Grandparents Day 2017

Sept. 27 was a beautiful summer-like day for approximately 200 grandparents of current students to visit Westminster for Grandparents Day. They were welcomed to campus by Headmaster Bill Philip and then attended classes with their grandchildren. They also had an opportunity to attend chapel, take a photo with their grandchild, enjoy lunch in the new dining hall and attend afternoon athletic contests. Many students showed their grandparents around campus.

 

For some grandparents it was their first time visiting campus, and for others, it was a return visit. Diane Fox GP’19, who also attended Grandparents Day last year, drove from Tweed, Ontario, Canada, to spend time with her grandson Hayden Fox ’19. She had arrived a couple of days early, and they shared some dinners out together. “When your grandson is anxious to have the summer over to get back to school, you are satisfied knowing he is in the right spot,” she said.

 

Jane and Dave Gilligan GP’20, traveled from Millbury, Mass., to share the school day with their grandson, Jake Monroe ’20. They walked around campus and attended Jake’s World History class. “I liked the involvement of students in the learning process,” said Dave. “It is different from the lectures I remember.” Jane added, “It was the most interesting history class I ever heard.” The Gilligans often visit campus for Jake’s hockey games.

 

Adriane Bailey Beck GP’21 spent the day with her granddaughter Ellie Bailey ’21, including attending a physics class. “Students are fortunate to be here,” she said. “They couldn’t ask for more.” Curtis Brockelman P’86, ’88, ’90, GP’19, ’21 was also visiting granddaughter Ellie and grandson Curtis ’19. He attended some classes and stopped by Gund House. “It is a most enjoyable day,” he said.

 

Judy Wilson P’76, ’79, ’82, GP’20, who lives in Avon, Conn., attended chemistry, history and Spanish classes with her granddaughter Allison Kijanka ’20. She especially liked seeing how technology, such as video, is used in Allison’s chemistry class to enhance teaching. She found the day “incredibly wonderful.”