School Spirit Soars

Nearly 1,000 alumni returned to campus in early October to celebrate Alumni Weekend 2006, setting an all-time record. “There’s a great sense of momentum for alumni as the Lewis & Clark community expands and connects,” says Erin Ogle, interim director of alumni and parent programs.

The festivities began with the annual Alumni Honors Banquet. Four alumni received awards: Ray Warren ‘65, MAT ‘71, posthumously awarded the Donald G. Balmer Citation for service to the College, began his work at Lewis & Clark in 1987 as an associate dean of admissions and was named associate dean of students and director of ethnic student services in 1992. He was instrumental in admissions recruiting and in supporting students of color at Lewis & Clark. He died in 2004 after a seven-year fight with cancer.

Kimberly Hansink ‘86, Pioneer Alumni Leadership Award recipient, is a senior consultant in the San Francisco office of the Gallup Organization, where she helps client companies enhance financial performance by assessing and improving employee and customer engagement. She’s a former president of the College’s Board of Alumni.

Jaiya John ‘89, distinguished alumnus, travels the nation as a speaker, poet, educator, youth mentor, and award-winning author. He’s devoted his career to improving human relations and overcoming prejudice.

Sagala Ratnayaka ‘93, outstanding young alumnus, is one of Sri Lanka’s youngest legislators. He currently serves as an opposition member of parliament and sits on two of the governing body’s committees.

The weekend’s events included the Sports Hall of Fame dinner; milestone reunion dinners and wine-tasting events for the classes of 1966, 1971, 1976, 1981, 1986, 1991, 1996, and 2001; affinity reunions for the Munich 1976, Scotland 1986, and South Pacific 1976 overseas study programs; an affinity reunion for all New York study program participants, headed by Phyllis Yes, professor emerita of art; an evening of jazz guitar with Dan Balmer ‘80; a concert by the Brooklyn-based band The National; and the first-ever Alumni Star Search, showcasing the karaoke talents of graduate school alumni, faculty, staff, and students.

Alumni College featured several lively talks, including sessions by Aaron Beck, professor and department chair of music; Greta Binford, assistant professor of biology; and John Bates, adjunct professor of finance and chair of the Board of Trustees.

In addition, hundreds of alumni enjoyed food and drinks with families and friends at the popular Tailgate Extravaganza before the Homecoming game.

“Alumni Weekend is an opportunity for all Lewis & Clark alumni from all generations to reconnect with the school, their professors, and their friends,” says David LaFrance ‘86, Board of Alumni president and 20-year reunion attendee. “This event reminds us what a wonderful community we have through our affiliation with Lewis & Clark.”