Buxton Comes Together - September 5, 6, and 7, 2025
James Stockman ‘60 and Aja Samuel-Troy ‘12
A small group of alums, parents of students and interested guests arrived on campus for this year’s get together. The weather was late summer drop-dead gorgeous. Some people had been at the reunion last year, some had been on campus for an alum wedding held the week before, and for others this was their first time on campus in many years. All of us who attended were once again rejuvenated by the pastoral landscape of Buxton. There was an invigorating quality to having conversations with this community in such a comfortable and beautiful setting.
Once again, the kitchen presented the first night’s supper on the patio with a smorgasbord of grilled meats for everybody’s tastes including vegetarian and vegan selections. The grilled marinated portobellos were a hit of the evening, and alcohol was provided both nights for those that partake. Saturday night was an exquisite pasta buffet served in the kitchen with again a wonderful selection worthy of a five-star restaurant. The gluten-free tortellini with pesto, and vegan red sauce gnocchi provided were quite exciting. What better way to close the evening out than with a small but mighty live band on the patio. We even had a couple of Williamstown students pay a visit that were drawn in by the lights and music, and enjoyed conversation with a few alums.
On Saturday morning, the Williamstown Farmer’s market was serenaded by Rosin on the Beaux, a folk-style band led by our own Linda Burlak. The Scottish tunes added a whimsical and seasonal air to the space, and many tasty treats and travelers, cute dogs and babies were in attendance and very pleased to listen.
The Board of Trustees meeting held in the Library was the initiatory event for the weekend's shared discussions on the current state of the school. A quick summary of Buxton’s school outreach process was covered, emphasizing the need for an entry point to a prospective school’s administrators to develop a connection. For Tim Custer to offer Buxton presentations and potential future ambassador meetings, having a contact person from an interested school’s administration to communicate with is the most effective way to begin the process.
The BSAA meeting and beer and wine reception was held on Saturday afternoon. The take away from the annual meeting of the BSAA was that we, the Board of Directors, need to do a better job of providing accommodations for both live and Zoom participation in the future. We value input and togetherness, and we’re going to explore options going forward that allow for more interested parties to be present for events both in person and virtually. Streaming live events like the band 5 Pound Horse’s Saturday night performance and firepit is just one way we can bring more of the community together, for everyone at the location and in spirit. We have a year to work on it before a reunion in June.
Afternoon workshops included making care packages and letter writing for new and returning students, and tie-dyeing t-shirts with alum and BSAA board member Zhana ‘86. The art room was full of excitement and color all around, and the joyful sentiments will surely have made their way to the recipients of those beautiful bundles.
Lastly, on Sunday folks had the opportunity to hear from Tim Custer directly about Buxton’s admission process and forthcoming projects. A few key points were: talking points to establish a relationship with a prospective school’s administration are available from Tim, any students/families that need financial accommodations should be directed to Kade for assistance, and areas of support for admissions would be in database management and marketing. Other ideas and projects were virtual “meet the alums” zoom calls, workshops and alum lectures, as well as alums donating any resources such as cameras or similar devices.
Some of the interesting conversations between alums and Buxton staff were:
How does the school handle AI?
The ban on cell phones
What is progressive education today in this country?
Our thanks to Kade and Zoe on pulling off a spectacular and successful weekend.
The one shadow on the weekend was South Street construction; a vehicle could go south on South Street but not north. So, at the campus entrance to the Main House, you had to go south on Gale Road and then head north on Route 43, Water Street to reach Route #2.
The rainstorm and tornado warning Saturday early afternoon added a dramatic flair to the weekend.
Lastly, 2 observations:
Williams College is building a new Art Museum north of Route 2 and west of North street opposite the village green. This will be opened in 2027. And no trip to Williamstown is complete without a visit to our neighbors, the Clark, world-class architecture and world-class art for all to see and enjoy.
