Alumni Weekend 2004

Alumni Weekend 2004 entertained, educated and inspired about 1,000 Sagehens. Alumni marched in the parade of classes on Marston Quad, led by the student Balinese gamelan music and dance group. They filled Big Bridges for “Through the Gates: Celebrating Pomona.” President David Oxtoby, attending his first Alumni Weekend, hosted an all-class dinner. There was the Wash party in Sontag Greek Theatre, the traditional social hour preceding the reunion dinners, and the Alumni Vintner Wine Tasting.

Those who attended the alumni symposium on “The ‘Aha’ Moment: Discovery, Breakthrough, Epiphany” unleashed their own creative juices in an exploratory of mind-bender puzzles and an art exhibit of everyday objects that do extraordinary things.
Two graduates from the Class of ’29, Louise Ward Elliott and Winifred Walker Staples, celebrated their 75th reunion.

Verne Orr ’37 was recognized with the 2004 Alumni Distinguished Service Award. Orr’s service to the College spans seven decades. He has planned class reunion events, participated in fundraising efforts,

hosted an alumni event at the Reagan Library and has been involved in the Alumni Weekend Symposium program, most notably the “Pomona College and the World War II Years.” Orr edited the book, A Generation Remembers: Pomona College and the World War II Years, which contained the war remembrances of 220 alumni from the classes of 1931-1956. Orr was honored for his selfless commitment and ongoing volunteer service to the College.