Carolyn Heimburger Gannon '67, Winter Walk featuring Duos for Cello by Halsey Stevens played by George Finckel and Jenny Polson at a Faculty Concert in 1958. 

Carolyn Heimburger Gannon '67, Winter Walk

Ron Cohen has been a part of the Bennington community since 1971. During that time, he has served as a Dean of Studies and a Dean of Faculty in addition to his usual role as a professor of social psychology. In this edited interview he reflects on his time at Bennington. 

There are several small errors in the interview. 
1. Ron was appointed Dean of Studies late on the Spring Term
in 1972, and he served in that position from 1973-1976.
2. Ron left the college for a brief time not in 1991 but in 1993.
3. In the interview Ron states that the 'upheaval' (known as the Symposium) occurred in 1991, it occurred in 1994. 

Interview with Ron Cohen, Faculty 1971-2016

Topper Lilien, alumnus and parent of a current student, describes a 'secret' concert held on the third floor of Commons. 'The Toptones' features four tracks from the original 1979 concert written and performed by Topper Lilien, accompanied by Ingrid Strong '82, Larry Jabobs '78, John Savlov '80, Ross Popenoe '83, John Bertles '81, Steve Albahari '82 and John Shepler '83. Songs featured include(in order): Paradise, Black Dog Blues, Taste of Heaven and Just What the Blues Mean to Me.  The 'Gunnar' mentioned is Gunnar Schonbeck, former faculty member. An aural portrait of his legacy can be found on the Bennington College soundcloud. 

Topper Lilien '80, The Toptones

Eissa Saeed '12, End of the World, featuring Down the Streets (Life Beyond)by Seclorance and ambient sound collected at the end of the world, July 2016. Photo by Abby Mahler '16.

Eissa Saeed '12, End of the World

Penny Wilson '45 describes a weekend spent bear hunting as student to a group of young alumni. Featuring Bach, 4 Inventions from a 1972 faculty performance with musicians Gunnar Schonbeck, Edward Zuhlke and Maurice Pachman.

Penny Wilson '45, Bear Hunt

David Jon Krohn '66 speaks on his experience of being part of the small group of 'dance and drama boys' at Bennington before the College went co-ed. Music is Francis Poulenc from a faculty concert in 1973.

David Jon Krohn '66, "I was a dance boy"

Ruth Ewing describes finding Bennington and being part of the second class. 
 
Since giving this interview in 2007, Ruth has passed away. Throughout her life, she played many different roles at Bennington: alumna, trustee, and parent. She was a beloved member of our community and is missed. 
 
The music is from ‘A Concert of Music for Violoncello and Piano,’ performed on campus in 1978.

Ruth Dewing Ewing ’37, The Beginning of Something

An ongoing collection of recorded alumni memories and oral histories. Want to add your story? Call (802)440-4790.

Bennington College Alumni Memory Project

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