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This is the last issue of the Newsletter before the Reunion. But it is not the final edition: there will be one more Newsletter after the reunion with highlights and photos from our time together. This issue includes several important updates and announcements. We hope you’ll read them. The really good stuff, however, is the guest author pieces: Tom Hogg previewing (with photos) the Arbcaster Auction (don’t miss that one!) Paul Harvey on KARL; an interview with Arb Director Nancy Braker; and Wendy Stahl on Life after a Liberal Arts Education.
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The Class of 1975 continues to lead the pack on registrations, with 150 classmates and around 60 guests signed up. Housing is full and the waitlist has been turned on. Once again, a reminder that while there is no guarantee, folks on the Waitlist often get a spot. In late May, the Alumni office will mail an up-to-date schedule of programs, attendees, award recipients, and more. If you simply can’t wait to know who in our class will receive awards, you can click here. Finally, another reminder that even if you don’t intend to stay on campus during the reunion (we’re talking to you, Minneapolis people), the $50 registration fee gives you all of the meals and events, Thursday evening through Sunday morning. To register now, click here.
Check out the Reunion Essentials page to answer all of those last minute questions about Reunion weekend.
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Revisit the soundtrack of your Carleton days—click this link or scan the QR code to stream the official Class of 1975 Playlist. Enjoy the memories!
Here are some instructions for accessing the playlist on your device:
- If you already have a Spotify account, simply click on this link and, if necessary, sign into your account once you reach the Spotify app or website.
- If you don’t have a Spotify account, you should sign up for one before clicking on the link. There are two options: a free account which allows limited access to the playlist (including ads), or, a paid account (about $10/month) which allows full access and can be cancelled after Reunion, if desired. Once the account is set up, go to step 1!
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Did you get yours? To all 183 classmates who contributed, thanks for sharing! And it’s not too late: the Alumni office staff will create an addendum that will be available as a handout in the class lounge at Reunion. If you would like to add your Bio after Carleton now, click here.
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As our 50th Reunion giving campaign enters its final stretch, now is the time to reaffirm our Carleton values. In a moment of challenge for higher education, your gift—of any size—supports the future of open inquiry and the liberal arts. Let’s come together to give back to the place that gave us so much.
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Reunion weekend promises a lively mix of activities for everyone. Saturday brings a nostalgic pickup baseball game—Rotblatt-style—for all Reunion classes, and a group will head to Target Field on Sunday to watch the Twins take on the Brewers. Literary types can join small-group book discussions, while music lovers can enjoy a Thursday night concert by Dale Fierke and Donald Barbee, followed by a weekend full of live bands, DJs, and curated playlists. Wine enthusiasts can RSVP for a Saturday night BYOB tasting event hosted by Larry Meinert—just bring a bottle and your good taste. There’s something for everyone—don’t miss out!
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By Tom Hogg ’75
Crafted from reclaimed basswood harvested in the Carleton Arboretum, this one-of-a-kind Tele-style electric guitar—built by a classmate and auctioned at Reunion—blends campus history with sonic craftsmanship. Catch the full story, see the build slideshow, and get ready to bid!
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By Paul Harvey ’75
In this nostalgic reflection, Paul Harvey ’75 recounts his freshman-year foray into radio with Prelude, a classical music program aired at dawn from the dimly lit studios of KARL—the humble predecessor to KRLX.
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(conducted by Stella Čapek and Mary Mekemson)
Take a behind-the-scenes walk through Cowling Arboretum with Director Nancy Braker in a wide-ranging interview led by Stella Čapek and Mary Mekemson. Braker reflects on the Arb’s evolution from a traditional plant collection to a vibrant, restoration-focused landscape teeming with native habitats, student-led initiatives, and surprising wildlife sightings—from otters to meadowlarks (and maybe even a fisher). With new trails, interpretive signs, and a centennial book in the works, there’s never been a better time to reconnect with the Arb—especially if you’re planning a visit during Reunion.
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By Wendy Stahl ’75
As we return for our 50th Reunion, it’s a good moment to reflect on the liberal arts legacy we carried with us from Carleton. In this thoughtful piece, Wendy Stahl reminds us how our education—rooted in critical thinking, communication, and civic engagement—continues to shape how we live, contribute, and connect as citizens.
