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So what does it take to be a member of the Alumni Association’s 50-Plus Club?
It’s pretty simple: You have to have graduated in 1957 or earlier.
1957 was the year the Soviets launched Sputnik I, the Giants baseball team moved from New York to San Francisco, and the Dodgers left Brooklyn for Los Angeles. Dwight Eisenhower began his second term, and nine more presidents would follow.
People who graduated that year, though, were the youngsters at Friday’s Reunion Weekend reception for the 50-Plus Club at Kirby Sports Center. More than 100 alumni from classes reaching back to the ’30s and ’40s attended the event, kibitzing with their classmates and making new friends while also getting to speak with Lafayette President Dan Weiss.
As Dan Gichner ’52 sees it, more alumni ought to take part in such events, even though they are getting a bit grayer.
“I think we should plan for the 60th reunion for people to get them to think positive,” Gichner said as he made his way through a meat and cheese line set up for the attendees. “People used to die in their 70s and 80s, but now a lot keep going.”
Finding classmates was a challenge for some 50-Plus members.
But that doesn’t keep Otto Alden ’42 from attending alumni events when he can. He remains enthused and interested about the College’s progress.
“We’re moving ahead very much academically and athletically. I think it’s a real fine institution,” he said. “I’m pleased with the renaissance of the athletic program. I’m pleased with our new president.”