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Beyond the Quad

Homecoming & Reunion Weekend 2025

Each fall, alumni from across generations return to Shady Side Academy to reconnect with classmates, revisit campus, and celebrate the community that continues to shape their lives. Homecoming & Reunion Weekend 2025 brought that spirit to life through meaningful traditions, athletic competitions, and milestone celebrations honoring reunion classes.

 

From the excitement on the sidelines to moments of reflection shared across campus, the weekend offered a reminder that while much has changed at the Academy, the relationships forged here continue to stand the test of time.

Six smiling people stand in the foreground of a hallway with wooden accents and a blurred background of a gathering.

Members of the Class of 1990 gathered to celebrate their 35th Reunion (from L to R) Kate Sphar ’90, Stephen Begg ’90, Michael Bolanis ’90, Claudia Mendelson ’90, Mike Lee ’90, Andy Rummel ’90.

A group of people pose for a photo in front of a brick building with a bench in the foreground.

In a touching tribute to honor the memory of Dan Fawcett ’80, his classmates from the Class of 1980 gathered around his bench and shared moments of memories and reflections.

A group of people in casual attire stand on a red track with a grassy area and trees in the background.

Members of the Class of 2000 gathered at the Captain’s Ceremony during halftime of the football game (from L to R) Jamie Antoniono ’00, Richie Gillcrese ’00, Kareem Idrees ’00, Henry Martone ’00, Zak Weidner ’00, Liz (Daniels) Grossman ’00.

Five men in casual attire pose for a photo in the foreground, with a blurred background of a tented event with string lights.

Members of the Class of 2010 celebrating their 15th Reunion (from L to R) Sal Abd Salim Nast ’10, Vivek Sharma ’10, Matt Giel ’10, Nick Ciesielski ’10, Joel McCullough ’10.

Five smiling people stand behind a yellow-covered table with a floral arrangement in the foreground, while a bright, sunlit room with large windows forms the background.

Members of the Class of 1985 celebrating their 40th Reunion (from L to R) Ted Kintner ’85, guest Michael Niemann, Carolyn (Havens) Niemann ’85, Joel Sendek ’85, Josh Wymard ’85.

A group of people are posing for a photo under a tent with string lights, with a table covered in a gold cloth in the foreground.

A great turnout for the Class of 2005 celebrating their 20th Reunion!

A large group of people pose for a photo on brick steps in front of a building at dusk.

The Class of 2000 gathered to celebrate their 25th Reunion.

A group of seven young adults pose for a photo under a tent strung with lights, with blurred figures and more lights visible in the background.

Members of the Class of 2020 (from L to R) Zoe Conomikes ’20, Alison Linares Mendoza ’20, Avery Guyaux ’20, Rose Genstein ’20, Jack Calihan ’20, Sam Gerlach ’20, and guest Bruce David.

A group of men in suits and casual attire pose on a brick staircase in front of a building with large windows and a stone facade.

The Class of 1975 celebrating their 50th Reunion.

Four smiling people in casual attire pose on a green turf field with a brick building and trees in the background.

Smiling at the Captain’s Ceremony (from L to R) Stephen Begg ’90, Mi Haisman ’90, Matt Brady ’91, Andy Rummel ’90.

Six men stand together in the foreground on a reddish-brown surface, with a blurred background of trees and a fence.

Members of the Classes of 2010 and 2015 at the Captain’s Ceremony included (from L to R) Robby Woodings ’15, Nick Ciesielski ’10, Patrick Loughran ’15, Jackson Fitzgerald ’15, Skyler Blaxter ’15, Matt Giel ’10.

A group of men and one woman in casual attire stand on a red track in the foreground, with a fence and trees in the background.

Members of the Class of 1980 at the Captain’s Ceremony (from L to R) Tom Graham ’80, Timothy Isaly ’80, Andy Shenkan ’80, Clare (Henry) Dougherty ’80, Joe Wagner ’80, Andy Sayles ’80.

A group of men and one woman stand in a hallway with a staircase to their left.

Honor Guard Classes from 1950-1970 gathered in the McIlroy Center for Science and Innovation for dinner, conversation, and a visit from the President. (from L to R) Bottom Row: Bill Bates ’60, LaDonna Bates, Jim Alton ’70, Ted Scheetz ’50 P’76,’79,’83,’83 Middle Row: Bob Hicks ’65, Craig Harper ’65, Lee Foster ’65, President Bart Griffith ’93 P’28, Bob Woolhandler ’65 Top Row: Al Banes ’65, Dick Greiner ’65, Bill Lieberman ’65 P’05.

Four people stand in a grassy area with trees and a building in the background.

Sue and George ’81 Stewart P’09,’13,’17,’18, with son Will Stewart ’17, and Shady Stride winner Will Nury ’25.

Six people stand on a red track in the foreground, with a fence and trees in the background.

Members of the Class of 1985 at the Captain’s Ceremony (from L to R) Glenn Berkey ’85, Tim Sayles ’85, Steve Hilger ’85, Ted Kintner ’85, Laurie (O’Brien) Troutman ’85 P’15,’18,’21, Leslie (Lucas) Schramer ’85.

Six men stand on a curved staircase in front of a large, ornate window.

Part of Homecoming & Reunion Weekend festivities included a Farewell to Benedum Hall celebration. Members of the Class of 1985 gathered on the staircase to remember their days as middle school students (from L to R) Josh Wymard ’85, Joel Sendek ’85, Charlie Lee ’85, Tim Sayles ’85, Paul Seltman ’85, Glenn Berkey ’85.

Four people pose for a photo in the foreground, with a blurred background of an outdoor event.

Trustee Emerita Susie Wean P’96,’02, former Head of Middle School Amy Nixon P’05,’06, and Harry and Barbara Fleishman P’02 mingled at the Farewell to Benedum Hall event.

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