The Foster-Scholz Club welcomes as members all alumni whose preferred class year is 40 or more years ago. Honorary alumni and retired faculty are also welcome.
Re-ignite your inner Reedie with like-minded people through events and activities that are purpose-driven, give back to your community, revitalize the mind, and mentor the next generation: participate in the Foster-Scholz Club.
Named for the first two presidents of the college, it was formed during the late sixties to provide an informal social group and events for early Reed alumni in the local area. Since then, the Foster-Scholz Club has evolved to include alumni worldwide with the aim of:
- providing older alumni opportunities to maintain and renew ties to the college as it has evolved;
- providing a setting for fellowship among older alumni;
- creating a group that would honor the 50th and other early reunion classes;
- hosting cross-generational conversations designed to support the alumni network and bolster Reedie traditions.
The Foster-Scholz Club hosts 4-8 events per year, both in person and virtually. Events include: state of the union talks from Reed's administration, faculty spotlights, alumni experts, and When Reedies Retire.
The largest event of the year is traditionally the Foster-Scholz Annual Luncheon, held during Reunions in June. This luncheon honors the 50th reunion class as special guests. The luncheon also honors the recipient(s) of the Distinguished Service Award, which is given annually to club members who have made contributions to the community and/or college. The history of the award and a full list of past recipients is available here.
Types of Events
To view recordings of more past Foster-Scholz Club lectures and events, please visit our Reed Remote Talks page.
State of the Union
Being further from your days at Reed does not mean being further from pressing matters that face the college! Once per year, a member of Reed's administration gives an update to the members of the Foster-Scholz Club on an aspect of college life. These have ranged from updates on the endowment, shifting legalities in admission, student life, and beyond. Check out the talk Milyon Trulove, Vice President and Dean of Admission and Financial Aid, gave after the Supreme Court's decisions on race-based admission in 2023.
When Reedies Retire
Retiring can be a daunting task: finances, fulfillment, and what to do with newfound time can all be complicating factors. Fortunately, your Reed cohort is yours for a lifetime, and that includes retirement! When Reedies Retire is a series of programming launched in 2024 that aims to invite discussion, share resources, and build camraderie about the horrors and joys of entering your 'golden years.' Refire your life, don't retire from it!
Our talks have included protecting your retirement savings, finding fulfillment outside of work, things to do before you die, and (in true Reedie style) an application of the hero's journey to navigating retirement. Check out the latter below:
Professor Spotlight
The Foster-Scholz Club gives members unparalleled access to Reed's current faculty to enhance members' ability to continue on their journey with the life of the mind. Faculty present their own research or topics of expertise, often with student accompaniment. See a sample talk by Associate Professor of English & Humanities Lucía Martínez Valdivia:
When we read, what do we hear and why? Professor Valdivia discussed her current research into the different ways that texts can prompt the audiation—or mind’s ear—of their readers, in some cases exceeding the possibilities of heard sound.
Alumni Experts
Reedies are impressive people; often all the more so for having lived a long life. The Foster-Scholz Club platforms Reedies with fascinating expertise to share their knowledge. Experts on voting reform, disaster preparedeness, and Reed's architecture, among others, have shared their knowledge with the club through talks. Check out Jim Quinn ’83's talk "Not the Zombie Apocalypse: Tips for Home Disaster Preparedness" below, where he uses his career as a Resilience Planner for the Portland government to talk about how to cope with the variety of hazards that can impact us:
In-Person Gatherings
Reedies who have stayed close to Reed have the opportunity to gather in Portland for a variety of events: lunches, social hours, student performances, and faculty lectures. While virtual programming has helped to open the Foster-Scholz Club up to folks all over the world, some things are still especially fun in a room together. Every year, local alumni get to attend a show put on by students in the theatre department.Upcoming Events
Past Events
Foster-Scholz Club Steering Committee
Barbara Stross ’64
ChairMajor: Literature & Theatre
Current location: Portland, OR
“Foster-Scholz membership brings me friendship, opportunity, and inspiration, and reminds me that we can learn new tricks at any age.”
Major: English
Current location: Portland, OR
“Working with a vibrant group of Reedies in my 60s is the icing on the cake of my Reed education, bringing my intellectual (and social) life full circle.”
Major: Art
Current location: Seattle, WA
“Foster-Scholz has allowed me to revive the post-Reed agenda I put on hold in favor of family responsibilities.”
Major: Economics
Current location: Lake Oswego, OR
Major: English
Current location: Portland, OR
Major: Political Science
Current location: Portland, OR
Major: Psychology
Current location: Portland, OR
Major: Psychology
Current location: Reseda, CA
Major: Psychology
Current location: Vancouver, WA
“The Foster-Scholz Club is one of my main connections to Reed, which has always been my primary community.”
Major: Art
Current location: Colorado Springs, CO
Major: Literature
Current location: Bainbridge Island, WA
Major: English
Current location: Penngrove, CA
“Engaging in the Foster-Scholz Club reminds me that when it comes to hanging out with Reedies, the journey isn't about becoming anything—it’s simply being who you are and have always been, without apology.”
Major: Literature
Current location: Portland, OR
“The Foster-Scholz Club IS my connection to Reed College: to continue interactions with fellow Reedies, old and new faculty, and old and new staff; to take advantage of classes, talks, and research opportunities; and to participate in excellent, in-depth, thoughtful programs. Keep learning, guys!"
Major: Biology
Current location: Glendora, CA
“I love the lectures by retiring professors at the annual Foster-Scholz Luncheon.”