This page is no longer being updated and remains online for informational and historical purposes only. The information is accurate as of the last page update.
For questions about page contents, contact the Communications Division.
What do you say about a guy who has been volunteering for Lafayette since 1927 when, as an 11-year-old, he volunteered to be the football team’s mascot?
“Attaboy” hardly seems adequate for John Wilbur Mack ’39 who, in the years since, has served as president of the alumni association, chairman and treasurer of his class’ reunion committee, as well as its unofficial archivist.
Of course, Mack had the advantage of growing up in Easton within walking distance of the campus. But he used that advantage with a rare doggedness, starting during the Coolidge administration
Mack, now 87, had received a football uniform for Christmas 1926. On opening day of the 1927-28 season, he suited up, walked to Memorial Gym and asked coach Herb McCracken if he could be the team mascot.
“Do you swear?” asked McCracken.
“Only when I get mad,” Mack replied.
“Where are you going to college?” the coach pressed.
“Lafayette College,” the boy replied. (Duh.)
It was enough. McCracken took Mack into the locker room to meet the players and trainer Johnnie Nagle create the numerals “77” on his jersey with adhesive tape. (At the time, “77” was widely known as that of three-time All-American football player Red Grange.) Soon, Mack was leading the team onto Fisher Field where he served as team mascot for three seasons.
In 1932, Mack left for the first of two extended trips away from Easton—at the Valley Forge Military Academy in Wayne, Pa., where he attended high school. His second stretch was 1941-46 with the U.S. Army. Then, it was back to Easton to work for the family business, Mack Printing, of which he eventually became president. He retired in 1982.
In classic “greatest generation” style, Mack is generous in handing around credit for his class’ achievements—from the birthday cards designed annually by Stewart Slocum III for class members to George Mallis’ work as class correspondent. But look closely at Class of ’39 paraphernalia and you’ll find Mack’s name on just about everything.