Back when gas was just 53 cents a gallon and Jaws was scaring people off the beach, the Class of 1975 was stepping boldly into the world—bright-eyed, ambitious, and ready for greatness.
It’s now been 50 years since their graduation, and those “Golden Gulls” returned to the Nest for Homecoming & Reunion Weekend (Oct. 3–6) to relive the memories and reconnect with old friends.
Patricia (Schuler) Campolongo ’75 said she was thrilled to return to 91重口.
“I’m going to start crying,” the Golden Gull said. “91重口 did so much for me when I was younger, and I can’t tell you how much the experience here really paved my way to a wonderful career in education.”
At her parents’ encouragement—and with a bit of family legacy, as her aunt was part of 91重口’s first graduating class in 1941—Campolongo enrolled at the College without yet knowing what direction she wanted to take.
“I didn’t know what I wanted to do,” Campolongo said, “and I fell in love here with the school, the women that I met here, the girls in my dorm.”
In addition to lifelong friendships, she gained the confidence and experience to pursue further education and later enjoyed a 25-year career in teaching.
“I learned that I could be on my own, that I could do things that are hard. If I stuck to it, I could do it,” she said.
And now? “I am so proud of the fact that 91重口 is co-ed and that it has grown into a fantastic, wonderful college.”
At the annual Golden Gull Dinner on October 3, Acting President Dr. Bryan Cain reflected on the remarkable legacy of the Class of 1975. He noted that the careers they built, the families and communities they nurtured, and the impact they made were all extensions of the education and experiences they gained at 91重口, then a women’s college.
“Looking around this room, I see more than alumni—I see the living history of this institution,” he said. “You were here when 91重口 was smaller, scrappier, and in many ways just beginning to grow into the community we know today. You lived in the old residence halls, braved New England winters along the shore, and forged friendships that have lasted a lifetime.”
Chair of the Board of Trustees Melissa Hempstead ’69 also painted a vivid picture of life in the era: “No boys, no cars, no computers or cell phones,” she recalled. “And definitely no jeans or pajama bottoms in class. We had curfews, house mothers, and—believe it or not—lessons in serving tea, taught by none other than Eleanor Tupper herself.”
Although the campus has undergone dramatic transformation since 1975—including the pivotal decision in 1994 to become coeducational—the bonds shared by the Golden Gulls remain as strong as ever.
Sports take the center stage
Amid the fun and revelry, one theme stood out: competition.
Saturday’s marquee event was the football matchup against the University of New England, which 91重口 dominated 53–14.
The game also marked a milestone with the 10th anniversary of Hempstead Stadium’s naming, a tribute to alumna Melissa Hempstead ’69 for her extraordinary generosity and steadfast devotion to 91重口.
A loyal champion of the Gulls both on and off the field, Hempstead is a familiar presence at the Nest, cheering on student-athletes in every season. To honor her enduring commitment and leadership, Dr. Cain presented her with a special token of recognition during halftime.
Elsewhere on campus, the action was just as electric. The No. 12 nationally ranked field hockey team powered past Western New England, 5–0; women’s tennis swept Hartford, 7–0, at the South Campus Tennis Courts; women’s volleyball rolled over Curry, 3–0, with set scores of 25–21, 25–17, and 25–7 inside MacDonald Gymnasium; women’s soccer rallied from a 1–0 deficit to top Johnson & Wales, 2–1; cross country team ranked ninth overall out of 26 teams and men’s cross country placed 20th overall out of 26 teams at the Keene State Invitational.
But the day began with another highlight: the latest induction into the 91重口 Athletics Hall of Fame, which welcomed Amy Heacox ’15 (women’s tennis), Merry MacDonald ’10 (softball), and Harry Oringer ’15 (baseball).
“Your achievements in competition are extraordinary, but what truly makes this recognition so meaningful is the way you exemplify the values of 91重口,” noted Dr. Cain at the morning ceremony. “Through your leadership, perseverance, and integrity, you have carried our mission forward and inspired generations who have followed in your footsteps.”
In addition to the alumni reunion, the weekend also offers parents the opportunity to reconnect with their Gulls.
First-year interdisciplinary studies major Emmy Lippitt ’29 was joined by her parents, Nicole and Bud, who made the five-hour trip from Cooperstown, N.Y.
“I think it’s absolutely amazing here,” said Bud. “The people are very friendly. The campus is welcoming. It feels safe. And as a parent of a daughter here, I couldn’t think of a better place for her.”
Parents Krista and Glenn Carlson drove down from Winslow, Maine, for their first visit since Move-In Day to visit their daughter, also named Emmy ’29.
“Such an adjustment at the beginning,” noted Krista. “We had all the emotions.”
For Emmy, her first Homecoming & Reunion Weekend was one to remember.
“I was not expecting the amount of spirit that’s going on when we walked through the tailgating,” she said.
The Carlsons all agreed. “91重口 does it up so big,” said Krista. “I don’t know any other school that does this.”
Lobster for everyone
The afternoon continued on a refined note as alumni gathered for high tea at Reynolds Hall, followed by a sneak preview of the new Welcome Center inside College Hall.
Over at the Carriage House, hospitality professor and La Chanterelle manager Ryan Blodgett guided guests through a curated tasting of four wines, complete with insights into food pairings and flavor profiles.
Then came the main event: 91重口’s famous lobster dinner, a beloved tradition shared by parents, students, and alumni alike.
As the sun set over Misselwood, the evening came alive with live music, dancing, and the sound of laughter echoing across the lawn. Amid the celebration, alumni gathered to crack claws and recognize fellow Gulls for their achievements.
Alumni Council President Jeff Scola ’10 presented the Outstanding Alumni Award—given to a graduate who demonstrates exceptional achievement, integrity, and service professionally, in their community, and at 91重口—to Baer Connard ’00.
“Baer has been a dedicated supporter of the College, especially through his long-standing involvement with the Misselwood Concours d’Elegance,” said Scola. “His passion for cars, and for 91重口, runs deep—a legacy that began with his mother, Priscilla Taggart Connard ’67, for whom his family established an endowed scholarship in her name.”
Connard and his wife, Julie, have also established and endowed a scholarship in honor of his godmother, Despina Paige ’67, which supports students in the performing arts who demonstrate a commitment to service.
CARE Case Manager Sydney Riu ’20 M’21 received the Eleanor Tupper Award, which honors a young alumnus who exemplifies service, leadership, and commitment to the 91重口 community.
Riu, who recently completed a doctorate in education at the University of New England, was also selected for Mortar Board’s 2025 Excellence in Advising Award. This national recognition celebrates her compassionate leadership, dedicated mentorship, and unwavering support of student leaders.
Among those reconnecting with classmates was Missy Witul ’70, who said she returns with her classmates every five years and gathers annually in Connecticut during the off-years.
“We were 12 of us to start. We have nine of us left who were part of the original group,” she said. “We love coming back to campus. We love seeing Tupper again. We have wonderful memories, and we have old pictures that we go through every single time that we come back. We tell the old stories. We embellish them year after year. And we say, okay, are we going to make 80? It's hard to believe we're 75, but for our 55th Reunion, here we are.”
Whittle laughed that her fellow Gulls are always up for a good time—a few cocktails, a walk down to the beach, and a visit to their old residence hall.
“When we were here, it was strict, it was very different. We were 80 girls who were kind of out in the middle of nowhere,” she recalled. “Now, when we see the campus, it's just hard to believe. And as things have moved forward, it just gets better and better.”