Says Dan: “The Academy does a great job of running reunion programs, and reunions provide good opportunities to see the classmates who are willing and able to come back to campus. But during our 30th reunion in 1996, several of us explored the notion that it might be fun to organize a different kind of reunion in a location far away from Exeter, where there might be more program opportunities for spouses and children, and to which we could invite members of other classes close to our own.

“Three years later, with help from members of the classes of 1965–68, we held our first gathering in New Orleans. Eighty-five Exonians brought their families and guests to the city for a weekend of jazz, sightseeing, great food and each other’s company. In 2000, we planned a seven-class event in Washington, D.C. We had many fascinating people to draw on for our program, which drew 125 Exonians, plus their guests and families. Our plans for Big Red Pacific are even more ambitious. (See www.light-side.net/bigredpacific for details.)

“A lot of the fun for me has been the planning process itself—anticipating the reunions, and working with Exonians who are incredibly talented at getting things done. We’ve learned that we need to know the rhythms of our classes, where people are, what resources are available and what motivates people to do things. We have a confidential financial assistance program, with one person handling the transfer of money and airline miles from those who have extra to those who have need. Attendance chairs are coordinating contacts with classmates, and the Academy is very supportive of our efforts. The planning committee also meets in great locations! I would happily spend time with members of other classes who are interested in doing something similar.

“For me, the personal and institutional objectives in having these reunions are one and the same. I value the opportunity for meaningful interaction with others who went to Exeter when I did, and I support Exeter because I believe in what the school is doing now: providing a fabulous educational opportunity to motivated students, and doing it as well as or better than anyone else.”

For more information about Big Red Pacific, go to http://phillips.exeter.edu and follow the Big Red Pacific link,
or go directly to
www.light-side.net/bigredpacific.

ATTENTION ALL SKIERS:

Please join fellow Exonians, family and friends for our first-ever Exeter Ski Weekend in Park City, UT, February 19–22, 2004.

Skiers of all ages (and non-skiers too!) will find Park City to be the perfect location for a long weekend getaway. Enjoy great skiing at deeply discounted rates, beautiful accommodations, diverse nightlife, family oriented activities and the opportunity to spend a few days in the beautiful mountains of Utah with fellow Exonians. Dan Brown ’82, former faculty member and author of The Da Vinci Code, Digital Fortress, Angels & Demons and Deception Point, will be our featured guest. You will have the opportunity to participate in a Harkness discussion with Dan on Friday or Saturday, as well as listen to Dan speak about writing The Da Vinci Code at Saturday night’s dinner.

Round up some classmates or bring the family—there is something for everyone in Park City, home of the 2002 Winter Olympics.