ReUnion Weekend 2002 was one not to be missed. Between 1,250 and 1,400 alumni and guests returned to campus to reconnect and pay tribute to their alma mater. Activities combined some of the traditional offerings-alumni parade and convocation, picnic, class receptions and dinners-with programs that introduced alumni and their guests to the Union of today. The weekend included sessions on international programs, undergraduate research opportunities, residential and campus life, the Union Scholars Program, and tours of the campus and Seward Park neighborhood.
Among the highlights was the dedication of the Stanley R. Becker `40 Career Center, a new state-of-the-art facility for students who are combining their educational experience with their professional goals. On Saturday, the Class of '52 took top honors in the annual parade with their clever version of “52 pickup.” Members marched with large playing cards and carried signs with cardplaying phrases like “All Kings,
No Queens,” “Bridge to the Future,” and “King of Hearts.” Periodically along the parade route the class would “shuffle
the deck,” each marcher taking a new position. The class won the Van Voast Cup for best costume, the Anable Cup for largest number of participants, and the McClellan Cup for highest percentage
of alumni returning for the parade.
The Class of '43 Award, which goes to the class with the most outstanding ReUnion effort, went to the Class of '47.
Following the parade, everyone filed inside Memorial Chapel for the alumni convocation. Alumni Council Gold Medals were awarded, in recognition
of exemplary service to the College,
to Frederick W. Brandt, Jr. '47, Horace
“Bo” Silliman Van Voast III '52, and
James W. Tedisco '72. The Faculty Meritorious Service Award went to
James E. Underwood, professor of political science. Convocation concluded with the singing of the alma mater directed by Edgar Moulton '37. Following convocation guests of the weekend were treated to the playing of the Memorial Chapel chimes by Moulton.
On Saturday night, swirling winds sent the ReUnion Class Candlelight dinner from the “Big Top” tent to Memorial Fieldhouse, but alumni and guests enjoyed an elegant evening filled with tasty food, music and dancing, and conversation with old friends.
The night finished in style with the always popular and spectacular
fireworks show designed and donated
by Steve Ente '75.
The weekend was best summed up by
an alumnus from the Class of 1962 saying, “The weekend couldn't have
been any better!”