Reunion 2014: More than 1,100 Return to Campus for a Celebratory Weekend

Alumni, particularly those in class years ending in “4” and “9,” and their guests enjoyed Reunion College sessions, socials, and more during the June 6-8 weekend of beautiful weather on campus.

Read more Reunion stories:
Alumni Share Special Memories
Celebrating Lafayette’s Athletic Tradition
Creating a Supportive and Inclusive Community

On Friday, after the golf tournament, some early arrivals attended the special four-part Reunion College series “Lafayette Athletic Tradition: 1880-2014.” During the Alumni Association dinner and open meeting, incoming association president Alex Karapetian ’04 announced the election of Lisa Kassel ’79 as the association’s new president-elect. The 50-Plus Club reception was held in the garden at the President’s House and, later that evening, President Alison Byerly gave her first State of the College address in Colton Chapel, followed by the tradition of step singing at Pardee Hall.

President Alison Byerly’s State of the College Address

Saturday’s events included Reunion College programs on the founding of Safe Harbor, the Safe Zone program, and aerodynamics, as well as Campus Crawl, an LGBTQ & Ally networking reception, and the parade. In addition, many gathered for the celebration of the 10-year anniversary of Acopian Engineering Center, groundbreaking for the renovation of Delta Kappa Epsilon house, and a tour of the Richard A. and Rissa Grossman Gallery in the Williams Visual Arts Building.

The Class of 2009 had more than 160 members in attendance. More than 15 members of the Class of 1954 came back for their 60th.

Recipient of the unofficial Most Miles prize, Bob Brem ’89 traveled to Easton from Seoul, South Korea, where he is a retiring Army colonel. Also coming from a long distance was Petya Ivanova-Dugelay ’99, head of strategic marketing planning and product, AXA Direct Protection, who arrived from Paris, France.

Stanley Sosnowski ’44 returned for his 70th reunion. He traveled from Tennessee and attended with Marty Zippel ’49, back for his 65th reunion.

Following the custom of classes celebrating their 50^th presenting a special gift to the College to mark the occasion, the Class of 1964 raised more than $500,000 for the new College gateway constructed at the corner of High and McCartney streets.

Byerly visited with alumni at each of the class dinners before settling with the Class of 1964 in the Marlo Room, where she was keynote speaker.

The winning foursome at the golf tournament was Dan Tuck ’64, who also took the prize for the longest drive, Victor Ferraris ’64, Tony Shea ’94, and Dana Ferraris ’94. Brian Cronise ’09 won the prize for closest to the pin.

Reunion Parade

View more photos of the parade on Flickr

50-Plus Club Reception

Members of the 50-Plus Club attended a reception Friday in the President’s House garden.

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Dinners, Dances, and Socials

Alumni and friends enjoyed the campus crawl, class socials, the Alumni Association dinner, and dancing on the Quad.

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10-Year Anniversary of Acopian Engineering Center

A pre-parade reception was held Saturday to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of Acopian Engineering Center.

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Delta Kappa Epsilon Groundbreaking

The College held a groundbreaking ceremony for renovations to the Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity house. Work will include upgrades to the plumbing, electrical, and heating and cooling systems; updates to the exterior brick facade and masonry; and the addition of a solarium and cupola. President Byerly and DKE brothers Mike De Lisi ’03 and Trustee J.B. Reilly ’83 led the festivities.

View more photos of the ceremony on Flickr