1971's 50th Reunion Year ... Continued

Class of '71 Fall Retreat in Princeton, October 15-16, 2021

Program Update 9/18/21

The Class of 1971 Fall Retreat in Princeton starts in the afternoon on Friday October 15 and concludes late Saturday night October 16 at The Tiger Inn, 48 Prospect Avenue, where 1971 has gathered so often in years past. The primary focus of the Retreat is catching up with roommates, teammates, and friends and meeting some new ones after 18 months of remoteness.

Registrations are up to 93, including 61 Classmates and Class Associates signed on as of September 16, 2021. The Early rate closes on Tuesday, September 21. Even if you have registered, we urge you to reach out to rally your friends to join you. That’s the best way to see who you hope to see. After that date, the registration will go up by $71 per person, while late registrations make planning more difficult. The current list of those registered can be viewed on the Class website at this link. The website homepage princeton71.org has the link to register for the Retreat.

• “1971 Celebration of Life” in the University Chapel, proof of vaccination required by the Chapel. Led by 1971 clergy, the Service includes a recital on the Chapel Organ, hymns and readings celebrating the lives of those we’ve lost, and the lives the rest of us have to live. Friday at 2 pm. NOTE: Attendees need to arrive no later than 1:45pm Friday at the side door of the Chapel to fill out and sign the vaccination and contact tracing form. Service begins 2:00. Wear either 50th shirt or Class blazer.


• “The Art of Creating Art” by David Chamberlain ’71, exhibit and discuss some of his renowned artwork and the processes he uses (Friday at 7 pm, during the reception)


• Keynote talk #1: “The Lives I’ve Told: Writing Biography” with Scott Berg ’71 h03 (Saturday before brunch)


• 1971 50th Reunion Class Photo, Saturday, 1879 Arch – wear your 50th Flower Shirt and suitable accessories. You can pre-order your photo when you register, shipping charges will be waived. (Saturday at Noon)


• Class of 1971 50th Reunion P-Rade through Campus, Saturday, immediately following the Class Photo (Saturday about 12:30 pm)


• “Behind the Curtain at the Tokyo (and other) Summer Olympics,” with Dale Neuberger ’71, interviewed by Rick Ostrow ’71 (Saturday afternoon)


• “The Search for Einstein’s Brain,” with Fred Lepore ’71, Fred’s book, Finding Einstein’s Brain is 256 pages and is available on Amazon and elsewhere. (Saturday afternoon)


• “America in the World: Foreign Policy Challenges for the 21st Century,” Terry Pflaumer ’71, foreign service veteran, and Kathy Molony ’71, foreign policy analyst and observer. (Saturday afternoon)


• Keynote talk #2: “Free Speech on Campus: A Conversation with Professor Keith Whittington,” moderated by Kevin Baine ’71, P’00, ‘02, ’04. Kevin and Professor Whittington discuss free speech on campuses and the controversies that have arisen at Princeton and elsewhere. Prof. Whittington’s book,  Speak Freely: Why Universities Must Defend Free Speech, is 179 pages and is available on Amazon and elsewhere. (Saturday afternoon)


• Campus tours: We’re developing some behind the scenes tours possibly including the all-new and amazing Firestone Library and the historic Faculty Room in Nassau Hall, led to key personnel at each and guided by Orange Key Society members.

Reunion Gear. We designed an iconic, custom 50th Reunion Flower Shirt to mark our milestone year. They are made to be worn often, and not just at Princeton events. The feedback from all who have ordered has been positive, even enthusiastic. If you still need a shirt, they can be ordered through the website Class Store either for pickup at the Retreat or to be shipped to you. We also encourage you to bring and wear any of your Class Reunion badge name tags, to stay in the spirit, and to help those who haven’t seen you in a while strike up conversations. Wear other 1971-branded Reunions clothes and accessories during the Fall Retreat as you will. 

Vaccination Honor Code & Public Health Environment. We designed our Retreat’s protocols months ago to meet – and often exceed – the CDC guidelines, Princeton’s and local health authorities. As an extra precaution since many of us are in groups labelled “high risk,” we go a bit farther: all Registrants and their guests must commit under our Honor Code to receive their final dose of the Covid-19 vaccine at least 2 weeks before the start of the Fall Retreat. This “deadline” is also coming up, just like registrations. You might bring your vaccination card or a photo of it on your smartphone, as many places in NJ and environs now require it and we may ask you to show it at registration. The “‘71 Honor Code” is consistent with the one we committed to as students more than 50 years ago. 1971 also will require all to wear face coverings indoors regardless of vaccination status, except when eating or drinking (and outdoors where sensible). We also are strongly encouraging all attending to get the annual flu vaccine shot at least 2 weeks before the event. Thank you for understanding.

Housing. If you need housing, we urge you to make plans. Nearby hotel rooms are available at a range of prices. Check the cancellation clause just in case you change your plans for any reason.

Roaringly, 

Jeff Hammond '71 Reunions Chair	Jack Hittson '71 Chair Emeritus	Stu Rickerson '71 SWLF Chair