by running or walking, we will organize that for you. Tee times have already been reserved for our class at the Yale Golf Course; please contact Bob Smith at 203-927-9792.

Yale Catering has continued to improve the quality and variety of meal offerings, including non-meat and vegan options at all meals. The University will have its usual panoply of lectures by outstanding faculty members. There will be a gala music presentation at Woolsey Hall and outstanding exhibits at the Peabody, Beinecke and Sterling Libraries, the Yale Art Gallery and the Yale Center for British Art.

New Haven has continued to improve. There are new buildings. The town has become a restaurant destination. The shopping centers on Chapel and Broadway are bustling with activity. You won’t be bored.

For the wives of classmates who have passed on, remember you are guests and are encouraged to attend the reunion staying at Jonathan Edwards. The Class will pick up the whole tab, except for travel, local hotels and guests.  And for any classmates who may need help to attend, please contact Jennifer Julier, our AYA liaison, in complete confidence (203-436-8014 or jennifer.julier@yale.edu).

That’s it for now.  I hope you will come to your 55th Reunion.

Bern Kosto, Chair ’57@55