Alumni Reunion Celebrates GSB Connections and the 50th Anniversary of the School’s Merger

One of Gill St. Bernard’s most joyful weekends of the year took place this past Friday, May 5, and Saturday, May 6, when all GSB alumni were invited back to campus for the annual GSB Alumni Reunion.  

The fun began with a special Class of 1973 Reunion Medal Ceremony and Reception at the Hemm House on Home Winds Farm, celebrating the 50th anniversary of their graduation from Gill St. Bernard’s. This year’s reception was particularly poignant as GSB marks the 50th Anniversary of the merger between The Gill School and St. Bernard’s, and the Class of 1973 was the first class to graduate from the newly merged Gill St. Bernard’s. 

Board of Trustee Chairman Doug Matthews welcomed the Class of 1973 back to campus before Head of School Sid Rowell gave each in attendance their 50th Reunion Medal. The celebration didn’t stop there, however, and the group continued on to dinner at a local restaurant organized by classmate Mary Mazzochi ’73. 

“The Alumni Reunion was a great weekend on an amazing campus,” Mary said. “It isn’t the same campus we graduated from, but all the people I’ve spoken with or heard from are amazing people. I know that not everyone was able to attend the event, but I, for one, would love to see what all my classmates are doing and who they have become.” 

Mary was not the only Class of 1973 graduate who appreciated reconnecting with classmates. In order to share what the former GSB students have been up to since graduation, Wendy van de Poll ’73, Sheila Lane ’73, and the Class of 1973 Reunion Committee created the first-ever reunion yearbook. Many alumni have already contributed information about where their life’s journey has taken them, and for anyone in the Class of 1973 who has not yet contributed—it’s not too late to submit! 

The following day, events were planned on the GSB Campus as a welcome to all alumni and, in particular, to offer special milestone honors for the Class of 1973, 1998, 2003, 2008, 2013, and 2018. 

GSB’s musical ensemble “Blue in the Face” honored attendees with a performance in the Matthews Family Theater of the Performing Arts and Community Center. Afterwards, alumni were encouraged to walk the campus or to join Director of Parent Relations Jen Doherty for a guided tour.  

Lunch was served by Joannie’s Diner Food Truck under a festive tent, and the group enjoyed some nostalgia with the Brothers Old Fashioned Ice Cream truck. Former Head Librarian Randi Schmidt, Former Upper School Director Peter Schmidt, Former A.P. Computer Science Teacher Irv Taylor, and Mike Chimes (who wore many hats during his time at GSB including History Teacher, Director of College Guidance, Technology Director, and coach) returned to catch up with past students, and current Upper School Director Joel Coleman and Athletic Director Jenn Noon met and mingled with the crowd during the lunch. 

Throughout the entire weekend, campus was abuzz with activity. Alumni Reunion was an all-around wonderful opportunity to connect with old friends—and to make new ones. Stay tuned for reunion 2024, and we can’t wait to welcome you back to campus. 

Please check out the gallery for festive photos from the weekend and stay tuned for next month’s alumni newsletter that will feature more upcoming events!