A Memory-Filled Homecoming & Reunion Weekend at the Nest
Trudy (Gove) Tronco ’89 still gets choked up talking about Endicott.
The graphic designer who grew up in Lebanon, N.H., said Endicott gave her purpose. “I didn’t know what I was going to do after high school,” she recalled. But when a recruiter visited her high school and told her that Endicott had a commercial art program and also needed a softball pitcher, Tronco was on board.
“It gave me the springboard I needed for my career so it’s a special place for me,” she said.
Tronco was one of hundreds of alumni who returned for Endicott’s first-ever combined Homecoming & Reunion Weekend, which brought together alumni, students, families, and friends for an unforgettable celebration of Gull pride.
The weekend was extra special for Tronco, who was meeting up with Stacey Craw ’89, whose son, Jake Papera ’28, is on the football team.
By merging homecoming with Endicott’s alumni reunion, traditionally held in June, the weekend offered a unique chance for former Gulls to reconnect with their alma mater while experiencing campus at its most energetic—filled with the buzz of current students and their families. From lively tailgates and athletic events to nostalgic campus tours and family-friendly activities, the weekend had something for everyone.
Celebrating the Golden Gulls of 1974
The festivities kicked off on Friday afternoon with a celebratory Golden Gulls luncheon at Tupper Manor.
Amid champagne toasts, the women of the Class of 1974 reminisced about the year’s defining moments—Barbra Streisand’s chart-topping hit “The Way We Were,” Stephen King’s career-defining first novel Carrie, and President Richard Nixon resigning in the wake of the Watergate scandal.
In a speech, Class of 1969 Golden Gull and Chair of the Board of Trustees Melissa Hempstead recalled her own memories of an early Endicott.
“Eleanor [Tupper] started the college with the sole purpose of giving women choices for a career,” said Hempstead. “Her idea was to require internships each semester to make sure the career fits the student. We were always encouraged to be entrepreneurs. I give Endicott a lot of credit to make me believe in myself. In my opinion, they are still listening to every student.”
Lisa Bennison Noll ’74 came to Endicott at the encouragement of her mother, Jean Bennison, of Endicott’s Class of 1944.
The commercial art major who splits her time between Colorado Springs, Colo., and Merida, Mexico, said that Endicott represented “the first time I was alone. I went from being a kid to a young lady and learned about the benefit of education.”
Bennison went on to attend law school and then got her real estate license, but she still creates and enjoys art, including the Endicott campus.
“It’s extraordinary—just amazing to see how beautiful it is,” she said. “I don’t think I fully appreciated it at 17 or 18.”
At Saturday’s Reunion Lobster Bake, President Steven R. DiSalvo, Ph.D. presented Golden Gull and Trustee Linda Milley with the Outstanding Alumni Award, which is given annually to an alumna/us who has displayed achievement, integrity, character, and contributions within their profession, the community, and the Endicott Alumni Association.
“Throughout her alumni years, she has remained an engaged and active member of the Endicott community, serving on the Alumni Council from 2020 to 2024 and frequently attending events, always expressing pride in Endicott’s growth,” noted President DiSalvo.
President DiSalvo next presented this year’s Eleanor Tupper Award to Carter Horwitz ’19, a financial professional with Wellington Management. The award—one of Endicott’s most prestigious—is given annually to a young alumna/us of the College who best exemplifies excellence, consecration, and service.
Welcoming a new era of Gully
The excitement of the weekend carried on with Endicott’s annual Athletic Tribute & Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. Orlando Johnson ’07 M’10, John Ortolani ’09, Taylor Teixeira ’13 M’15, and Stephanie Wiese ’10 were all inducted as members of the 26th Hall of Fame Class. Banners were also proudly raised for each of Endicott’s conference championship teams from this past academic year.
One of those banners displayed the name of Anna Berd ’24. This past May, the English major became the first student-athlete in school history to win a varsity individual national championship at the Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association National Championship. Now an alumni, she came back to the Nest to see her achievement honored in person.
“It feels so good to be back at Endicott, it’s so fun here. Everyone has such a great spirit about them,” said Berd. Reflecting on her national championship win, she added, “It was surreal, and the recognition felt great, but also for the equestrian team.”
Berd’s mother was there to celebrate her daughter’s win.
“I’m beyond proud. Just over the moon. It was so great that the school recognized her and her accomplishments, and the equestrian team got some mention,” she said.
A couple of hours before the ceremony on Saturday, the sky was still dark as Jason Costeines and his wife Jodi set out on their three-hour journey from Shelton, Conn. to the Nest. Despite the early hour, there was an air of anticipation mixed with a tinge of bittersweet emotion as they made their way to Beverly.
Costeines, the godfather of football player and business administration major Colin Meropoulos ’24 M’26, has never missed a game. However, with his upcoming move to Florida in November, this year’s homecoming marks the last time he’ll watch his godson play at the Nest.
“I’ve been watching his whole football career since he was little. It's really melancholy. He's
really talented, so I'm very proud of him,” said Costeines.
Colin’s father, George Meropoulos, expressed gratitude for his son’s time at the Nest.
“We're really proud of being part of this community, and Endicott is a great school. He’s had a great four years and fifth year of playing football,” said Meropoulos. “We’re just excited to be here, and it’s a great atmosphere.”
At noon, the Gulls faced Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute at a packed Hempstead Stadium, with a record crowd of over 6,000 passionate fans attired in blue and green.
In a tense and gripping finale, the Gulls secured a hard-fought victory with a final score of 28-20, solidifying their impressive four-game winning streak.
But the game wasn't the only topic of discussion on Saturday. During a rollicking halftime performance with the Endicott dance and cheer teams, the Nest’s modern new mascot, Gully, was finally unveiled. Gully made his grand entrance in a blue Shelby Cobra, revving up the crowd with a dance to a remix of the classic AC/DC hit “Thunderstruck.”
The reaction to Gully was positive, with recent alumni embracing the new face of the Nest.
“It was cool and different. I liked the football jersey and his dancing was awesome,” said Sydney Mackler ’24 M’26.
All afternoon, parents, alumni, and friends of the College enjoyed the good weather and activities like Fan Fest in between other games including field hockey, which bested Nichols 7-1, and a victorious women's volleyball team that took down Roger Williams.
The weekend wrapped up on Sunday with heartfelt farewells at Misselwood’s Strawberry Brunch and a Homecoming & Reunion Concert showcasing Endicott’s talented ensembles.
Among those reflecting on the weekend was Susan Harrington ’64, who has witnessed the College’s transformation over the years. A resident of nearby Manchester-by-the-Sea, Mass., the Long Island native pursued photography at Endicott and enjoyed a successful career in both photography and real estate. “I always appreciated the intimacy of Endicott,” she shared.
Pausing to admire the modern campus, Harrington added with a smile, “I just wish I’d attended the Endicott it is now.”