Alumni News
Spring Migration 2025: A Season of Celebration and Connection
Chestertown was in full bloom this April as alumni returned to campus for Spring Migration 2025. It was a weekend of reconnection, reflection, and community spirit.
The festivities spanned April 11 and 12 and welcomed graduates back with a dynamic lineup of events. Highlights included the OWLs (Older and Wiser Alumni) Reception, decade reunions for the 1980s and 1990s, and a memorable 50th celebration for the Class of 1975 at the Watershed restaurant. Military Appreciation Day added poignancy, honoring Captain Marc S. Brewen ’93 as our featured profile and recognizing all who have served or continue to serve.
Beloved traditions rounded out the weekend: the Men’s Lacrosse Annual Fish Fry and the ever-popular River Party at Hodson Boathouse.
Later in the month, the 8th Annual Ed Athey Golf Tournament teed off on Friday, April 25. With blue skies and strong swings, it proved to be another un-FORE-gettable day on the greens.
As Commencement approached, alumni and friends gathered for two cherished spring traditions: the 1782 Society Preakness Party and the Alumni Toast to the Class of 2025—both heartfelt sendoffs for our newest graduates.
Thank you to all who returned to celebrate with us—your presence helped make Spring Migration 2025 truly unforgettable.
—Julie Jans
Spring Migration
Military Appreciation Day
The College’s connection to U.S. veterans runs deep, beginning with our namesake, George Washington, who was commissioned by the Continental Congress as Commander in Chief of the Continental Army on June 19, 1775.
Washington awarded the first purple-colored badges (which would later become the military’s Purple Heart medal) to soldiers who fought in the Continental Army during the revolution to honor valor and meritorious service. At the time, an award to everyday soldiers was unheard of, but given the conditions faced during the revolution, Washington felt it imperative to recognize the heroic actions of his citizen soldiers.
In celebration of the service and contributions of Washington College veterans, the College recognized and honored our military who have served, or are serving, our country. This spring’s event was Washington’s second Military Appreciation Day, led by Jay Elliott ’75 and celebrated during a home lacrosse game. This year’s honoree, Captain Marc S. Brewen ’93, is second from the left above.
OWLs Dinner
Although the exact timing of the Older and Wiser Alumni Dinner has varied over the years, sometimes coinciding with Commencement Weekend and other times with Spring Migration as in 2025, the OWLs Dinner has become a cherished tradition. This year, Frank Durkee ’65 P’91 offered remarks, reflecting on experiences with the College over the years, honoring his beloved wife Kathy ‘65 P’91. Celebrated this year in the Casey Academic Center, the dinner welcomes alumni from 50th reunion classes and earlier. This year, special honors were offered to Dr. Agostino “Mickey” DiMaggio ’60 M’78. Dr. Bryan Matthews ’75 P’12 spoke in honor of Mickey and presented him with a small token of acknowledgement. The celebration of Mickey was initiated by Bo Hardesty ‘62 P’84, who cited Mickey’s many contributions to the College in admissions, athletics, and advancement.
50th Reunion at Watershed
The Class of 1975 celebrated its 50th Reunion at Watershed Alley in downtown Chestertown. In addition to outstanding fresh and local food, the setting on the second floor overlooking High Street made for a memorable evening. The group gathered in the Skybox on Saturday as well, and many attended the Fish Fry later that day.
Men’s Lacrosse Annual Fish Fry
The generosity and camaraderie of our alumni has created another wonderful tradition in the annual Men’s Lacross Fish Fry! Some wet weather this year didn’t dim alumni’s enthusiasm a bit. Gus even made an appearance. Special thanks to Myrt ’78 and Mary Bee Gaines, our generous hosts.
8th Annual Ed Athey Golf Tournament
Alumni, friends, and other golfers enjoyed the day on the course and off at the Chester River Yacht and Country Club.
Commencement Weekend
The 1782 Society Preakness Party
The annual break from Commencement Weekend festivities for 1782 Society members to cheer on the horses had some extra excitement to it since this was both the 150th Preakness Stakes and the final race in Baltimore’s Pimlico Racetrack before it closes for major renovations. Thad and Renée Bench P’18, 1782 Society chairs, thanked attendees for their generous support of the College.
Alumni Toast to the Class of 2025
Broadcaster, performer, and activist Amy Lamé ’92 provided remarks and toasted the Class of 2025 the night before the Commencement Ceremony, joined by graduating seniors, their families, and alumni. She shared,"At this moment in history—when the environment , democracy and humanity itself are more fragile than ever—it's crucial that we hold the Washington College values close to our hearts: truth, integrity, determination, curiosity, civility, leadership, and moral courage. And we must also take those precious values and not just hold them close, but share them with the world, in our own unique way."
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