WATERVILLE — More than 1,400 visitors will make their way to Colby for reunions this weekend. A number of today’s reunion events are open to the public, including talks by Cecily von Ziegesar ’92, author of the “Gossip Girl” series, Chris Arnold ’92, NPR national correspondent, and Kent Wommack ’77, The Nature Conservancy’s managing director of global land conservation.

FAIRFIELD — Kennebec Valley Community College will launch a two-year Autism Spectrum Disorder Studies degree program in the fall of 2012 in response to a rapid rise nationally in autism diagnosis among children.

FARMINGTON — An open house reception to welcome Carole Rickards and her artwork will be 11 a.m.-3 p.m. today at Sugar Wood Gallery, 248 Broadway.

SEWARD, Neb. — Corina Elizabeth Batson of Fairfield recently graduated from Concordia University with a degree in educational services.

STANDISH — Susan Roy of Waterville and Sarah Berube of China recently earned degrees at St. Joseph’s College of Maine. Roy earned a masters degree in health administration. Berube earned a bachelor of science degree in nursing.

BRUNSWICK — Bowdoin College recently announced local graduates earning bachelor’s degrees. Morgan Chessman, of Sidney, gender and women’s studies. Tariq Haq, of Waterville, government and legal studies and visual arts.

WATERVILLE — Children’s author Brian Benoit will celebrate the release of his book, “Crustacean Vacation,” from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 12, at the Weathervane Restaurant. Benoit will read from his book which tells the tale of a crab family that comes ashore to spend an afternoon at a seaside amusement park.