Over 150 members of the Yale College Class of 1985 and partners gathered in New York City from May 8th to May 10th for “8Y5 NYC Spring ’26,” a weekend of delicious food, art, design, and history organized by classmate Brian Hammerstein in conjunction with Class Co-Secretaries Maria Burton and Steven Nelson, as well as Class Treasurer Erik Kulleseid.
The three-day, two-night weekend included a guided viewing of modern masterpieces by Rothko, Lichtenstein, and Picasso at Christie's Auction House, facilitated by classmate Sarah Kinney Contomichalos; a guided walk-through of Revolutionary War Battle of Brooklyn waterfront landmarks by classmate and noted historian Barnet Schecter; and a tour of Governors Island. Classmate Kevin P. Ryan hosted a Saturday evening party on the roof of his Bowery headquarters building with a 270-degree view of Lower Manhattan. Classmates enjoyed a menu preview of his upcoming Oriana restaurant, prepared by its Michelin-starred chef.
On Sunday, the Class had a buffet breakfast at Whole Foods Hudson Yards, then walked the entire Highline elevated linear park to the Whitney Museum of Art. They received free admission under the Second Sunday program to see the new Biennial exhibits. The weekend started Friday evening with dinner at the high-end food court Hudson Eats, with a beautiful view of the Hudson River and the twinkling lights of the opposite shore.
