Hot Stuff at 1971's 42nd Reunion

By Jack Hittson, Stu Rickerson, and Mark Swanson

Photo credits: Myrna Stanczak and Alan Usas

It was sizzling at the Class of 1971’s Reunion over the weekend of May 30 – June 2. The weather was near perfect…blue skies, white puffy clouds, and no rain. Sure, having temperatures in the high 70’s to low 80’s would have been ideal, but we’ll take 90-degree heat if it’s dry at Reunions. In 1971’s Reunions history, this is only the second time when the entire 4-day weekend was completely free of rain – the first being in 1996 when the Class highlighted Princeton’s 250th celebration.

While a hearty few members of the WILD Life Class were about on Thursday, Friday night was the kickoff of 1971’s scheduled activities, a Backyard BBQ in Hamilton Courtyard shared with the classes of 1969 and 1970. Over 100 alums, guests, and family members, including 29 from 1971, participated in this convivial event. The Hamilton Courtyard, just off Holder’s quad within the site of the 45th Reunion, was the perfect venue for this relaxing, low-key affair. (You may remember making the journey to Upper Eagle and Lower Eagle of Commons through this area back in the day.) Given its success we plan on adding it to our itinerary at next year’s 43rd.

As usual, the campus was rocking Friday night with every Combine hosting dance bands and DJ’s, serving beer/wine/soda/water, and having generations of costumed Princetonians enjoying each other’s company. For the 32nd consecutive year, beverages were served in the same logoed Reunions Cups first introduced by 1971 at its Tenth Reunion. A cappella groups had their arch sings, Triangle was performing at McCarter, on McCarter’s second stage a professional troupe presented Sondheim’s "Into the Woods”, Theatre Intime had their production, the Quipfire! Improv group astounded audiences, the Clubs hosted after hour parties, and it goes on and on. In short it was a typical Friday at Reunions.

Saturday started early for some. Breakfast – sure. But there were also seminars across campus (many in buildings which are new since our undergrad days), Friends group gatherings, numerous sports staged alumni-undergraduate exhibitions or receptions (or both), and assorted Alumni Association committee meetings. For others, it was an opportunity to sleep in after Friday frolicking, for many it was time for a trip by car or train back to "The Best Damn Place of All” – Princeton!

The Class of 1971 Free Lunch kicked off at 11:30 am at the patio behind Joseph Henry House, just east of the lawn in front of Nassau Hall. Over 70 classmates, family members, and guests signed up for this event. A sumptuous buffet catered by D’Angelo’s Italian Market was enjoyed by all.

At 2 pm Princeton’s unique alumni event – the One and Only P-Rade – commenced with the 25th Reunion class leading the way. They were immediately (if you considered the 25th taking over a half hour to march by!) followed by everyone’s favorite…The Old Guard. The Class of 1971 joined the line of march about an hour after the start from our position, which is now right behind Nassau Hall, across from West College (still the Admissions Office) and Stanhope Hall (Princeton’s 3rd oldest building). It’s clear we are now closer to the beginning of the P-Rade than we are to the end. Yikes! Even here there is good news, as we don’t have to wait in the sun for hours waiting to march as the younger classes must; instead, the Class of ’71 can enjoy the P-Rade in the dappled shade of the trees of the oldest part of Princeton campus.

Following the P-Rade the Class re-gathered for a reception and a preview of classmate DAVID CHAMBERLAIN’s latest art work at Prospect House, in which President Goheen ‘40 and his wife lived when we were students. The reception in the Library had a great turnout with over 70 classmates, family members, and guests in attendance. The Class Dinner followed in the Presidential Dining Room of Prospect, with 45 partaking of a delicious three course meal.

With the completion of the dinner, the specific activities of the Class of 1971 were completed. Many 71’ers travelled down campus to see the now traditional fireworks, which began in our 25th Reunion year as a "one time” celebratory event and, like so many other ’71 pioneering efforts, now is part of Reunion tradition. Others stayed up campus and waited for the band parties and other activities to start up following the completion of the fireworks. The weather held out – and our 42nd Reunion festivities were wrapped up on a high note.

Signed in or spotted on campus were: RICKERSON, OLLWERTHER, USAS, MAZO, LYNCH, ZIEN, SWANSON, HITTSON, HUARD, CHARAPKO, FITZGERALD, TRIESHMANN, METZGER, STANCZAK, SCHANKLER, GOLDBERG, MCADOO, MCCARTER, MCGINNIS, PFLAUMER, PITTMAN, PITNEY, BLACKBURN, CROKEN, JULIUS, TEGARDEN, SUNG, SHELDON, JACK HESS, WALLY HESS, RICHARD NEILL, CURLEE, GILBERT, SKIP BECK, KEN HALL, ELLEN HIGGINS, BROWER, MEADOWS, OSTROW, BERENSON, BERESIN, ROSENTHAL, ALTSHULER, GORMAN, SENCHESAK, PIKE, LOWENSTEIN, SCOTT ROGERS, DIFEDELE, KUENZEL, CORCORAN, BAINE, WALSH, REHM, JOHN NEALE, HARMON, LAWRENCE LINDSEY, LEUNER, MAC BARNES, POTTS, HAUCK,CHAMBERLAIN.

Visit the Class photo gallery for images from the memorable weekend.

Please plan on coming to our 43rd Reunion. We will be part of the 45th Combine (Class of 1969) and expect it to be held in the Holder quadrangle. Save the date: Thursday, May 29 to Sunday, June 1, 2014.