The Class Of ’65, Then & Now

by Staff

Jeff Alpert contributed this write-up.

Members of the James Hillhouse High School Class of 1965 returned to campus on Saturday, November 11, for a special celebration marking their 60th high school reunion.

Organized by classmate Jeffrey Alpert, former science educator at the New Haven Sound School. The visit was arranged with current Principal Dr. Antoine Billy, who graciously led the alumni on a guided tour of classrooms and facilities. For many in attendance, it was their first return to Hillhouse since graduating six decades earlier.

The morning began in the atrium of the Floyd Little AthleticCenter, where alumni enjoyed breakfast prepared by students from the Wilbur Cross High School Catering Program. Dr. Billy welcomed the group and spoke candidly about the opportunities and challenges facing today’s students. “The key,” he said, “is motivating them to believe in themselves and to pursue their dreams.”

Marc Hoffman, Chair of the Class of ’65 Reunion Committee, noted that the class takes great pride in its long-standing commitment to giving back to Hillhouse. Through donations to the New Haven Scholarship Fund, the Class of 1965 has endowed three annual Class of ’65 Scholarship Awards for Hillhouse seniors. Dr. Billy acknowledged the significance of this achievement, adding, “It’s very important for today’s students to follow your example and feel connected to the proud history and traditions of Hillhouse.”

Themes of connection and school pride resonated throughout the two-hour visit, as alumni reflected on the generations of parents, grandparents, and relatives who had also attended Hillhouse. For both the alumni and Dr. Billy, the day underscored the enduring bonds, inclusivity, and pride shared by Hillhouse’s past and present communities.

In the afternoon, 45 members of the Class of ’65 continued the celebration at the Bridge House Restaurant in Milford, where they reflected on the somewhat surreal experience of seeing Hillhouse “then and now.” As has been tradition at every reunion, the group stood together and sang their alma mater:

“Hillhouse, Alma Mater, now we pledge our love anew.

Hillhouse, no one can stop us when we fight for you.”