Reed families explored the college's distinctive academics, vibrant student life, and the enduring impact of a Reed education.
Megan Callero
November 19, 2024
Reed welcomed over 300 parents, family members, and guests to campus for Parent & Family Weekend in early November. The weekend was a wonderful opportunity for families to connect and spend time with their students. Activities offered to families included student music performances, Humanities 110 conferences, a calligraphy workshop, tours of Reed’s nuclear reactor, a faculty research showcase, and a reception featuring student summer research projects.
A highlight of the weekend was the lecture, "A Reed Education," presented by Nigel Nicholson, Walter Mintz Professor of Greek, Latin, and Ancient Mediterranean Studies, and Humanities, and former Dean of the Faculty. The hour-long lecture and discussion focused on supporting Reed's high-quality teaching; scaffolding students' learning; and making independent research a central component of student learning. Diane Turner-Murray of Massachusetts and parent of Reed Turner Murray ’26, reflected after Nicholson's talk saying, "I'm emotional right now, because we are parents [of a third-year student] and Nigel's lecture just reminded us why we chose Reed."
Parents and guests also enjoyed a presentation by President Audrey Bilger, titled "The Jane Austen Guide to Leadership," giving guests insight into Bilger's teaching background and her belief in the mission of higher education. The weekend drew to a close with engaging workshops and discussions, in which parents and family members had the opportunity to learn more about both academic and student life, and the resources students have for preparing for life after Reed.