Weekend highlighted by inauguration of Rochester’s 11th president, Sarah Mangelsdorf
Registration
Meliora Weekend 2019 registration opens at noon on Wednesday, July 24. For more information, visit the Meliora Weekend website, email alumni@rochester.edu, or call 877.MELIORA (877.635.4672).
It’s not every year that Meliora Weekend guests have the opportunity to participate in the inauguration of a new University president. On Friday, October 4, the University of Rochester community will come together to commemorate the inauguration of Sarah Mangelsdorf, the University’s eleventh president. Members of the local community, University trustees, delegates from colleges and universities across the country, government leaders, and other invited guests are expected to attend, and many activities will be available for students, faculty, staff, alumni, parents, and friends. A complete schedule of Inauguration Week activities will be announced later this summer.
“We are absolutely thrilled that Sarah Mangelsdorf’s inauguration will occur during Meliora Weekend,” says Thomas J. Farrell ’88, ’90W (MS), senior vice president for University Advancement. “Combining the energy and excitement of Meliora Weekend with this historic occasion will ensure that as many members of the University of Rochester family as possible can be part of this special set of activities. This is going to be a fun, interesting, and memorable Meliora Weekend!”
Other highlights of the weekend include:
A Conversation with Ann Patchett
Saturday, October 5
Celebrated author Ann Patchett has written seven books, including international bestseller Bel Canto. In September, she releases her newest novel to date, The Dutch House, a moving story that explores the indelible bond between two siblings, the house of their childhood, and a past that will not let them go. A graduate of Sarah Lawrence College and the Iowa Writer’s Workshop, Patchett has been the recipient of numerous awards and fellowships, including the PEN/Faulkner Award, the Harold D. Vursell Memorial Award from the American Academy of Arts and Letters, a Guggenheim Fellowship, the Women’s National Book Association’s Award and the Janet Heidinger Kafka Prize for Fiction by an American Woman. Her books have been both New York Times Notable Books and New York Times bestsellers. Her work has been translated into more than thirty languages. Patchett is a frequent contributor to many publications, including The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal.
Eastman Presents: Jon Batiste
Saturday, October 5
Jon Batiste’s latest album, HOLLYWOOD AFRICANS, takes listeners on a journey of his own personal and cultural heritage, weaving a tapestry out of original material and American standards that carries the listener from the early jazz of New Orleans to the present day. The acclaimed singer, composer, multi-instrumentalist, and leader of the group Stay Human—the house band of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert since 2015—has performed in more than 40 countries and on notable stages including Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, and the Grammys.
Comedian Vanessa Bayer
Saturday, October 5
Emmy-nominated actress, comedian, and Saturday Night Live alumna Vanessa Bayer is best known for her hilarious sketches, Weekend Update routines, and recurring characters such as weather women Dawn Lazurus. She spent seven years on the hit sketch show from 2010–2017. Bayer is also recognized for her roles in films such as Trainwreck, Office Christmas Party and Netflix’s Ibiza. Adding author to the list of achievements, she will release her children’s book, “How Do You Care For A Very Sick Bear?” in June.
“Meliora Weekend is the ideal occasion to rekindle your school spirit, experience something new, learn from an inspiring faculty member, or join your classmates at a reunion gathering,” says Carol Karp ’74, P’11, University trustee and chair of both the Alumni Board and River Campus Libraries National Council. “We are especially lucky this year to be part of such a historic event as we all officially welcome Sarah to our community.”
Meliora Weekend 2019 runs Thursday, October 3 through Sunday, October 6. While keeping true to the academic and intellectual traditions our alumni, parents, and friends have come to expect, the weekend also features a fun new social village, food trucks, live music, carnival games, and much more. Please check the website for updates.
