Bicentennial Reunion draws record crowd back to College Hill
By Jill Spotz
Two hundred years of Lafayette history and pride were celebrated on College Hill June 5-7 as alumni returned for a special Bicentennial Reunion. More than 1,300 alumni arrived on campus to honor milestone anniversaries, lifelong friendships, and shared Lafayette history. They enjoyed a packed lineup of traditions, live music, Bicentennial-themed experiences, and opportunities to reconnect through more than 60 events scheduled throughout the weekend.
Video by Olivia Giralico, drone footage by Alfred Greenbaum
The Bicentennial year marked another milestone for the Reunion celebration: record attendance, as alumni returned to campus in droves to celebrate their shared history and the future of the College.
Alumni of all generations were represented, from the Class of 2025 celebrating their first reunion to the Class of 1951 marking 75 years since graduation. Together, they marched in the alumni parade before gathering in Colton Chapel for a conversation about where the College is headed with outgoing Board Chair Robert E. Sell ’84, H’18, President Nicole Farmer Hurd, and Provost Laura McGrane.
“There’s so much to celebrate in terms of our strengths, our past, and our future,” said President Hurd during the conversation. “The momentum that has brought us to this Bicentennial moment allows us to raise up the College and celebrate its history. And a good Bicentennial also blazes the vision for the future and Lafayette’s third century. I am excited about where we are headed together.”
At the event, John Mulcahy ’87, P’27, incoming president of the Alumni Association Board, presented awards to alumni who tirelessly volunteered their time and talents to support Lafayette. Honorees included:
Daniel J.F. Lupia ’16– Clifton P. Mayfield ’09 Outstanding Young Alumni Award
William Messick ’68 and Jim Turner ’67– George T. Woodring 1919 Service Award
Bessie N.A. Mbadugha ’96, P’29 – George T. Woodring 1919 Volunteer of the Year Award
Elaine McCluskey Stomber ’89, P’17,’21 – Alumni Association Special Commendation
Prof. Nancy McCreary Waters – Daniel L. Golden ’34 Faculty Service Award
Barbara Siegel ’79–Hughes Correspondent Award
In addition, special recognition was given to Sell for his eight years of service as chair of the Board of Trustees, and to Fran Della Badia ’91 for her service as President of the Alumni Association Board. Collectively, all Reunion classes contributed more than $13.5 million to support the College this fiscal year.
On Saturday evening, alumni enjoyed a special performance by two-time Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Maggie Rose. Among the members of the Nashville-based performer’s band is alumnus, Judd Fuller ’83.
Throughout the weekend, the Quad was transformed into a festival of music. Alumni and families enjoyed performances by New Normal, The Hazmats, Sold Out Six, and Not Enough Jeffs. On Saturday evening, alumni enjoyed a special performance by two-time Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Maggie Rose. The Nashville-based performer delivered a high-energy set that carried a special Lafayette connection through her bandmate and alumnus, Judd Fuller ’83.
Video by Olivia Giralico
Whether returning after five years or 50, attendees shared stories, reflected on their time on College Hill, and celebrated the collective bonds that define the Lafayette experience. That spirit of connection was perfectly captured by Wayne Erb ’56, who shared:
“I met my soon-to-be wife during my senior year. It was love at first sight! I wanted to get married on Nov. 17, 1956, and it had to be late in the afternoon. I didn’t tell her why, but it was because of the Lafayette-Lehigh game! We left the game and got married. And when we left the stadium, everyone sang ‘The Sweetheart of Sigma Chi.’”
Scenes from Reunion
Photos by JaQuan Alston, Meris, Inc., and Ashli Truchon Novak
To learn more about alumni events planned in your area, visit LeopardLink.
Quoted on campus
Who was your favorite professor?
“Since I was a double major, I have two favorite professors! My English professor was Susan Blake. For chemistry, my research adviser, Prof. Marilyn Schneider.
Bessie Mbadugha ’96, P’29
“I had Prof. Ed Beck for several economics classes at 8 o'clock in the morning, but he was so lively and interesting that those were fabulous classes. I would have loved to have taken more classes with him. He was a great professor who inspired me and made learning fun.”
Tom Odjakjian ’76
“Prof. William McLean was an engineering professor who really cared that we understood the material and excelled. I remember we were preparing for an exam, and he offered to review the material with us. The exam was on a Monday, and he met with us late into Sunday night. He was committed to us understanding the material.”
Bob Swint ’74
“Kirk O’Riordan was my favorite professor,” says Victoria Mulligan ’16 (second from left). He was the band director for our Concert Band and assisted with the Pep Band, which we all were members of. He taught Music Theory III and Composition, and also 20th Century Music, which was my favorite class. He was my mentor and actually came to my wedding!
Victoria Mulligan ’16
(Second from left)
“I graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in metallurgical engineering. The professor who had an impact on my life was Leon McGeady, director of engineering. He gave me the ability to become the CEO of a company on the New York Stock Exchange.”
Bob White ’64, P’98
“My favorite professor was Alexander Brown. I did research with him for two and a half years. He really took me under his wing and taught me how to think like a researcher and to be excited about exploring robotics and engineering, which has really carried on into my graduate career.”
Gabrielle Conard Surman ’21
(On right)
“Among my favorite professors was Prof. Bernard Marklein in the Chemistry Department. He was deadly with chalk! If he noticed someone sleeping or not paying attention, he would throw chalk at them. Regardless, he really was a great professor.”
