They have already left their mark-- on countless buildings, institutions, and even climbing gyms at the College. But this weekend, they will return, a testament to the hill winds in their breath and granite in their heads.
David Orr, associate director for alumni relations, said alumni spanning over a half-century of classes will converge on the College this weekend, partaking in many traditions that have remained unchanged since their enrollment. Orr said the numbers of alumni usually reach into the thousands, with many classes numbering over 100 participants.
John Gillespie '54, who organized his class' annual meeting ("mini-reunion," as he called it), said he expects 70 to 80 members to come. Gillespie said the '54's are "a very solid class," the result of bonding through adversity.
"We were all born at the height of the Depression, and practically every one of us served in the military," both factors which created stronger friendships at the College.
These friendships, even more than the football game and bonfire, are what draw alumni back, said Orr. "Some [alumni] come just to see people they haven't met for 20 years," he said.
Lennard Matless '50, who will celebrate his 50th reunion at Convocation next year, said that it is the combination of a beautiful setting, friendly people, and old friends that brings alums back year after year. Matless, who has planned a variety of events for his class, said that there are not many families of alums that come up for the weekend -- rather, it is "just the men," much like it was during their undergraduate days.
Most alumni events follow a general pattern of dinners, picnics and meetings, with plenty of time in between for renewing old friendships.
Huntley Allison '42, who now lives in Quechee, Vt., said all the members of his class will "stay under one roof" in Lyme, then take buses to Hanover.
Once there, virtually all alumni participate in the Alumni Parade, an event accompanied by the Freshman Sweep, where classes ranging in age and enthusiasm rush through the streets of Hanover. The Sweep dates back nearly to the conception of the College, but the Alumni Parade was started in 1972.
Allison, who has a granddaughter in Kappa Kappa Gamma, said his class will picnic at the sorority house before the football game. He estimated that about 60 people will attend, adding that 40 of them will be coming from "out of driving distance."
Gillespie said members of the Class of 1954 will be in attendance from Arizona, Chicago and Florida, Boston and New York. He said some of these alums may return for Harvard Weekend, but outside of the Convocation ceremonies, only Homecoming and Green Key Weekend draw so many graduates.
