Hundreds Celebrate Alumni Weekend 2026
After sending the Class of 2026 off to college, Millbrook welcomed back hundreds of former students for Alumni Weekend—a time of remembrance and rekindled friendships for all who attend. This year was a special one for the Class of 1976, who marked their 50th reunion, and the Class of 2001, celebrating their 25th.
On Friday, alumni took a tour of the new boys dormitory, which is under construction on West Campus and rapidly nearing completion. Later in the day, the 25, 50, and 50+ reunioners attended a ribbon cutting in Anthony House for the newly dedicated Class of 1974 Conference Room. Mario Chiappetti ’74 spoke on behalf of the class, which raised $1 million for the school to earn the honor. He explained the impact of their work, saying that “we plant the seeds for future generations of Millbrook students and faculty who hopefully can make the world a better place for all.”
After the ribbon cutting, the Class of 1976 went next door to Pulling House for Oral History. Sitting in a semicircle in front of the fireplace, the 50-year alumni shared fond memories from their days as students at Millbrook. They talked about faculty who impacted their lives, what it was like to be among the first female boarders at the school, and how they were able to lean on each other as the country went through the Vietnam War. There was much laughter along with solemn moments as the group acknowledged the value of the lessons they learned about service and community at Millbrook.
WATCH THE FULL ORAL HISTORY VIDEO
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After the ribbon cutting, the Class of 1976 went next door to Pulling House for Oral History. Sitting in a semicircle in front of the fireplace, the 50-year alumni shared fond memories from their days as students at Millbrook. They talked about faculty who impacted their lives, what it was like to be among the first female boarders at the school, and how they were able to lean on each other as the country went through the Vietnam War. There was much laughter along with solemn moments as the group acknowledged the value of the lessons they learned about service and community at Millbrook.
WATCH THE FULL ORAL HISTORY VIDEO
Saturday featured a packed slate of events. Following a rainy Alumni Weekend last year, reunioners took advantage of sunny skies this year by enjoying outdoor activities all over campus. They toured the Farm and the Trevor-Lovejoy Zoo, hiked the cross-country trails with Leigh Schmitt, and lounged on lawn chairs in Pulling Circle, swapping memories and life updates. Many alumni attended classes in the afternoon, including an art class taught by former Millbrook art teacher Bill Hardy, a poetry session led by Kathy Havard, and an animal science talk by Dr. Alan Tousignant under the pavilion at the zoo. There was even a cheese tasting hosted by Cheesemonger Alice Bergen Phillips ’05 in the Barn.
The activities closed with the alumni parade. Grouped by graduation year and proudly carrying their class flags, the reunioners marched slowly from Pulling Circle and across Flagler Quad to the Flagler Memorial Chapel, led by Millbrook bagpiper William G. Moriarty. Once all were seated, Head of School Jonathan Downs ’98 led everyone in a slow clap—the traditional start to Millbrook assemblies. He delivered a state-of-the-school address, updating alumni on the amazing happenings at the school. Before sending the crowd off to enjoy an evening of drinks and dancing at Casertano Hall, Mr. Downs reminded the alumni to enjoy the rare opportunity they had to gather with each other at the place that connects them.
The weekend was an incredible reminder that known and needed doesn’t end at Commencement. Although they’re now spread out across the world, alumni who return to campus experience the same sense of community that drew them here in the first place. Mr. Downs summarized this sentiment perfectly. “We have one goal for our alumni when you return to campus, and I want you to just realize this feeling: that this place is just the same, only better.”
ALUMNI WEEKEND PHOTO GALLERY
ALUMNI WEEKEND PHOTO GALLERY
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