Friday, April 22

The festivities kicked off on Friday with a campus tour and stroll through halls filled with amazing student artwork led by Director of Secondary School Admission Owen Daly. Then came the fifth annual Gilman Forever Luncheon. The Gilman Traveling Men welcomed the group of post-50th reunion alumni as well as retired faculty and staff with stirring renditions of "Gilman, 'O Gilman" and "When I'm 64" by The Beatles. Headmaster Henry P. A. Smyth talked about all that has changed on campus over the School's 125-year history, but also how the School has remained true to its mission and core values. Said Ted McKeldin '55, "Great program and luncheon today. I really liked Henry's talk about Gilman. What a great school! I hate to say it, but it is so far superior to my 1942-1955 version. So many course options and athletic choices. Fantastic!" Former Alumni Association Board of Governors President Tom Waxter '82 then presented the first-ever Richard Evans '60 Alumni Spirit Award to Mac Barrett '67, who shared a series of moving reflections on what Gilman has meant to him over the years.

Connecting with Current Students

The luncheon was followed by the Senior Panel Discussion, where members of the Class of 2022 shared their Gilman experiences with captive alumni. Rick Uhlig '59 commented, "The boys seem much more mature and sensible than we did at the same age. I left with the opinion that Gilman is doing a great job turning out terrific young men."

Then, members of the Class of 1972 started their 50th reunion celebration with a Third Grade Pen Pals Meetup. Having already exchanged letters with members of the Class 2031, the groups had a chance to sit down and compare notes on their Gilman experiences. As afternoon shifted to evening, more members of the Class of 1972 filtered in to join classmates for a festive cocktail party in the Legg Reading Room.

Taste of Baltimore

Friday culminated with the first-ever Taste of Baltimore in which alumni of all ages mingled with faculty and staff and delighted in the culinary options of five Gilman alumni restaurateurs — Phil Han '04 (Dooby's, Sugarvale, Noona's), Patrick Hudson '04 (True Chesapeake Oyster Co., The Local Oyster), Brendon Hudson '12 (Allora, Liliahna), Zach Ranen '14 (RAIZE), and Michael Singleton '00 (Blacksauce Kitchen). Exclaimed one attendee, "Even the 'healthy' cookies were delicious!"

Sunday, April 24

Remembrance and Service

Despite the festive evening, many were up early on Sunday morning. Members of the Gilman community gathered in Alumni Auditorium to celebrate the life and impact of longtime faculty member and coach Anton Vishio, Sr.

The Alumni Association Board of Governors, in conjunction with the Gilman Black Alumni Society, tilled soil and planted crops at the Afya Community Garden in Park Heights as part of the Gilman Gives Back service day.

Finally, the Class of 1972 concluded its weekend celebration with a farewell lunch at the home of Mark Fetting '72, President of the Board of Trustees.