Reunion Weekend

After class gatherings around campus on a cool Friday evening, a sunny Saturday provided the ideal weather for the many events scheduled throughout the day. In the morning, alumni gathered in St. Andrew’s Chapel to remember classmates who have passed since their last Reunion, hear a sermon from the headmaster Byron Hulsey ’86 P’22, and sing “Amici." That was followed by the presentation “Woodberry Forest: A Brief History of a Southern School,” by Richard Barnhardt ’66. After lunch, many enjoyed the Reunion Assembly, which featured remarks from Dr. Hulsey. Later in the afternoon, there was a full slate of home games to attend, a golf tournament — with the winning foursome shooting a five-under-par 30 — and more than 90 alumni participated in five-stand. Reunion attendees with relatives who are students who are students or fellow reunion participants posed for our traditional legacy photo. There was also an alumni/parent product showcase and musical entertainment performed by alumni. 

 

On Saturday night the entire Reunion gathering assembled under the tent at the Barbee Center. The beautiful evening featured signature cocktails, commemorative beers honoring Cathy and Red Caughron P '74, Joe Coleman '79 and Ted Blain, a delicious dinner, and the chance for alumni to visit with each other as well as current and retired members of the faculty. 

 

 

An incredible 59 members of the Class of 1974 celebrated their 50th Reunion — a 50th Reunion attendance record — and enjoyed a special weekend of events, including a cocktail party and dinner hosted by Headmaster Byron Hulsey '86 on Friday night. The class also set a fundraising mark. With $1,773,000 raised so far, they will account for the largest 50th Reunion gift in Woodberry history. 

 

The Class of 1974 gifts were donated in memory of their fifteen classmates who passed away and will help fund the Harry W. "Red" and Cathy Caughron Scholarship Fund. The gift effort is especially meaningful as class member Deb Caughron served on the '74 50th Reunion Committee. Red and Cathy Caughron spent thirty-one years at Woodberry, and their transformative impact on the boys who were under their leadership and care is ever present today.  

 

"My parents cherished Woodberry and every day they spent in service to the school and ‘their boys.’ I know they would be humbled and profoundly grateful to be honored in this way by our class, for whom they had so much affection," said Deb. 

 

In addition, Frank Daniels '74 established the Tanita and Steve Stancill '74 Summer Abroad Student Aid Fund in honor of his close friend and classmate. The Stancills created and led the Woodberry in Scotland program for more than 20 years, and Frank Daniels' generosity will help current Woodberry boys enjoy the life-changing summer abroad experience.

 

The class of 2019 was everywhere at Reunion, with a record turnout of 75 members coming back to campus to celebrate their five-year reunion. In addition to their Friday evening class reception at Robertson Lake, the group gathered with Dr. Hulsey at the Duncan House on Saturday afternoon, where they were able to catch up informally with Byron over pizza prior to walking down the hill for the Saturday night dinner. 

 

An incredible story emerged in late March after a St. Christopher’s alumnus reached out in an attempt to track down a former Woodberry soccer player. The story goes like this: 

 

In the Prep League Championship soccer game of 1969, Woodberry and St. Christopher’s tied in regulation and remained tied after overtime. Woodbery prevailed in the tiebreaker by having earned more corner kicks in the game. Ferd Baruch was captain of that St. Christopher’s team. His soccer career ended with that loss, and he felt terrible for missing a penalty kick that would likely have won the game. After the game, in his sadness and frustration, Ferd began to run around the quarter mile track by himself. A Woodberry competitor saw him and decided to run silently alongside him. This unknown friend was a big boost to Ferd, and he has never forgotten the thoughtful gesture. 

 

Ferd mentioned the story to his friend, Woodberry CFO Ace Ellis, who is also a St. Christopher’s alum. The story was then shared with the Woodberry class of 1969, and Bo Randolph was identified as the Woodberry player who unwittingly played such an unforgettable role in the life of an opponent. After fifty-five years, the two were able to reconnect outside the Barbee Center during Saturday evening cocktails.