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Lafayette dedicated its new Robert E. '32 and Hazel E. Pfenning Alumni Center on Sept. 14.
Named in tribute to Robert E. Pfenning's service as Alumni Association president and the Pfenning family's exceptional loyalty and financial support, the 17,500-square-foot center will give alumni a central, convenient home on campus, with ample space for Alumni Association activities. It is located along Hamilton Street between Kirby Sports Center and Oechsle Hall of Psychology and Neuroscience (formerly Alumni Memorial Gymnasium).
The dedication featured remarks by Lafayette President Arthur J. Rothkopf '55; Robert A. Pfenning, son of Robert E. '32 and Hazel E. Pfenning; Jay Mottola '72, president of the Alumni Association; Trustee Edward Ahart '69, former president of the Alumni Association; Student Government president Morgan Albus, a senior English major from New Canaan, Conn.; and John E. Leone, director of Alumni Affairs.
The center features an assembly room for meetings, pre-game luncheons, committee sessions, and alumni banquets and forums. With a capacity of 150 people for seated dining, the room also can be partitioned into three separate areas. The great room is named for Trustee Emeritus J. Tylee Wilson '53 in recognition of his $500,000 donation to the Lafayette Leadership Campaign. An outdoor plaza overlooking Fisher Field is named after John Bourger '71 in recognition of his $500,000 donation to the campaign. The center also include small meeting rooms and a central gallery with displays.
Construction of the building was funded primarily through the Pfenning estate. The architectural firm was RTKL Associates, Baltimore, Md. Construction was by Telesis Construction, King of Prussia, Pa.
In Robert E. Pfenning's senior year at Lafayette the College yearbook described his “strong character, perseverance, leadership, and very delightful sense of humor.” He earned his B.S. in administrative engineering summa cum laude and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa and Tau Beta Pi, the national engineering honor society. He enjoyed equal success throughout his career with General Electric, from which he retired as vice president and comptroller in 1970.
In addition to serving as Alumni Association president (1973-1974), Pfenning's leadership roles as a Lafayette volunteer included service with the Alumni Council and Alumni Fund. After his death in 1978, his wife, Hazel, remained among the College's most devoted and generous friends until her death two decades later. Their son, Robert A. Pfenning, has continued his parents' generosity and directed his personal support to Lafayette.