This page is no longer being updated and remains online for informational and historical purposes only.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.
It’s been 11 years since Tom Tremblay ’74 first hosted a welcoming reception for incoming first-year students at his home in Concord, Mass., along with his wife, Charity, and he still looks forward to it each fall.
Tremblay says he enjoys the opportunity to meet the new students and give something back to the College, as well as reconnect with the alumni who attend the receptions.
“It connects the parent with the school and with other parents, and students know each other from the get-go,” he says. “Their son or daughter will make friends from the reception that may carry on through school. A bond is established early on that many times ends up lasting quite a while.”
A typical reception at the Tremblay residence starts around 6 p.m. with cocktails and soft drinks and continues with a picnic-style buffet dinner beginning at 7:30. Once everyone has eaten, representatives of the Admissions office and the Alumni Association speak to the students to help welcome them to Lafayette.
“It goes fast,” Tremblay says. “Everyone seems to enjoy it. I have received thank you letters over the years from people who had a great time.”
Among the 60-75 guests at a given reception, usually 10-15 are students.
An electrical engineering graduate, Tremblay earned an MBA from Boston University. He is president of Guardair Corp., a manufacturer of safety air guns. Previously, he worked in management consulting and venture capital.
Other welcoming reception hosts this year were: