May Alumni Perspectives: Shay Totten '91

Do you remember your Commencement? What words of advice would you give to the 2025 graduating class? Feel free to fill out this quick survey.

And, if you’re going to be near Bennington (or already are near Bennington) and would like to be part of an alumni welcoming committee to our freshly-minted alumni, email me. There will be an alumni welcome table, and I would love to have a few alumni join me in welcoming the graduates into our community. 

Alumni Gatherings

One of my goals in my first year is to help relaunch an official Alumni Association. I’ve been working with several alumni Trustees and past alumni association leaders on a plan, which I expect to officially launch by Reunion.

But, that hasn’t stopped us from putting together events around the country. As I write this, I’m coming off two alumni gatherings: one in Los Angeles, where more than 75 alumni attended a networking event at the iconic Mack Sennett Studios hosted by Bryn Mooser '01, a trustee. Prior to that, I was in Las Vegas for an alumni “reunion” of 20-25 alumni from around the country. That mini reunion has been happening every three years for 15 years or so and organized by alumni for alumni.

Since last September, we’ve brought alumni together in  North Bennington, Seattle, Chicago, San Francisco, Washington, DC, and Portland,OR. Thanks to Liza Stillhard ’00, Vivian Robbins ’14, and Bree Oswill MFA ’26 for hosting the Portland event, which happened this week and which I was bummed to miss. Next time!

If you’re feeling FOMO, there are still opportunities for us to spend time together before Reunion.

There is a picnic and hike planned on May 18th outside of Washington, DC, in the rolling hills of Virginia at the home of Becca Cross '78 and Max MacKenzie '76. If you’re in the area, or live within a quick drive, please RSVP here. 

We are also planning small gatherings in Boston and NYC. Keep watch on your inbox for announcements.

If you would like to host a pop-up alumni gathering near you before October’s reunion, just let me know.

Reunion! 

One of the most exciting developments is that we are bringing 24 Hour Plays to campus this fall with a Friday night performance! I’m very excited, and if you’d like to be involved in 24 Hour Plays, email me. If you’ve participated in the past, you will be receiving an invite soon to join this year’s production.

If you would like to be part of a group of alumni volunteers who are stepping up to think about ways to ensure this fall’s All-Class Reunion is a success, please fill out this form. I’ll be convening a couple of meetings this summer.

If you’re interested in talking with students about your particular career path post-Bennington, let me know. Not everyone had a linear path after graduation, and I know students would appreciate hearing it. Likewise, if you’re interested in mentoring or providing career advice in a 1:1 setting, let me know as I’m hoping to make that part of Reunion, too.

The official Reunion registration process will open by June, but I would recommend reserving a place to stay now if you plan to attend, as fall is a busy time in Vermont. 

A couple of places have set aside rooms for us: You can book a room at Hotel Vervana (formerly the Paradise Inn). Just let them know you’re part of the Bennington College Reunion group to get a discounted rate. You can also call the Knotty Pine and mention “Alumni Reunion" when booking the room. 

We are working to reserve blocks of rooms at additional area hotels and will add them to this list as we secure spots. Here is a handy list of additional places to stay, if you don’t want to wait. 

Happenings on campus

If you’re within a quick drive of campus, or visiting the area this month, there is a lot happening this month—including senior shows and performances! Even if you can’t be here in person, a number of events have virtual options for anyone to tune in. 

To make sure you don't miss an event, I recommend that you sign up for our monthly public events newsletter email.

The opening of Gold Dusted: The Artistry of Arion Press Books, an exhibition of fine edition artist books, is happening May 8 (today) at the Robert Frost Stone House Museum. The books are on loan from the collection of Crossett Library and have been donated by Cameo Wood ’21. Visitors can hold and experience these gorgeous editions printed by Arion Press, which works with contemporary artists to reimagine literary classics in collaboration with expert bookmakers. The exhibition will run through the fall, so you could always see it while attending the reunion. Just sayin’.

Onward,

Shay Totten '91 
Director of Alumni and Constituent Engagement