Visitors will enjoy traditional activities and several exciting changes during Alumni Weekend 2009  

By Kristin Boyd – Associate Editor



OK, so you don't really have any homework.

However, you could definitely move to the head of the class if you come back to campus for a fun-filled Alumni Weekend, which will be held May 29 to May 31.

Alumni Weekend 2009 is going to be a swinging good time, according to organizers. But don't expect the same old routine. This year, Stevens is shaking up several activities and adding some new ones.

"I think it's good to try new things to help alumni enjoy the experience of coming back to Stevens," said Stevens Alumni Association President Ed Eichhorn '69. "In light of that, we've done focus group sessions with alumni of different ages to find out what they like."

Bruce Boylan '63 will host a new wine tasting seminar called “ABC: Anything But Chardonnay, Cabernet or California,” while Gerry Crispin '69 and Jim Walsh '69 will present timely discussions. Crispin will talk about managing your career in uncertain economic times, and Walsh will talk about economics and money.

In addition, visitors can indulge in a sweet treat Saturday afternoon during a free build-your-own ice cream sundae event. And there will be a pasta plate dinner for those who want an alternative to the traditional Saturday night sit-down dinner.

Even the sit-down dinner is getting a slight makeover. The event will have a swanky supper club feel with an elegant meal, Eichhorn says, adding those opting for the pasta plate dinner can then join in for a night of dancing, mingling and a delicious dessert buffet.

"This gives alumni the opportunity to meet and greet classmates at dinner, and then have music and dancing afterward," he says.

While changes abound, don't worry. Many of the beloved Saturday activities will be back, including the Beer Seminar, the Lollipop Run for children ages 12 and younger, the Old Guard Reception and the Alumni Luncheon. The fun doesn't stop there, though.

The school will again offer guided tours of popular campus locales, including Hoxie House, DeBaun Center for the Performing Arts and Davidson Laboratory, as well as a new tour of the Maritime Security Laboratory inside the Babbio Center. There will also be a laid-back lawn party with games on Palmer Lawn, and a caricature artist drawing from 1:30-3:30 p.m. at Canavan Arena.

"We want our buffet luncheon on Saturday to be a great event, and also allow people to do other things on campus during the day," Eichhorn says. "We want to honor our Stevens classmates and the Old Guard, and we want that to be the highlight of a great day, but we want to have other activities throughout the day."

Tony Arturi '59, who was active in Glee Club and the Honor Board, said he is excited to attend his 50th class reunion during Alumni Weekend 2009. Celebrating anniversaries this year are all class years ending in a “4” or a “9,” though all alumni are invited to the weekend.

"These things are true for most college students — you make great friends in those years, and some of them are still my friends," Arturi says. "I'm just looking forward to seeing everyone, and I want everyone who comes to be glad they came. And that includes me."

Arturi says the Class of 1959, which is expecting at least 55 alumni, will kick off its reunion festivities on Friday. A champagne reception and dinner will be held that night.

"I think alumni need to see what a vibrant, great place Stevens is today," Eichhorn says. "Coming back, they can see how the campus has been improved and they can relate to the growth at Stevens as it maintains its leadership in education."